Yes, you can get a cashier's check from a savings account
A cashier's check is a check issued by the bank itself, not by you. The bank draws the money from your account, guarantees the funds, and signs it. You can request one from a savings account just as easily as from a checking account — the bank does not care which account type you use, only that you have the money available.
The process is straightforward: you go to your bank, tell them the amount and who the check should be made out to, and they print it on the spot or mail it to you. Most banks charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee for customers who meet certain balance or account requirements.
Cashier's checks are useful when the recipient needs may provide payment — for a down payment on a house, a car purchase, or a large transaction where a personal check might not be trusted. Because the bank guarantees it, the recipient knows the money is there.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a cashier's check from your savings account at any bank branch, and the bank will deduct the amount from your savings balance.
- Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check, though the fee may be waived if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account.
- You can get a cashier's check in person at a branch, by phone, or sometimes online, depending on your bank's options.
- The check is may provide by the bank, so the recipient knows the funds are real and will not bounce.
- Processing takes anywhere from same-day (in person) to several business days (by mail), depending on how you order it.
How to order a cashier's check from your bank
Visit your bank branch in person with your savings account information and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want a cashier's check, provide the payee name (who it should be made out to), the amount, and any special instructions. The teller will verify you have enough money in your account, deduct the amount plus any fee, and hand you the check immediately or mail it depending on the bank's process.
Many banks also allow you to order a cashier's check by phone. Call the number on the back of your debit card or your account statement, confirm your identity, and provide the same information. The bank will mail the check to you, which usually takes three to five business days.
Some larger banks now offer cashier's checks through their mobile app or online banking portal. Log in, select the option to order a cashier's check, enter the payee and amount, and choose delivery method. Check your bank's website or app to see if this option is available to you.
What information you need to provide
Have your account number ready, though the teller will have it if you bring your debit card. You will need the full legal name of the person or business the check should be made out to — if you get this wrong, the recipient may not be able to cash it. Ask the recipient how they want their name spelled if you are unsure.
You will also need to know the exact amount. Cashier's checks cannot be altered after they are issued, so double-check the number before the bank prints it. If you need to change the amount or payee after the check is printed, you will have to request a new one, and the bank may charge another fee.
Fees and account requirements
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks charge more if you order by mail or phone rather than in person. A few banks waive the fee entirely if you maintain a minimum balance (often $1,500 to $5,000) or have a premium account tier.
Check your bank's fee schedule on their website or ask a teller what they charge. If you are ordering multiple checks, ask whether there is a discount for ordering more than one at a time. Some banks also waive fees for customers over a certain age or for military members.
How long it takes to get the check
If you go to a branch in person, you will have the check in your hand the same day, usually within minutes. If you order by phone or mail, expect three to five business days for the check to arrive. Some banks offer expedited delivery for an extra fee.
If you need the check urgently, visiting a branch in person is the fastest option. If you are ordering from out of state or do not have a local branch, call your bank and ask about expedited options — some can overnight a check for $15 to $25 extra.
What happens to your savings account balance
The bank deducts the full amount of the check plus the fee from your savings account immediately when you order it, whether you pick it up in person or order by mail. Your available balance will drop right away, so make sure you have enough money to cover both the check amount and any fee.
If you order a check and then cancel it before it is issued, the bank will refund the amount to your account, though they may keep the fee. If you lose the check or it is never cashed, the money stays deducted from your account indefinitely — it does not return automatically. Contact your bank if a cashier's check is lost or never cashed and you want the funds back.
Alternatives if you cannot get to a branch
If your bank does not offer online or phone ordering, or if you need the check faster than mail delivery, consider asking the recipient whether they will accept a wire transfer instead. A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank to theirs in one to two business days and does not require a physical check.
Another option is a certified check, which is a personal check from your account that the bank certifies as having sufficient funds. It is cheaper than a cashier's check (sometimes free) and works similarly, though it is less universally accepted. Ask your bank whether they offer certified checks and whether the recipient will accept one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have a checking account?
Yes. The bank does not require you to have a checking account — you can order a cashier's check from a savings account, money market account, or any account with available funds. Bring your ID and account information to a branch or call your bank to order by phone.
What if I make a mistake on the payee name?
You cannot change a cashier's check after it is printed. If the name is wrong, you will need to request a new check with the correct name, and the bank will likely charge another fee. The original check becomes void. Always confirm the payee name with the recipient before you order.
Can someone else cash my cashier's check if I lose it?
A cashier's check made out to a specific person is harder to cash without their signature than a personal check, but it is not impossible. If you lose a cashier's check, contact your bank immediately. They can put a stop on it and issue a replacement, though this may take several days and could cost a fee.
Do I need to have the money in my account before I order?
Yes. The bank will verify that you have enough available funds to cover the check amount plus any fee before they issue it. If your balance is too low, they will decline the request.
Can I order a cashier's check for someone else's account?
No. You can only order a cashier's check from an account you own or have authorized access to. The bank will verify your identity and account ownership before issuing the check.