Walk into a branch with your debit card or account number and cash or funds to cover the check
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. Bank of America issues them the same day you request one, at any of their branches during business hours. You need to bring cash or have funds in your account to cover the amount, plus the fee — which varies by state but typically runs $10 to $15 per check.
You do not need an account at Bank of America to get a cashier's check there. Walk up to a teller, tell them you want one, and provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, the amount, and your payment method. The teller will print it on the spot.
Cashier's checks are useful when the recipient needs may provide funds — landlords often require them for security deposits, and some sellers demand them during real estate closings. Because the bank guarantees the money, there is no risk the check will bounce.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America issues cashier's checks same-day at any branch during business hours for a fee of roughly $10 to $15, depending on your state.
- You can pay with cash or account funds; you do not need to be a Bank of America customer.
- Bring a photo ID and have the recipient's name ready — the teller will ask for the exact name the check should be made payable to.
- A cashier's check cannot be stopped or reversed once issued, so confirm the amount and recipient name before the teller hands it over.
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask for it before issuing the check. If you are paying with cash, bring the full amount plus the fee. If you are drawing from a Bank of America account, bring your debit card or account number so the teller can verify your balance.
Have the recipient's name spelled correctly before you arrive. Cashier's checks are made payable to a specific person or business, and the name must match exactly. If you are unsure of the spelling, call the recipient or check any paperwork they sent you.
If you are paying with cash and the amount is large, Bank of America may ask additional questions about the source of the funds. This is standard practice and does not delay the check — it typically takes five to ten minutes from start to finish.
How the fee works and what it covers
Bank of America charges a flat fee per cashier's check. The exact amount depends on your state and account type — some states cap the fee by law, while others allow banks to set their own rates. Call your local branch or check Bank of America's website for your state's current fee before you go in.
The fee is separate from the check amount. If you want a $5,000 cashier's check and the fee is $12, you need to provide $5,012 total. The check itself will be for $5,000; the fee goes to the bank.
Some Bank of America account holders may have the fee waived depending on their account tier — premium checking or wealth management accounts sometimes include cashier's checks at no cost. Ask the teller whether your account qualifies.
Why cashier's checks cannot be cancelled or stopped
Once a teller issues a cashier's check, the bank has already deducted the money from its own account. You cannot call the bank later and ask them to stop payment the way you can with a personal check. The funds are committed, and the check is as good as cash to whoever holds it.
This is why cashier's checks are so useful to recipients — they know the money is may provide. But it also means you need to be certain of the amount and the recipient's name before you hand it over. Double-check everything while you are still at the teller window.
If you lose a cashier's check or it is stolen, contact Bank of America immediately. They can place a stop on it if the check has not been cashed yet, but this process takes time and is not may provide. The safest approach is to treat a cashier's check like cash once you have it in hand.
Alternatives if you do not want to visit a branch
Bank of America does not offer cashier's checks by mail or through their online banking system. You must visit a physical branch. However, if you do not have a branch nearby, you can call ahead to confirm they have the check ready when you arrive, which can save time.
If you need a cashier's check urgently and cannot reach a Bank of America branch, other banks and credit unions issue them under the same terms. Any bank can issue a cashier's check for a similar fee, so you have options if timing is tight.
Some wire transfer services and money order providers offer alternatives to cashier's checks for smaller amounts. A money order, for example, works similarly but is capped at lower amounts — usually $1,000 per order. Ask the recipient whether they would accept a money order or wire transfer instead.
What happens after the teller hands you the check
The cashier's check is yours to deliver or mail. It is not registered to you, so anyone who holds it can cash it or deposit it. Keep it in a safe place until you hand it to the recipient.
The recipient can deposit it into their bank account or cash it at any bank. Most banks process cashier's checks the same way they process regular checks — deposit it, and the funds typically appear in one to two business days. Some banks clear cashier's checks faster because they are may provide.
Keep your receipt from the teller. It shows the check number, amount, and date issued. If there is ever a dispute about whether you paid, the receipt is your proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Bank of America account to get a cashier's check?
No. You can walk into any Bank of America branch with cash or a debit card from another bank and request a cashier's check. The teller will issue it the same day. You only need a valid photo ID.
What if I make a mistake on the amount or recipient name?
Tell the teller before they hand you the check. They can void it and issue a new one. Once you leave the branch with the check, you cannot change it. If you catch the error after you have left, contact Bank of America immediately — they may be able to stop it if it has not been cashed yet, but this is not may provide.
Can I get a cashier's check for less than $100?
Yes. Bank of America will issue a cashier's check for any amount, though the fee remains the same regardless of size. For very small amounts, a money order may be cheaper, but cashier's checks are available at any amount.
How long does it take to get a cashier's check?
Five to ten minutes from the time you reach the teller. Bank of America prints them on-site, so there is no waiting period. You walk out with the check the same day.
What if the recipient says they did not receive the check I mailed?
Contact Bank of America with your receipt. If the check has not been cashed, they may be able to issue a replacement or stop payment, though this is not may provide. If it has been cashed, the bank can provide a copy of the cancelled check showing who deposited it. For large amounts, consider mailing the check with signature confirmation so you have proof of delivery.