Yes, most banks issue cashier's checks, and they remain one of the most secure payment methods available
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank employee, not by you. Because the bank guarantees the funds, the recipient knows the money is there — the check will not bounce. Most banks offer them, though some credit unions and online banks do not. You pay a fee (typically $5 to $15 per check) and the bank deducts the full amount from your account immediately when you request it.
Cashier's checks are used for large purchases, security deposits, down payments, and situations where the recipient needs absolute certainty the payment will clear. They are slower than digital transfers but faster and more secure than personal checks. The recipient deposits or cashes the check like any other check, but the bank's may provide means there is no risk of insufficient funds.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional banks issue cashier's checks for a fee of $5 to $15, though online banks and some credit unions may not offer them.
- The bank deducts the full amount from your account when you request the check, so you must have the funds available immediately.
- Cashier's checks clear in one to three business days at most banks, faster than personal checks but slower than wire transfers or ACH payments.
- If you lose a cashier's check or it is stolen, you will need to file a claim with the bank and may have to wait 30 to 90 days before receiving a replacement or refund.
How to request a cashier's check from your bank
Visit your bank branch in person with your account information and a valid ID. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check and provide the exact amount and the name of the recipient (the payee). You do not need to know the recipient's account number. The teller will verify you have sufficient funds, deduct the amount from your account, and issue the check on the spot — most banks complete this in 5 to 10 minutes.
Some banks allow you to request a cashier's check by phone or online, but you will still need to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you. If you use mail delivery, add several days to your timeline. Ask the bank whether they charge extra for mailing. Never assume a bank offers cashier's checks without calling first — online banks and smaller credit unions often do not.
Cashier's checks versus wire transfers and ACH payments
Cashier's checks are more secure than personal checks but slower and more expensive than digital transfers. A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to the recipient's bank in hours, costs $15 to $50, and is irreversible once sent. An ACH transfer (the system behind direct deposit and bill pay) is free or costs $1 to $3, takes one to three business days, and can be reversed if an error occurs.
Use a cashier's check when the recipient does not have a bank account, when they need a physical document for record-keeping, or when they specifically request one. Use a wire transfer for urgent, large payments to a known recipient. Use ACH for routine bills and transfers when speed is not critical. For real estate transactions, many title companies and attorneys require cashier's checks or wire transfers specifically because they cannot be reversed like personal checks.
What happens if a cashier's check is lost or stolen
Contact your bank immediately and report the check number, amount, and date. The bank will place a stop payment on the check, which prevents anyone from cashing it. You will need to file a claim and may be asked to sign an affidavit stating the check was lost or stolen.
The bank will typically hold your money in a suspense account for 30 to 90 days while they wait to see if the check is presented for payment. If no one tries to cash it during that period, the bank refunds your account or issues a replacement check. If someone does cash the stolen check, the bank's fraud investigation determines liability — in most cases, the bank covers the loss because they may provide the check. However, the process is slow and you should expect to wait at least a month.
Fees and timing for cashier's checks
Fees range from $5 to $15 per check at most banks. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account. Ask your bank about their fee structure before you request the check. A few banks charge extra if you need the check mailed rather than picked up in person.
Cashier's checks clear in one to three business days at the recipient's bank. The recipient's bank may place a hold on the funds for one to five business days even after the check clears, depending on the amount and the bank's policy. If you need the money to be available faster, a wire transfer clears in hours. If cost is your priority, ACH transfers are free or nearly free, though they take longer.
Which banks issue cashier's checks
All major banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional banks — issue cashier's checks at their branches. Most credit unions also offer them. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically do not issue cashier's checks because they have no physical branches. If you bank online, you may need to open an account at a traditional bank or credit union to get a cashier's check, or ask your online bank whether they partner with a physical bank to issue them.
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to confirm they issue cashier's checks and what their fee is. Do not assume all banks offer them at the same price — fees and policies vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?
Some banks allow you to request one by phone or online, but you must pick it up at a branch or have it mailed to you. Mailing adds three to seven business days. A few banks do not allow remote requests at all and require you to visit in person.
What if the recipient's name is spelled wrong on the cashier's check?
Contact your bank immediately. Most banks will cancel the check and issue a replacement at no extra charge if the error is the bank's fault. If you provided the wrong spelling, the bank may charge a second fee. The recipient may still be able to cash a check with a minor misspelling if they sign the back, but do not rely on this — get it corrected.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I receive it?
Yes, but only if you have not given it to the recipient yet. Return the check to the bank and request a refund or replacement. The bank will place a stop payment and refund your account, though some banks charge a cancellation fee of $15 to $30.
Is a cashier's check safer than a personal check for large amounts?
Yes. A personal check can bounce if you do not have the funds, but a cashier's check is may provide by the bank. The recipient knows the money is there. This is why landlords, real estate agents, and car dealers often request cashier's checks for deposits and down payments.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear?
The check clears at the recipient's bank in one to three business days. The recipient's bank may then place a hold on the funds for an additional one to five business days before the money is available to withdraw, depending on the amount and the bank's policy.