What a cashier check is and why banks issue them
A cashier check is a check written and signed by a bank on its own account, using your money. You give the bank cash or funds from your account, and the bank writes the check to whoever you name as the recipient. The bank's name and signature appear on the check, not yours.
Banks issue cashier checks because they carry less risk than personal checks. When you write a personal check, the recipient has to trust that money is actually in your account. With a cashier check, the bank has already moved your money into its own account and may provide the check will clear. The recipient knows the funds are real because the bank stands behind them.
This may provide is why cashier checks are used for large purchases, security deposits, and situations where the person receiving the money needs proof the funds exist before they hand over what they're selling or renting.
Key Takeaways
- A cashier check is issued by the bank using your money, so the bank's signature appears on it rather than yours.
- The bank guarantees the check will clear because it has already set aside the funds from your account.
- Cashier checks cost between $5 and $15 per check at most banks, though some accounts waive the fee.
- You need to provide the recipient's name and the amount when you order a cashier check, and you cannot change either one after the bank issues it.
- Cashier checks typically clear within one to three business days, faster than personal checks but not as fast as wire transfers.
How to get a cashier check from your bank
Go to your bank in person with the cash or debit card you want to use. Tell the teller you need a cashier check and provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, plus the exact dollar amount. The teller will ask you to sign a form authorizing the bank to issue the check.
The bank will deduct the amount from your account when ready, even though you're holding a piece of paper, not cash. This is why the check is may provide—your money is already in the bank's possession. The teller will give you the check, usually within a few minutes, though some banks may need to print it and ask you to come back later that day.
You cannot change the recipient's name or the amount after the bank issues the check. If you make a mistake, you have to ask the bank to cancel it and issue a new one. Some banks charge a cancellation fee on top of the fee for the new check.
Cost and fees for cashier checks
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier check. Some banks charge less for customers with certain account types—checking accounts with direct deposit, for example, or accounts that maintain a minimum balance. A few banks waive the fee entirely for their customers.
Call your bank or check its website to find out what it charges. If you need multiple cashier checks, ask whether the bank offers a discount for ordering more than one at a time. Some banks do; others charge the full fee for each check regardless of quantity.
If you need to cancel a cashier check, expect to pay a cancellation fee in addition to the fee for ordering a replacement. Cancellation fees typically range from $10 to $30, so it's worth taking time to get the recipient's name and amount correct before you hand over cash to the teller.
How long cashier checks take to clear
A cashier check typically clears within one to three business days after the recipient deposits it. The exact timing depends on the recipient's bank and your bank's processing procedures. Some banks clear cashier checks faster than personal checks because the funds are already may provide.
The recipient cannot withdraw the full amount when ready after depositing a cashier check. Federal law requires banks to hold cashier checks for at least one business day, and many banks hold them for two or three days before releasing the funds. This hold protects the bank in case the check turns out to be fraudulent, even though cashier checks are far less likely to be forged than personal checks.
If you need money to move faster, a wire transfer clears the same day or next business day. If you need a record that the recipient received the money, a cashier check provides a paper trail because the recipient has to deposit it and the bank records the transaction.
Cashier checks versus other payment methods
| Payment Method | Who Guarantees It | Cost | Time to Clear | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier check | Your bank | $5–$15 | 1–3 business days | Large purchases, security deposits, situations where recipient needs proof funds exist |
| Personal check | You (your account balance) | Usually free | 3–5 business days | Routine bills, payments to people you know, situations where timing is not urgent |
| Wire transfer | Your bank | $15–$30 | Same day or next business day | Urgent payments, situations where you need funds to arrive quickly |
| Money order | The issuer (post office, retailer) | $1–$5 | 1–3 business days | Small amounts, situations where you don't have a bank account |
A personal check is free but slower and carries risk for the recipient because the funds might not be in your account when they try to cash it. A wire transfer is faster and may provide but costs more and requires you to provide the recipient's bank account details. A money order is cheaper than a cashier check but works better for smaller amounts and requires you to go to a post office or retailer.
What to do if you lose a cashier check
Contact your bank when ready and ask to put a stop payment on the check. Provide the check number, the amount, the recipient's name, and the date you received it. The bank will flag the check so that if someone tries to cash it, the bank will refuse payment.
Ask the bank to issue a replacement check. You will likely have to pay another cashier check fee, and the bank may require you to sign an affidavit stating that the original check was lost. This protects the bank in case the original check shows up later and someone tries to cash both.
Keep the receipt the bank gives you when you purchase a cashier check. The receipt shows the check number, amount, and date, which you will need if you have to report the check lost or if you need to prove you paid someone.
Cashier check fraud and forgery
Cashier checks can be forged, though it is harder to forge a cashier check than a personal check because the bank's security features are more complex. Scammers sometimes send fake cashier checks to people selling items online or renting property. The recipient deposits the check, the bank initially credits the funds, and the recipient sends the item or hands over keys. Days later, the check bounces and the bank reverses the deposit, leaving the recipient out both the item and the money.
If you receive a cashier check from someone you do not know well, contact the issuing bank directly using the phone number on the back of the check or from the bank's website. Ask the bank to verify that the check is real and that the funds are actually set aside. Do not rely on the phone number printed on the check itself, because a forged check may have a fake number.
If you are selling something or renting property and someone offers to pay with a cashier check, ask them to meet you at their bank so you can watch the teller issue the check. This eliminates the risk of a forged check because you see the bank create it in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier check without a bank account?
No, you need an account at the bank issuing the check. Some banks allow non-customers to purchase cashier checks, but this is rare. Call your bank first to ask whether it offers this service. If not, a money order from the post office or a retailer is a better option for people without bank accounts.
What if the recipient never cashes the cashier check?
The money stays in your bank's account indefinitely. After a certain period—usually three to five years, depending on state law—the bank may turn the funds over to the state as unclaimed property. You can reclaim the money by contacting your state's unclaimed property office, but it is easier to follow up with the recipient and ask them to deposit the check.
Can I write a cashier check to myself?
Yes, you can make a cashier check payable to yourself. This is sometimes done to move money between banks or to get a may provide check for your own records. The bank will issue the check the same way it would for anyone else, and you can deposit it into another account or cash it.
Do I need an ID to get a cashier check?
Yes, banks require a government-issued photo ID to issue a cashier check. This is part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. Bring your driver's license, passport, or state ID when you go to the bank.
What is the maximum amount for a cashier check?
There is no federal limit on cashier check amounts, but individual banks may set their own limits. Most banks will issue cashier checks for any amount you have in your account. If you need a very large cashier check, call your bank ahead of time to make sure it can issue one for that amount.