Have you ever been told you need a cashier’s check to buy something and thought, “Cool…what’s that?” You’re not alone. Cashier’s checks sound fancy, but they’re really just regular checks with an added layer of security.
So what is a cashier’s check? It’s a secure, bank-issued payment that’s prepaid and guaranteed by the bank, making it a trusted option for large or important transactions.
Cashier’s checks are typically reserved for big-ticket purchases like a car, a down payment on a home, or a piece of land. For large transactions like these, the seller usually wants a bit of extra security and verification to ensure the buyer has enough cash. Enter: the cashier’s check.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about cashier’s checks, including how they work, where to get one, and when it actually makes sense to use one.
What does a cashier’s check look like?
A cashier’s check looks a lot like a regular check, except that it’ll be clearly labeled “Cashier’s Check” somewhere on the paper.
Cashier’s checks are printed on secure bank paper and include the issuing bank’s name, the payee, the amount, and an authorized bank signature.
You might also see security features like watermarks or color-shifting ink to prevent fraud.
An AI rendering of a cashier’s check. Source: Gemini
So how do cashier’s checks work? Let’s explore.
How do cashier’s checks work?
When you buy a cashier’s check, your bank immediately withdraws the money from your account and sets it aside.
Then, the bank issues a check with its own guarantee, meaning the funds are backed by the bank, not you.
When the payee cashes it, the bank releases the funds directly instead of pulling them from your account, making it more secure and less likely to bounce.
It’s basically a middle ground between paying in cash and using a personal check.
What makes a cashier’s check different from the others?
Unlike personal checks, which depend on your account balance, a cashier’s check is prepaid and guaranteed by the bank.
This means that the bank technically pays the check with its own account, so there’s virtually no risk of the check bouncing. This is a big reason why sellers and institutions prefer them for big purchases.
Cashier’s check vs regular check
A regular check pulls money straight from your account after the other person deposits it. A cashier’s check, on the other hand, is prepaid and guaranteed by the bank, which makes it way more trustworthy for big transactions.
Think of it like the difference between saying “I promise I’ll pay you” and the bank saying “It’s already paid.”
Cashier’s check vs. money order
Both are forms of prepaid payment, but money orders are more casual, while cashier’s checks are typically reserved for larger transactions.
Money orders usually max out around $1,000 and are sold at convenience stores or post offices, making them perfect for smaller payments.
Cashier’s checks handle larger amounts and come directly from banks, making them harder to fake and more legitimate in the eyes of businesses and sellers.
👉 How to Fill Out a Money Order
Cashier’s check vs. certified check
A certified check still uses your personal account, but the bank stamps it to confirm you’ve got enough cash to cover it. A cashier’s check goes one step further, where the bank actually takes your money and issues a new check from its own funds.
When do I need a cashier’s check?
You’ll usually need a cashier’s check when the stakes (and dollar signs) are high. This includes situations like:
- Buying a car
- Making a down payment on a house
- Paying a landlord who doesn’t accept electronic payments
- Purchasing a piece of land
Cashier’s checks are useful in just about any situation where the recipient wants guaranteed funds without waiting for a check to clear.
How to get a cashier’s check
You can get a cashier’s check from most major banks. It’s a straightforward process, but it does require a little prep work. Let’s explore the steps required to get a cashier’s check.
Know the exact amount you need
It’s important know exactly how much you need prior to visiting the bank, including taxes, fees, or any last-minute add-ons.
With cashier’s checks, the bank prints the exact amount right on the check, and that number can’t be changed once it’s issued. One small miscalculation could mean another trip to the branch, and you probably don’t have time for that.
Visit a bank branch
The most common place to get cashier’s checks is in person at a bank or credit union, usually where you already have an account. If you’re not a customer, then you may have to set up an account first, as many banks only issue cashier’s checks to account holders.
Some institutions also let you request one online, but you may still need to pick it up or have it mailed.
Before heading to a bank, it might be a good idea to call ahead and confirm the bank’s policies. Again, this can save you an unnecessary trip.
Pay the check amount
When you request a cashier’s check, the bank immediately pulls the money from your account (or takes cash if you’re not a member).
That money then goes into the bank’s own account before they issue the check, which is what makes it “guaranteed.” Once it’s printed, your funds are officially spoken for, so be sure the details are correct before signing off.
Pay fees
Be prepared to pay somewhere between $5 and $15 for your cashier’s check, depending on the bank.
Credit unions may charge less for cashier’s checks, and some banks may even offer them for free.
Get a receipt
Don’t toss the receipt. It’s your proof of purchase and your safety net if the check gets lost, stolen, or questioned.
The receipt includes a tracking number that helps the bank trace or reissue the check if something goes wrong. Keep it somewhere safe until the recipient confirms they’ve received and cashed it. Having that tiny slip of paper could save you a whole lot of headache later.
How much is a cashier’s check?
Most banks charge anywhere from $5 to $15 for a cashier’s check, but it depends on the bank. Credit unions and online banks are known for having cheaper options.
Here’s a breakdown of how much cashier’s checks cost at different banks*:
| Bank | Cashier’s Check Cost | Fee Waiver |
| Ally Bank | Free | N/A |
| Bank of America | $15 | Preferred rewards members |
| Chase | $8 | Premier Plus, Secure, and Sapphire Checking members |
| Capital One | $10 in-person or $20 online | None |
| PNC | $10 | Performance Checking and Virtual Wallet Performance checking account members |
| US Bank | $10 | Premium accounts or military members |
*Information on bank fees is current as of October 30, 2025, and based on publicly available data. Fees may change at any time.
What happens if you lose a cashier’s check?
Losing a cashier’s check is stressful, but fixable. The key is to quickly follow your bank’s stop-payment procedures. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Contact the issuing bank
- Complete a declaration of loss
- In some cases, you may need to sign an indemnity bond to protect the bank if the original check turns up later
- Wait up to 90 days while the bank confirms the check hasn’t been cashed
Once everything checks out, the bank will reissue your funds and cancel the original check for good.
What happens if a cashier’s check is not cashed?
If a cashier’s check isn’t cashed, the money doesn’t just vanish. It just stays with the issuing bank until someone claims it.
Eventually, unclaimed funds will usually be turned over to the state as “escheated” property. If you’re the buyer and the check was never used, you can request a refund, but you’ll likely need to show the original receipt or proof that it wasn’t deposited.
It’s a good idea to follow up if the payee hasn’t cashed it within a reasonable time. You don’t necessarily want your money hanging in limbo forever.
Are there fraud risks with cashier’s checks?
Unfortunately, yes. Scammers love pretending their fake cashier’s checks are the real deal.
Another common scenario is for a scammer to “overpay” you with a bogus check and then ask you to refund the difference in cash. Always verify the check with the issuing bank before depositing, and never hand over cash or goods until you’re 100% sure it’s legit.
Cashier’s Checks: Formal Checks with Extra Security Used for Big Purchases
A cashier’s check is essentially the bank putting its name on the line instead of yours, making it a go-to for serious transactions where trust matters.
These checks are backed by the bank’s own funds, making them a more reliable version of your regular personal check or a standard money order. But you typically only use them when making a big purchase, like a car, a down payment, or a piece of property.
If you’re planning to use a cashier’s check, just remember to follow the steps above, be prepared, and treat it like the heavy-duty payment tool it is.
FAQs
Where can I get a cashier’s check?
You can get a cashier’s check from most traditional banks or credit unions, usually by visiting a branch in person. Some banks also let account holders order them online or through mobile apps, though it might take a few days to arrive by mail.
Can I get a cashier’s check from any bank?
Not always. Most banks only issue cashier’s checks to existing customers, since the funds have to come directly from your account. If you don’t have an account, you can consider trying a credit union or using a money order as a backup.
Where can I cash a cashier’s check?
You can cash a cashier’s check at the bank that issued it, or deposit it at your own bank or credit union. Many banks will let you cash it on the spot, but others may place a short hold, especially for large amounts. You can also explore retail check-cashing stores, but they may charge a steep fee.
What is the maximum amount for a cashier’s check?
There’s technically no legal limit on cashier’s checks. Assuming you have the cash, you could write one for $10 or $10 million. That said, some banks put internal limits or require extra verification for very large amounts.
What information is needed for a cashier’s check?
You’ll need the payee’s full name (spelled exactly right), the exact dollar amount, and a valid photo ID. If you’re paying from an account, the bank will pull funds immediately, so make sure you’ve got enough to cover it. Some banks might also ask for your signature or contact information to keep things traceable.
Do cashier’s checks clear immediately?
Cashier’s checks don’t always clear immediately. Banks often make at least part of the money available within one business day, with full clearance usually requiring a few business days. The exact timing depends on the bank’s policies, the size of the payment, and when the check is deposited.
Is there a fee for a cashier’s check?
Yes, most banks charge around $5 to $15 per check. However, some premium accounts or credit unions might waive the fee.
Are cashier’s checks safe?
Generally, yes, cashier’s checks are considered one of the most secure payment methods out there. Because the funds come directly from the bank, recipients don’t have to worry about bounced checks.
