Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the amount you need, and you can walk out with a cashier's check the same day
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why the recipient treats it as may provide money. Bank of America issues them at any branch during business hours. You'll need a valid ID, the exact dollar amount, and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. The bank charges a fee—typically $10 to $15 per check, though this varies by account type and location—and the check is ready within minutes.
You don't need to be a Bank of America customer to get one, though the process is faster if you are. Non-customers can still request a cashier's check at any branch, but some locations may require additional verification or have different fee structures.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any branch during business hours for a fee of $10 to $15 per check.
- You need a valid photo ID, the exact amount, and the payee name; the check is ready in minutes, not days.
- If you're not a Bank of America customer, bring two forms of ID and expect the teller to verify your information more thoroughly.
- Cashier's checks cannot be stopped or reversed once issued, so confirm the payee name and amount before you leave the branch.
- For large amounts or multiple checks, call ahead to confirm the branch has sufficient funds on hand.
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring one valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're a Bank of America customer, that's usually all the teller needs. If you're not a customer, bring a second form of ID such as a utility bill, lease, or credit card with your name on it. The teller will verify your identity against the bank's records.
Have the exact dollar amount ready and know the full legal name of the person or business the check should be made out to. If you're paying a company, use the name that appears on their invoice or contract, not a shortened version. Misspelled names or incorrect business entities can cause the recipient to reject the check or delay depositing it.
How the transaction works at the teller window
Tell the teller you need a cashier's check and provide the amount and payee name. The teller will enter this information into the system, confirm the fee with you, and deduct the total (check amount plus fee) from your account if you're a customer. If you're not a customer, you'll pay the fee in cash or with a debit card.
The teller prints the check, which is drawn on Bank of America's account, not yours. This is what makes it as good as cash to the recipient—the bank guarantees the funds. The teller will hand you the check and may give you a receipt showing the transaction details. Verify the payee name, amount, and date before you leave the window. Once you walk out, the check cannot be stopped or reversed.
Fees and account type variations
Most Bank of America customers pay $10 per cashier's check. Some premium accounts—like Platinum or Private Bank accounts—may have the fee waived or included in their benefits. Call your branch or log into your online account to confirm your account's fee structure before you go in.
Non-customers typically pay $15 per check, though some branches charge $10. Fees can also vary by region. If you need multiple checks or a very large amount, call the branch ahead of time to confirm the fee and ensure they have the funds available.
When to use a cashier's check instead of a personal check
Use a cashier's check when the recipient won't accept a personal check or when the transaction is large enough that the recipient wants may provide funds. Common scenarios include down payments on a house or car, security deposits for rental properties, and payments to government agencies. Some businesses also request cashier's checks for high-value purchases to reduce the risk of a bounced check.
Cashier's checks are also useful when you don't want the recipient to see your personal bank account number, which appears on a personal check. The cashier's check shows only Bank of America's routing number and account information.
What happens if you lose the check or need to cancel it
If you lose a cashier's check before the recipient deposits it, contact your Bank of America branch immediately. The bank can place a stop on the check, but this process is not may provide to work if the check has already been deposited. You'll likely need to file a claim and may have to wait 90 days or longer for the bank to confirm the check was not cashed before they issue a replacement.
Once the check is deposited by the recipient, it cannot be reversed or cancelled. If you issued the check by mistake or to the wrong person, your only option is to contact the recipient and ask them to return it or issue a refund. This is why confirming all details before leaving the branch is critical.
Alternatives if you can't get to a branch
Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks online or by mail. You must visit a branch in person. If you cannot reach a branch during business hours, you can call ahead to confirm the branch is open and has the funds available, then plan your visit accordingly.
If you need a check urgently and cannot visit a branch, consider a money order from a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office—these are available 24/7 at many locations and serve a similar purpose for smaller amounts. For very large transactions, wire transfers are another option, though they carry different fees and cannot be reversed once sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cashier's check at Bank of America?
The check is ready in minutes—usually five to ten. The teller prints it while you wait, and you can leave with it immediately. There is no waiting period or processing time.
Can I get a cashier's check for someone else or made out to two people?
Yes, you can request a check made out to anyone. If you need it made out to two people, tell the teller both names and specify whether it should say "and" or "or" between them. The recipient will need both payees to sign it if it says "and".
What's the maximum amount I can get in a single cashier's check?
There is no stated maximum, but very large amounts (over $10,000) may trigger additional verification or reporting requirements. Call your branch ahead of time if you need a check for more than $25,000 to confirm they have the funds available.
Do I need a Bank of America account to get a cashier's check?
No, non-customers can get cashier's checks at any branch. You'll need two forms of ID and will likely pay a higher fee than account holders. The process takes the same amount of time.
Can the recipient deposit a cashier's check into any bank?
Yes, any bank or credit union can deposit a Bank of America cashier's check. The recipient does not need to be a Bank of America customer. The check clears like any other check, usually within one to three business days.