How much does a cashier's check cost?

Cashier's checks typically cost $8-$15 at most banks. Some banks offer free cashier's checks for premium account holders. Credit unions often charge $5 or less.

How do you get a cashier's check?

Visit your bank branch with ID and the funds available in your account. Tell the teller who the check should be made out to and for how much. The bank withdraws the funds immediately and issues a check guaranteed by the bank.

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

Yes — cashier's checks are guaranteed by the bank, not by your personal account. The funds are withdrawn immediately when issued, so the check can't bounce like a personal check. This makes them preferred for large transactions.

Cashier's Check Guide: How to Get One, Costs & When to Use (2026)

What Is a Cashier’s Check?

A cashier’s check is a check guaranteed by the bank, not your personal account. When you request one:

The bank immediately withdraws funds from your account
The bank issues a check drawn on its own funds
The payee receives guaranteed funds (can’t bounce)

Feature	Cashier’s Check	Personal Check
Guaranteed by	Bank	Your account
Can it bounce?	No	Yes
Funds withdrawn	Immediately	When cashed
Perceived security	High	Low
Cost	$8-$15	Free

Cashier’s Check Costs by Bank

Major Banks

Bank	Cost	Free For
Chase	$8	Premier Plus/Sapphire
Bank of America	$15	Preferred Rewards Platinum+
Wells Fargo	$10	Premier customers
Citibank	$10	Citi Priority+
US Bank	$7	Gold/Platinum checking
PNC	$10	Virtual Wallet w/ Performance
Capital One	$10	Online orders
TD Bank	$8	Most accounts
Truist	$8	Certain accounts
Regions	$8	LifeGreen members

Credit Unions & Online Banks

Institution	Cost	Notes
Navy Federal	Free	All members
USAA	Free	All members
Ally Bank	Free	Order online, mailed
Schwab Bank	Free	Mailed to you
Fidelity	Free	Available through branch
Most credit unions	$0-$5	Often free for members

How to Get a Cashier’s Check

At a Bank Branch

Step	What Happens
1. Visit branch	Go to any branch of your bank
2. Bring ID	Government-issued photo ID required
3. Have funds available	Check must be covered by account balance
4. Provide payee info	Tell teller who check is made out to
5. Pay fee	Deducted from account or paid separately
6. Receive check	Issued immediately

Online/By Mail

Some banks offer cashier’s checks by mail:

Bank	Online Ordering	Delivery Time
Ally Bank	Yes	7-10 business days
Schwab	Yes	5-7 business days
Capital One	Yes	5-10 business days
USAA	Yes	3-5 business days

When to Use a Cashier’s Check

Required or Preferred

Transaction	Why Required
Down payment on home	Large amount, seller requires guaranteed funds
Closing costs	Title company/lender requires certified funds
Car purchase	Dealer wants guaranteed payment
Private car sale	Seller doesn’t trust personal check
Rent deposit	Landlord wants guaranteed funds
Large purchases on Craigslist/marketplace	Seller protection

Good Idea to Use

Transaction	Benefit
Paying off mortgage	Clear record of payment
Court-ordered payments	Proof of guaranteed payment
Major deposits	Professionalism, security
Government fees	Some require certified funds

Cashier’s Check vs Other Payment Methods

Payment Type	Guaranteed?	Cost	Speed	Best For
Cashier’s check	Yes	$8-$15	Immediate	Large transactions
Certified check	Yes	$10-$20	Immediate	Similar to cashier’s check
Personal check	No	Free	1-5 days to clear	Low-risk transactions
Wire transfer	Yes	$25-$50	Same/next day	Fastest guaranteed funds
Money order	Yes*	$1-$5	Immediate	Smaller amounts ($1,000 limit)
ACH transfer	No	Free	1-3 days	Bill pay, regular transfers

*Money orders guaranteed up to face value, usually limited to $1,000

Cashier’s Check vs Certified Check

Factor	Cashier’s Check	Certified Check
Drawn on	Bank’s account	Your account
Bank guarantee	Full	Funds verified at time of certification
Risk of fraud	Lower	Slightly higher
Cost	$8-$15	$10-$20
Common use	More common	Less common

Avoiding Cashier’s Check Fraud

Scam Warning Signs

Red Flag	What It Means
Unexpected check received	Common scam tactic
Check for more than expected	Scammer wants you to send “extra” back
Urgency to deposit and send funds	Pressure tactic
Buyer/seller you’ve never met	Higher risk
International transactions	Harder to verify
Check looks odd	Font, alignment, color off

How Scams Work

Scammer sends fake cashier’s check (looks real)
You deposit check (bank makes funds available)
Scammer asks you to wire “excess” back
Days later, check bounces
You’re out the money you sent

Verification Steps

Step	How To Do It
Call issuing bank	Use number from bank’s website (NOT check)
Verify check number	Bank can confirm if check is valid
Wait for clearing	Don’t spend/send funds until fully cleared
Check for security features	Watermarks, microprinting, color-shifting ink

Lost or Stolen Cashier’s Checks

What to Do

Step	Process
1. Notify bank immediately	Report loss in branch or by phone
2. Complete affidavit	Bank requires written declaration
3. Wait for replacement	30-90 day waiting period typical
4. Pay replacement fee	Often another $8-$30
5. Request stop payment	Bank may charge additional fee

Timing

Scenario	Replacement Timeline
Check confirmed not cashed	May replace in 30 days
Check status unknown	90-day waiting period typical
Indemnity bond required	Some banks require for faster replacement

Tax Considerations

Transaction	Tax Reporting
Large cashier’s checks ($10,000+)	Bank reports to IRS
Structured withdrawals to avoid reporting	Illegal (structuring)
Gift via cashier’s check	Gift tax rules apply over $18,000/year

Tips for Using Cashier’s Checks

Best Practices

Tip	Why
Get receipt/copy	Proof of purchase
Note check number	Track and verify later
Verify payee spelling	Can’t be changed after issuance
Don’t leave “pay to” blank	Risk of fraud
Keep check secure	Treat like cash
Deliver in person when possible	Avoid mail loss

When NOT to Use Cashier’s Checks

Situation	Better Option
Online purchases	Credit card (protection)
Recurring payments	ACH/autopay
Small amounts	Personal check or Zelle
Someone you don’t know well	Meet at bank to verify check

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a cashier’s check on mobile?

Yes, most banks allow mobile deposit of cashier’s checks. However:

Hold periods may apply (especially for large amounts)
Endorsement required (“For mobile deposit only at [Bank]”)
Take a clear photo

How long does a cashier’s check take to clear?

Deposit Method	Funds Available
In-branch	Usually next business day
ATM	1-2 business days
Mobile deposit	1-5 business days

Note: “Available” doesn’t mean cleared — banks may reverse if check is found fraudulent.

Can a cashier’s check be canceled?

Only by the purchaser (you), with proper verification and potentially a waiting period. This is why they’re considered guaranteed.

Do cashier’s checks expire?

Most don’t expire, but after 90-180 days:

May require revalidation
Bank may have policies requiring reissuance
Check with issuing bank

Bottom Line

Cashier’s checks provide guaranteed, secure payment for large transactions like home purchases, car sales, or major deposits. At $8-$15 per check (or free for premium accounts), they’re a cost-effective way to ensure payment security. Always verify checks you receive by calling the issuing bank directly, and never send money back if you receive an unexpectedly large check.

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