You can get a cashier's check from your checking account, but the bank issues it—you don't write it yourself

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. When you request one, the bank takes money from your checking account, then prints and signs a check in the bank's name guaranteeing the funds. You cannot write a cashier's check the way you write a regular check. Instead, you go to your bank, provide the payee name and amount, and the bank creates and hands you the check.

The process takes minutes if you're at a branch in person, or a few business days if you order by phone or online. Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. The funds leave your account immediately, even though the recipient may not deposit it for days or weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself using money from your checking account, not a check you write yourself.
  • You request a cashier's check in person at a branch, by phone, or online, and the bank prints it with their signature and may provide.
  • The money is deducted from your checking account right away, even if the recipient doesn't cash the check for weeks.
  • Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check, though some waive the fee for certain account types.
  • Cashier's checks are safer than personal checks for large transactions because the bank guarantees the funds exist.

How to request a cashier's check from your bank

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your account information and a form of ID. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check, provide the exact name of the payee (the person or business receiving the money), and state the amount. The teller will confirm you have sufficient funds in your checking account, deduct the amount, and print the check on the spot.

If you cannot visit a branch, call your bank's customer service line and ask about ordering by phone. Some banks will mail a cashier's check to you or the payee within 2 to 5 business days. A few banks now allow you to request one through their mobile app or online banking portal, though this is less common. Ask your bank which methods they support before you need one in a hurry.

What happens to the money when you get a cashier's check

The bank removes the full amount from your checking account the moment you receive the check. This is different from a personal check, where the money stays in your account until the recipient deposits it. If you request a $5,000 cashier's check, your checking account balance drops by $5,000 immediately, even if the payee doesn't cash it for a month.

This means you need to have the full amount available in your account at the time of request. If you don't, the bank will decline to issue the check. Once issued, a cashier's check is as good as cash to the recipient—the bank has already promised the money is there.

Why someone might ask for a cashier's check instead of a personal check

A personal check can bounce if your account doesn't have enough money when it's deposited. A cashier's check cannot bounce because the bank has already set aside the funds and signed the check itself. For this reason, landlords, car dealers, and title companies often require a cashier's check for large payments like security deposits, down payments, or closing costs.

Cashier's checks also clear faster than personal checks. A personal check may take 5 to 10 business days to clear; a cashier's check typically clears within 1 to 2 business days because the recipient's bank knows the issuing bank has may provide the funds.

Fees and account requirements for cashier's checks

Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or hold a premium account type. A few banks offer a small number of free cashier's checks per month as part of their checking account benefits. Ask your bank about their fee structure and whether you may have access to for a waiver.

There is no limit to how many cashier's checks you can request, but each one incurs a separate fee. If you need multiple checks for the same transaction, ask the bank whether they can issue one check for the total amount instead, which would cost less.

What to do if you lose a cashier's check or it never arrives

If you lose a cashier's check before the payee deposits it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents anyone from cashing it. You will then need to request a replacement check, which usually costs another fee. The bank may require you to sign an indemnity bond—a document stating you will repay the bank if the original check is found and cashed by someone else. This protects the bank from paying twice.

If you ordered a cashier's check by mail and it never arrived, contact your bank within a few days. The bank can issue a replacement and may waive the second fee if the delay was their error. Always ask for tracking or confirmation when ordering by mail so you know when to expect it.

Alternatives if you need a may provide payment but can't get a cashier's check

A certified check is similar to a cashier's check but is drawn on your account instead of the bank's. You write the check yourself, then take it to the bank and ask them to certify it. The bank verifies the funds are there, stamps the check as certified, and signs it. The payee then knows the money is may provide. Certified checks cost less than cashier's checks at some banks, though not all banks offer them.

A money order is another option for smaller amounts. You can buy a money order at a bank, post office, or grocery store for a small fee (usually $1 to $5). Money orders are prepaid and may provide like cashier's checks, but they have lower maximum amounts—typically $500 to $1,000 per order. If you need to send $10,000, you would need to buy multiple money orders.

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to the recipient's bank account. There is no physical check involved. Wire transfers are fast (often same-day) and the recipient receives the funds directly, but they cost more ($15 to $50 depending on the bank) and cannot be reversed once sent. Wire transfers are best for time-sensitive payments to people you trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I write a cashier's check myself?

No. A cashier's check must be issued by the bank. You cannot write one yourself the way you write a personal check. You request one from your bank, provide the payee name and amount, and the bank prints and signs it.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check?

If you visit a branch in person, you can get one in minutes. If you order by phone or online, it typically takes 2 to 5 business days for the bank to mail it to you. Some banks offer same-day or next-day delivery for an additional fee.

What if I don't have enough money in my checking account for the cashier's check?

The bank will not issue the check. You must have the full amount available in your account at the time of request. If you need the money but don't have it yet, you cannot get a cashier's check until the funds are deposited.

Can a cashier's check be cancelled or stopped?

Yes, but only by the bank that issued it, and usually only if you report it lost or stolen before the payee cashes it. You will need to request a stop payment and may have to sign an indemnity bond. The bank will charge a fee for this service.

Is a cashier's check safer than a personal check?

Yes. A personal check can bounce if your account lacks funds when it's deposited. A cashier's check cannot bounce because the bank has already may provide the money. This is why landlords and title companies often require cashier's checks for large transactions.