Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the money, and you can get a cashier's check the same day
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. Bank of America guarantees it because they are the ones paying, which is why landlords, car dealers, and title companies accept them when they won't take a personal check. You need to be present at a branch, bring a valid ID, and have the funds available—either in your account or in cash. The bank will charge you a fee, usually between $10 and $15, though some account types waive it.
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You tell the teller the amount, who the check should be made out to, and provide the recipient's address if you have it. The teller prints the check, you sign it, and you walk out with it. There is no waiting period, no application, and no approval process—the bank simply needs to confirm you have the money.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Bank of America branch in person with a valid ID; cashier's checks cannot be ordered online or by phone.
- The funds must be available in your account or brought in cash; the bank will not issue a check against money you do not yet have.
- Bank of America charges a fee per cashier's check, typically $10 to $15, though some checking accounts waive the fee.
- You receive the check the same day, ready to use immediately—no processing time or waiting for funds to clear.
- You will need to specify the payee name and amount before the teller prints the check; changes after printing require a new check and another fee.
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will not issue a cashier's check without it. If you are not a Bank of America customer, you will still need an ID, but some branches may require additional verification or may not issue the check at all; call ahead to confirm.
Bring the money. If you are drawing from your account, you do not need to bring anything extra—the teller will deduct it. If you are paying in cash, bring the exact amount or be prepared for change. The bank will count the cash at the counter.
Know the payee name and amount before you arrive. Write them down if you are uncertain. If you make a mistake after the check is printed, the bank will not alter it; you will have to request a new one and pay the fee again.
Fees and account types that waive them
Bank of America's standard cashier's check fee is $10 for most customers. Some premium checking accounts—such as Preferred Rewards or certain business accounts—waive the fee entirely. If you hold one of these accounts, tell the teller before they process the check so they do not charge you.
If you are not sure whether your account qualifies, ask the teller. They can look it up in seconds. Paying the fee is still cheaper than most alternatives, and the may provide the bank provides is worth the cost in most transactions.
Timing: same-day delivery and when to order
You receive the cashier's check immediately after the teller prints and you sign it. There is no waiting, no processing time, and no delay. If you need it for a closing, a payment due that day, or any urgent transaction, a cashier's check is one of the fastest ways to move money with a may provide.
Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and many locations have Saturday hours. If you need a cashier's check on a weekend or holiday, check your local branch's schedule online or call ahead. Some branches close early on Fridays or have limited weekend hours.
What happens if you lose or damage the check
If you lose a cashier's check before you use it, contact Bank of America immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will need to request a replacement check, and the bank will likely charge you another fee—usually the same $10 to $15.
If the check is damaged—torn, water-damaged, or illegible—bring it to the branch and request a replacement. The teller can issue a new one without an additional fee if the damage is the bank's fault or if the check was damaged in transit. If you damaged it yourself, the bank may charge the standard fee again.
Alternatives if you cannot visit a branch
Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks by mail or online. If you cannot visit a branch in person, you have a few options. Some other banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay a higher fee—typically $15 to $25. You can also use a money order for smaller amounts, though money orders are not may provide the way cashier's checks are and have lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000 per order).
If the recipient will accept a wire transfer, that is another route. Bank of America charges $15 to $30 for a domestic wire, depending on whether you do it online or in person, and the money arrives in one to two business days. For very large amounts or time-sensitive transactions, a wire may be faster than trying to find a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a cashier's check online or by phone?
No. Bank of America requires you to visit a branch in person with a valid ID. You cannot order one online, by phone, or through the mobile app. If you cannot visit a branch during business hours, you will need to use an alternative like a wire transfer or money order.
What if I do not have a Bank of America account?
You can still request a cashier's check at most Bank of America branches, but you must bring a valid ID and the funds in cash. Some branches may refuse to issue one to a non-customer; call your local branch first to confirm they will do it. If they decline, try another bank where you have an account or use a wire transfer instead.
Can the payee be someone other than the person I name?
No. A cashier's check is made out to a specific person or business, and only that payee can cash or deposit it. If you make a mistake with the name, you cannot change it—you must request a new check and pay the fee again. Double-check the spelling and full legal name before the teller prints it.
How long is a cashier's check valid?
Cashier's checks do not expire, but some states have laws requiring banks to hold the funds in escrow after a certain period (usually five to seven years). In practice, most recipients will cash or deposit a cashier's check within days or weeks. If you are holding one for a long time, confirm with the recipient that they will still accept it.
What if the check is lost in the mail?
If you mail a cashier's check and it does not arrive, contact Bank of America to place a stop payment. You will need to provide the check number, amount, and payee name. Once stopped, the bank can issue a replacement. The process usually takes a few business days, and you may be charged another fee.