Walk into a Bank of America branch with your ID and the amount you need
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. Bank of America will take money from your account (or cash if you bring it), print a check signed by a bank officer, and give it to you. The recipient can deposit or cash it with confidence because the bank guarantees the funds are there.
You can get one the same day you ask for it, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. You'll need a valid government-issued ID, the exact amount, and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. If you don't know the exact payee name yet, you can leave that line blank and fill it in later — the bank will still sign it.
Bank of America does not charge a fee for cashier's checks if you have a checking or savings account with them. If you don't have an account, some branches will issue one for a small fee, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid ID, the dollar amount in cash or from your account, and the payee name (or leave it blank to fill in later).
- The check is ready the same day, usually within 15 to 30 minutes of your request.
- Bank of America account holders pay no fee; non-account holders may pay a small fee depending on the branch.
- You can order a cashier's check in person at any Bank of America branch during business hours.
- The bank guarantees the funds, so the recipient can deposit or cash it without worry about insufficient funds.
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. Bank of America will not issue a cashier's check without it, even if you're a long-time account holder.
Bring the exact dollar amount you want the check for. You can pay from your Bank of America account (they'll deduct it immediately), or you can bring cash. If you're paying from your account, make sure you have the funds available — the bank will not issue a check for more than your balance.
Bring the name of the payee — the person or business the check should be made out to. If you're not certain of the exact legal name, ask the recipient to confirm it before you go to the bank. If you truly don't know yet, you can ask the teller to leave the payee line blank; you'll fill it in yourself before you hand it over.
How the transaction works at the counter
Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. Hand over your ID and tell them the amount and the payee name. The teller will enter the information into the system, confirm the amount with you, and deduct the funds from your account (or take your cash). They'll print the check, have a bank officer or authorized employee sign it, and hand it to you.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. You'll receive one check — if you need multiple checks for the same amount, ask the teller to print more than one before they sign.
Ask the teller for a receipt. Bank of America will give you a receipt showing the amount, the date, the payee, and a confirmation number. Keep this receipt until the check clears or the recipient confirms they've deposited it.
Ordering a cashier's check online or by phone
Bank of America does not allow you to order a cashier's check through their website or mobile app. You must go to a branch in person. This is a security measure — the bank wants to verify your identity and confirm the payee before the check is printed and signed.
You can call your local branch ahead of time to ask about wait times or to confirm they have the amount you need in stock (very large checks sometimes require advance notice). But you still have to appear in person to complete the transaction.
If you cannot visit a branch, ask the recipient whether they will accept a different payment method — a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or a regular personal check. Many landlords, title companies, and government agencies will take these alternatives.
What happens if you lose the check or it gets stolen
If you lose the check before you hand it to the recipient, contact Bank of America immediately. Tell them the check number (on your receipt), the amount, and the payee. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it.
There is usually no fee to stop payment on a cashier's check. The bank will issue you a replacement check for the same amount. This process can take a few business days, so don't wait to report it.
If someone else cashes the lost check before you report it, the situation is more complex. Contact Bank of America's fraud department and file a claim. The bank will investigate whether the signature on the back matches the payee's signature. If it doesn't, the bank may reverse the payment and reissue the check to you. If it does match, the bank may deny your claim because a cashier's check is considered as good as cash once it's signed.
When a cashier's check is the right choice
Use a cashier's check when the recipient needs proof that the funds are may provide. Landlords often ask for one when you're putting down a security deposit. Title companies require one when you're closing on a home purchase. Government agencies sometimes ask for one when you're paying taxes or fees. Sellers in private transactions often prefer one because they know the money won't bounce.
Do not use a cashier's check if you need to make a payment online or over the phone — you can't. Do not use one if you want a record that the recipient actually received and deposited the money; a cashier's check doesn't give you that. If you need proof of delivery, a wire transfer or ACH transfer with a confirmation number is better.
A cashier's check is also slower than a wire transfer. A wire transfer can move money in hours; a cashier's check has to be physically handed over or mailed, and then the recipient has to deposit it, which takes another one to three business days. If speed matters, ask whether the recipient will take a wire transfer instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check for someone else's account?
No. The check must be drawn on your account or paid with your cash. If someone else wants a cashier's check, they need to go to the bank themselves with their own ID and funds. You cannot order one on their behalf.
What's the maximum amount I can get in one cashier's check?
Bank of America does not publish a limit, but most branches can issue checks for any amount up to several hundred thousand dollars. If you need a very large check, call your branch ahead of time to confirm they can handle it and to ask whether they need advance notice.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear once the recipient deposits it?
Most banks clear a cashier's check within one to three business days. Some clear them the same day. The recipient's bank sets the timeline, not Bank of America. If the recipient needs the money urgently, ask their bank how long they typically take.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I've received it?
Yes, if you haven't handed it to the recipient yet. Call Bank of America and ask them to place a stop payment. They'll issue you a replacement check or refund the amount to your account. If you've already given the check to the recipient, you cannot cancel it — you'd have to ask them to return it.
Do I need an account at Bank of America to get a cashier's check there?
No, but non-account holders may pay a fee. Account holders pay nothing. Call your nearest Bank of America branch to ask what they charge for non-account holders, as this varies by location.