Yes, you can deposit a cashier's check into your bank account
A cashier's check is a check issued by a bank on its own account, not on your personal checking account. The bank guarantees the funds are there, which is why many people ask for them when they need proof of payment. You can deposit a cashier's check the same way you would deposit any other check: in person at a branch, through mobile deposit, or at an ATM if your bank offers that option.
The main difference between a cashier's check and a personal check is the source of the funds and the may provide behind it. Because the bank itself is responsible for the payment, cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks and carry less fraud risk. This speed matters when you are depositing one—the funds may be available to you sooner than they would be from a personal check.
Key Takeaways
- Cashier's checks can be deposited through mobile deposit, at a branch, or at an ATM, depending on what your bank offers.
- Funds from a cashier's check typically become available within one to two business days, faster than personal checks.
- You will need to endorse the back of the check and provide your account number, just as you would with any other check.
- If you are depositing a cashier's check made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you first.
Depositing a cashier's check through mobile deposit
Mobile deposit is often the fastest way to deposit a cashier's check. Open your bank's app, select the deposit option, and take a photo of both the front and back of the check. The back must show your endorsement—sign your name on the line provided and write "For mobile deposit only" underneath your signature. This limits how the check can be used if the image is lost or intercepted.
After you submit the images, your bank will tell you when the funds will be available. Most banks make cashier's check funds available within one business day, sometimes the same day if you deposit before the cutoff time (usually early afternoon). Keep the physical check until the deposit shows as complete in your account, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.
Depositing a cashier's check at a branch or ATM
If you prefer to deposit in person, bring the check and your ID to any branch of your bank. Endorse the back by signing your name on the line, and hand it to a teller along with your account number. The teller will process it immediately and tell you when the funds will be available.
Some banks also allow cashier's check deposits at ATMs. Insert the check into the slot marked for deposits, and the machine will scan it and credit your account. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount. ATM deposits are processed the same way as branch deposits, so funds typically arrive within one business day.
What happens if the cashier's check is made out to someone else
If the check is made out to another person's name, that person must endorse it to you before you can deposit it. They sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Then you sign below their endorsement. This is called a third-party check, and some banks will not accept them, so call ahead before you try to deposit one.
If the bank refuses a third-party check, the original payee can deposit it into their own account and then send you the money through a transfer or another payment method. This adds a step, but it avoids the risk that the bank will reject the deposit.
Funds availability and hold times
Cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks because the bank that issued the check is the one guaranteeing payment. Under federal rules, banks must make the first $225 of any check deposit available by the next business day. For cashier's checks, many banks make the full amount available within one to two business days, sometimes faster.
Your bank may place a temporary hold on the funds if the deposit is large, if you are a new customer, or if your account has had problems in the past. The hold is a safety measure—it gives the issuing bank time to confirm the check is legitimate. If your bank places a hold, they will tell you when the funds will be released. You can ask the teller or check your app to see the exact date.
What to do if the cashier's check is lost or damaged
If you lose a cashier's check before depositing it, contact the bank that issued it right away. You will need to provide the check number, the amount, and the date it was issued. The bank can place a stop payment on the check and issue a replacement, though there may be a fee. This process usually takes a few business days.
If the check is damaged—torn, water-damaged, or marked up—you can still deposit it. Banks can usually read damaged checks through mobile deposit or at a branch. If the damage is severe enough that the bank cannot read the routing number, account number, or amount, bring it to a branch and ask a teller to help. They may be able to process it manually or contact the issuing bank for verification.
Fraud and verification concerns
Cashier's checks are less likely to be fraudulent than personal checks, but counterfeit cashier's checks do exist. If you are depositing a large cashier's check or one from an unfamiliar bank, the bank may verify it with the issuing bank before making funds available. This verification can add a day or two to the hold time.
If you suspect a cashier's check is counterfeit—for example, if the check number seems odd, the paper quality looks wrong, or the issuing bank's name is misspelled—do not deposit it. Contact the bank that supposedly issued it to confirm the check is real. If it is counterfeit, report it to your bank and to the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a cashier's check to clear?
Most banks make cashier's check funds available within one to two business days. Some banks release the funds the same day if you deposit before the cutoff time. Your bank will tell you the exact date when you deposit the check.
Can I deposit a cashier's check made out to someone else?
Yes, but only if that person endorses it to you first. They sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Some banks refuse third-party checks, so call ahead to confirm your bank will accept it.
What if my bank puts a hold on the cashier's check?
A hold is temporary and protects the bank while it verifies the check is real. Ask your teller or check your app for the release date. You can usually withdraw the funds after the hold expires, even if the check is still processing.
Is mobile deposit safe for cashier's checks?
Yes. Write "For mobile deposit only" under your signature on the back to limit how the check can be used if the image is lost. Destroy the physical check after the deposit is complete.
What should I do if the cashier's check is damaged?
You can usually deposit a damaged check through mobile deposit or at a branch. If the damage is severe and the bank cannot read the numbers, bring it to a teller who can process it manually or contact the issuing bank for help.