Yes, you can order a cashier's check drawn from your savings account
A cashier's check is a check issued by the bank itself, not by you. The bank pulls the money from your account, guarantees the funds are there, and signs the check in its own name. Because the bank is the one making the promise to pay, a cashier's check carries far more weight than a personal check — which is why landlords, car dealers, and title companies often demand one.
You can request a cashier's check from a savings account just as easily as from a checking account. The bank will deduct the full amount (including any fee) from whichever account you specify. Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check, though some waive the fee if you maintain a certain balance or account type.
The process is straightforward: you tell the bank the amount, who it should be made out to, and which account to draw from. The bank prints it on the spot or mails it to you within a few business days, depending on whether you visit in person or order online.
Key Takeaways
- A cashier's check is issued by your bank and drawn from your account, making it a may provide payment that recipients trust more than a personal check.
- You can request a cashier's check from a savings account by visiting your bank in person, calling, or using online banking if your bank offers it.
- Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check, though some accounts or membership levels waive the fee.
- In-person requests are usually filled immediately; online or phone requests typically arrive within two to five business days.
- You will need to know the exact amount, the payee name, and have sufficient funds in your savings account to cover the check plus any fee.
How to order a cashier's check from your savings account
Visit your bank branch in person if you need the check the same day. Bring your ID and tell the teller the amount, the name of the payee (the person or business the check is made out to), and confirm they should draw it from your savings account. The teller will verify you have enough money, collect any fee, and hand you the check. Most banks complete this in minutes.
If you cannot visit a branch, call your bank's customer service line and request a cashier's check. Provide the same information: amount, payee name, and which account to use. The bank will mail it to the address on file, usually within two to five business days. Some banks charge a small additional fee for mailed cashier's checks.
Many banks now offer cashier's check requests through their mobile app or online banking portal. Log in, navigate to the checks or transfers section, and follow the prompts to request one. You will typically receive it by mail within the same timeframe as a phone request. Check your bank's website or app to see if this option is available to you.
What information you need before you order
Have the exact dollar amount ready. Cashier's checks cannot be altered after they are issued, so if you write $5,000 and later need $4,500, you cannot change it — you would have to request a new check. Get the correct amount in writing from whoever is asking for the check (your landlord, the car dealer, the title company) before you go to the bank.
Know the exact name of the payee. If it is a business, use the legal name on their paperwork, not a shortened version. If it is a person, spell their name correctly. A cashier's check made out to "John Smith" cannot be cashed by "Jon Smith" without additional steps and signatures.
Confirm you have enough money in your savings account to cover both the check amount and the bank's fee. If your account has a low balance, the bank will decline the request. Some banks also place holds on savings accounts after a large withdrawal, so ask about this if you plan to use the money soon after the check is issued.
Fees and timing for cashier's checks
Cashier's check fees range from $0 to $15 per check depending on your bank and account type. Some banks charge nothing for customers with premium accounts, direct deposit, or balances above a certain threshold. Others charge a flat fee regardless of account status. Call your bank or check their fee schedule online to learn what you will pay.
In-person requests are the fastest: you walk out with the check the same day. Phone and online requests take longer because the bank must mail the check to you. Standard mail delivery is two to five business days, though some banks offer expedited mailing for an extra fee (usually $10 to $25).
Plan ahead if you have a deadline. If you need the check by a specific date, order it at least a week early to account for mail delays. If the deadline is sooner, visit a branch in person. Some banks can also arrange for you to pick up a cashier's check at a branch location if you order it online, which is faster than waiting for mail.
Cashier's checks versus personal checks from savings
A personal check drawn on your savings account works like any other check you write — it has your name on it, your signature, and your account number. The recipient has to trust that you have the money and that the check will clear. If you do not have sufficient funds, the check bounces and the recipient may charge you a returned-check fee.
A cashier's check has the bank's name and signature on it instead of yours. The bank has already verified the money is there and set it aside. The recipient knows the funds are may provide, so there is no risk of a bounced check. This is why landlords, title companies, and large sellers insist on cashier's checks — they eliminate the risk that the check will fail.
If someone asks you for a cashier's check, do not try to substitute a personal check. They will likely refuse it or require additional verification. The whole point of asking for a cashier's check is to avoid the uncertainty of a personal check.
What happens after you receive the cashier's check
Once you have the check, treat it like cash. It is made out to a specific person or business, and only that payee can deposit or cash it. If you lose it, you cannot simply write a new one — you will have to contact the bank and request a replacement, which can take time and may involve a fee.
Deliver the check to the payee as instructed. Some recipients want it mailed; others want it handed over in person. Ask how they prefer to receive it. Once they deposit or cash it, the money leaves your savings account and the transaction is complete.
Keep a record of the check number and amount for your own records. If there is ever a dispute about whether the check was received or deposited, you will have proof of what you sent and when.
When a bank cannot issue a cashier's check from savings
If your savings account does not have enough money to cover the check amount plus the fee, the bank will decline the request. You will need to deposit more money first or request a smaller check amount.
Some banks restrict cashier's checks on savings accounts that are very new (less than a few days old) or that have been flagged for suspicious activity. If this happens, ask the bank why and what you need to do to resolve it. You may need to provide additional documentation or wait a certain number of days.
If you are not a customer of the bank, you cannot order a cashier's check from them. You must have an account with the bank that issues the check. If you do not have a bank account, you can sometimes purchase a cashier's check at a check-cashing service or money order service, though the fees are usually higher and the process is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check for someone else using my savings account?
Yes. You can request a cashier's check made out to anyone — a family member, a business, a landlord — and have it drawn from your savings account. The bank will deduct the money from your account, but the check will be made out to whoever you specify as the payee. Only that payee can cash or deposit it.
What if I need to cancel a cashier's check I already ordered?
Contact your bank immediately. If the check has not been mailed yet, the bank can usually cancel it and refund the fee. If the check has already been mailed or picked up, cancellation is more complicated and may require you to wait a certain period to ensure it has not been cashed. Some banks charge a cancellation fee. Call your bank right away to ask about your options.
How long is a cashier's check good for?
Most cashier's checks do not expire, but some banks print an expiration date on them (usually six months to a year from issue). Check the check itself to see if there is a date printed on it. If there is and it has passed, contact your bank about getting a replacement. If there is no date, the check remains valid indefinitely, though the recipient may ask for a new one if it is very old.
Can I deposit a cashier's check into my savings account?
Yes. If someone gives you a cashier's check made out to you, you can deposit it into your savings account just like any other check. You can do this at an ATM, through mobile deposit, or by visiting a branch. The funds typically become available within one to three business days, depending on your bank.
Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?
Both are secure, but in different ways. A cashier's check is a physical document that can be lost or stolen, but only the named payee can cash it. A wire transfer is electronic and cannot be reversed once sent, so if you send it to the wrong account, recovery is difficult. For large amounts or unfamiliar recipients, ask which method they prefer.