Bank of America's cashier's check process and fees
Bank of America issues cashier's checks to customers who have a checking or savings account with them. You can order one in person at any Bank of America branch, by phone, or through their online banking platform. The bank charges a fee for each cashier's check — this fee varies by state and account type, so call your local branch or check your account agreement to find the exact amount you'll pay.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on how you order. In-person orders at a branch are typically ready the same day or within one business day. Phone and online orders may take one to three business days, depending on the branch's processing schedule and whether you need the check mailed to you or want to pick it up in person.
You'll need to provide the payee's name (the person or business the check is written to), the amount, and where the check should go — either mailed to an address or held for pickup. Bank of America will not issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, so if you don't have an account with them, you'll need to use another bank or a check-cashing service.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America issues cashier's checks only to customers with a checking or savings account at the bank.
- You can order in person at a branch, by phone, or through online banking, with processing times ranging from same-day to three business days.
- The fee for each cashier's check depends on your state and account type, so confirm the cost before ordering.
- You must provide the payee's name, the dollar amount, and whether you want the check mailed or picked up in person.
- Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks to people without an account; non-customers must use another financial institution.
Ordering in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and account information. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check and provide the payee's name, the amount, and your preferred delivery method. The teller will confirm the fee, process the order, and in most cases hand you the check the same day or tell you when to return for pickup.
Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can verify your account and deduct the fee. If you're ordering a check for a large amount, the branch may need to verify funds or run additional checks, which could add a day to processing. Ask the teller about the timeline before you leave.
Ordering by phone or online
Call your Bank of America branch directly or the customer service number on the back of your debit card to order by phone. Have your account number and the payee information ready. The representative will confirm the fee, take your delivery instructions, and tell you when the check will be ready.
To order through Bank of America's online banking platform, log in to your account, navigate to the transfers or payments section, and look for the cashier's check option. Not all branches offer online ordering, so if you don't see the option, call your branch to confirm they can process the order that way. Online orders typically take longer than in-person orders because they must be reviewed and processed by staff.
What information you need to provide
The payee's name must be spelled exactly as the person or business wants it to appear on the check. If you misspell it or provide an incorrect name, the payee may not be able to deposit or cash the check. Double-check the name before you submit your order.
The dollar amount must be written in numbers and words on the check. Bank of America will print both, so tell the teller or representative the exact amount you need. You cannot issue a blank cashier's check or leave the amount blank — the bank fills in the amount you specify.
Decide whether you want the check mailed to an address or held for pickup at the branch. Mailing takes additional time — usually three to five business days after the check is issued. Pickup is faster but requires you to visit the branch during business hours.
Fees and account requirements
Bank of America charges a fee per cashier's check, but the amount is not the same everywhere. Some states cap the fee by law, while others allow banks to set their own price. Premium or higher-tier accounts may have lower fees or waived fees, so check your account agreement or ask your branch what you'll pay.
The fee is deducted from your checking or savings account when you order the check. Make sure your account has enough money to cover both the check amount and the fee. If your account doesn't have sufficient funds, the bank will not issue the check.
Pickup and delivery timelines
In-person orders at a branch are usually ready within one business day, sometimes the same day if you order early in the morning. Call ahead if you need a check urgently — the branch can tell you whether they can rush the order.
Mailed checks take longer. After the bank issues the check, it must be placed in the mail, which adds three to five business days. If you need the check quickly, pickup is the faster option. Ask the teller or representative for a specific date and time when your check will be ready.
What to do if you need a replacement or have an issue
If you lose a cashier's check or it is damaged, contact your Bank of America branch when ready. The bank can issue a replacement, but you may need to sign an affidavit stating that the original check was lost or destroyed. There may be an additional fee for a replacement check.
If the payee never received the check or says it arrived damaged, contact the branch where you ordered it. Provide the check number and the date it was issued. The bank can investigate and may issue a replacement or refund the fee, depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Bank of America cashier's check without visiting a branch?
Yes, you can order by phone or through online banking if your branch offers it. Phone orders go through your local branch or customer service. Online orders may take longer because they require staff review. Pickup is faster than mailing, so choose that if you need the check soon.
What if I don't have a Bank of America account?
Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks to non-customers. You would need to open an account first, which requires an initial deposit and takes one to two business days. Alternatively, you can use another bank where you have an account or visit a check-cashing service.
How much does a Bank of America cashier's check cost?
The fee varies by state and account type. Call your local branch or check your account agreement for the exact amount. Some premium accounts have lower fees or no fee at all. The fee is deducted from your account when you order.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I order it?
Yes, but only before the check is issued. Once it's printed and in your hands or mailed to you, cancellation is not possible. Contact your branch when ready if you need to cancel. You may be able to get a refund of the fee, depending on the bank's policy.
How long does it take to get a cashier's check from Bank of America?
In-person orders are usually ready the same day or within one business day. Phone and online orders take one to three business days. Mailed checks take an additional three to five business days after the check is issued. Ask your branch for a specific timeline when you order.