How Bank of America Issues Cashier's Checks

Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any of its branch locations during business hours. You'll need to visit in person with your debit card or ID, tell the teller you want a cashier's check, and provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. The teller will draw the funds from your account when ready and print the check, which you can usually pick up the same day or within a few hours.

The process is straightforward because Bank of America's tellers handle cashier's checks regularly. You don't need to order them in advance unless you want multiple checks or need them at an unusual time. If you're not sure which branch is closest to you, you can find locations and hours on Bank of America's website or call 1-800-432-1000.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any branch during business hours, and you can pick one up the same day if you arrive before closing time.
  • You'll need a valid ID or debit card, the recipient's name, and enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus the fee.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for cashier's checks, which varies by account type and region but typically ranges from $10 to $15.
  • The teller will draw the funds from your account right away, so the money is no longer available to you once the check is issued.
  • If you need the check mailed to you or want multiple copies, ask the teller about those options when you request the check.

What You Need to Bring to the Branch

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. If you have a Bank of America debit card, bring that too, though it's not required if you have your ID. The teller will verify your identity and confirm you have an account with the bank before issuing the check.

You should also know the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to. If you're unsure of the spelling or the legal name of a business, ask the recipient before you go to the branch. A cashier's check made out to the wrong name can be difficult or impossible to cash, so getting this detail right matters.

Bank of America's Cashier's Check Fee

Bank of America charges a fee for each cashier's check, though the exact amount depends on your account type and location. The fee is typically between $10 and $15 per check. Some account tiers, such as Preferred Rewards accounts or premium checking accounts, may have lower fees or waived fees, so ask the teller if your account qualifies for a discount.

The fee is deducted from your account at the time the check is issued, along with the check amount itself. So if you're writing a $5,000 check and the fee is $15, a total of $5,015 will leave your account. Make sure you have enough money available to cover both the check and the fee.

How Long It Takes to Get Your Cashier's Check

Most of the time, you'll walk out of the branch with your cashier's check the same day. Bank of America tellers can print and issue cashier's checks on the spot, so if you arrive before the branch closes, you can usually get it within 15 to 30 minutes. The exact time depends on how busy the branch is.

If you arrive near closing time or the branch is very busy, the teller may ask you to come back later or the next day. If you need the check mailed to you instead of picking it up in person, that typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Let the teller know your preference when you request the check.

Using Your Cashier's Check After You Receive It

Once you have the cashier's check, treat it like cash — it's a may provide payment backed by the bank, so the recipient will accept it with confidence. You can hand it to the recipient in person, mail it, or deposit it into another account. The recipient will deposit or cash it at their own bank, and the funds will clear within a few business days.

Keep the receipt the teller gives you. If the check is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, you'll need that receipt to request a replacement or a refund. Bank of America can issue a new check or return the funds to your account, but the process is faster if you have documentation of the original transaction.

What to Do If You Need to Cancel or Replace a Cashier's Check

If you lose the check, the recipient never receives it, or you need to cancel it for any reason, contact Bank of America as soon as possible. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit your local branch with your receipt. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents it from being cashed if it's found or stolen.

Replacing a lost or cancelled cashier's check usually costs another fee, and Bank of America may require you to wait a certain amount of time (often 30 days) before issuing a replacement, to make sure the original check doesn't surface and get cashed. If the check was already cashed by the intended recipient, you won't be able to cancel it — the transaction is complete.

Alternatives to Visiting a Branch

Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks online or through its mobile app. You must visit a physical branch in person. However, if you can't get to a branch during business hours, you can call ahead to confirm the branch is open and ask if they have cashier's checks in stock, so you don't waste a trip.

If you need a cashier's check urgently and can't reach a Bank of America branch, you can explore other options: some other banks issue them to non-customers for a fee, or you can use a money order as an alternative for smaller amounts. Money orders are available at many retailers and post offices and don't require a bank account, though they have lower limits than cashier's checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I don't have a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America only issues cashier's checks to its own customers. The funds must come from an account you hold with the bank. If you don't have an account, you'll need to open one first or use a different bank or service.

What's the maximum amount I can write a cashier's check for?

Bank of America does not publish a specific limit, but most banks allow cashier's checks for any amount up to the balance in your account. If you're writing a very large check, call your branch ahead of time to make sure they can process it and have the funds available.

Can someone else pick up my cashier's check if I can't go to the branch?

No. Bank of America requires the person whose account the check is drawn from to be present and provide ID. A family member or friend cannot pick it up on your behalf, even with a power of attorney or written permission.

How do I know if my cashier's check was cashed?

You can check your Bank of America account online or through the mobile app to see when the funds were deducted. Once the recipient deposits the check, it will appear in your account history. If you need confirmation that a specific recipient cashed it, ask them directly or request a copy of the cancelled check from Bank of America.

What if the cashier's check is damaged or has a mistake on it?

If the check is misspelled, has the wrong amount, or is damaged before the recipient cashes it, return to the branch with the check and your receipt. The teller can cancel it and issue a replacement at no additional charge. If the recipient has already cashed it, you cannot change it.