What is a cashier's check?

A cashier's check is a check guaranteed by the bank — the bank draws funds from its own reserves and guarantees payment, so there's no risk the check will bounce like a personal check. When you request a cashier's check, the funds are immediately withdrawn from your account and held by the bank. The check is then signed by a bank official, not you. Cashier's checks are accepted for large transactions where sellers need guaranteed funds — like buying a car or closing on a home.

How do you get a cashier's check?

To get a cashier's check: (1) Visit a bank branch where you have an account; (2) Request a cashier's check and provide the payee name, exact amount, and a memo (optional); (3) The funds are withdrawn from your account immediately; (4) The bank issues the check signed by a bank representative. Most banks issue cashier's checks only to account holders. You typically need a valid ID. The process takes 5–15 minutes in person. Some banks allow ordering cashier's checks online or by phone, with mail delivery.

How much does a cashier's check cost?

Cashier's check fees at major banks range from $8 to $15 per check. Bank of America: $15. Wells Fargo: $10. Chase: $8. US Bank: $7. Some banks offer free cashier's checks for premium account holders. Credit unions typically charge $3–$5. Many online-only banks do not offer cashier's checks. If you don't have a bank account, some banks will issue a cashier's check for non-customers for a higher fee ($10–$20), or you can use a money order instead.

What is the difference between a cashier's check and a money order?

Both are guaranteed payment instruments, but they differ in maximum amount and where you get them. A cashier's check is issued by a bank with no dollar limit — used for large transactions like car purchases ($10,000–$50,000) or home down payments. A money order is issued by banks, post offices, Walmart, and convenience stores — limited to $1,000 per money order (USPS limit). Money orders cost $1–$5; cashier's checks cost $8–$15. For amounts over $1,000, cashier's checks are usually the right choice.

Are cashier's checks safe from fraud?

Cashier's checks are considered secure, but cashier's check fraud is a major scam. The scheme works like this: someone sends you a cashier's check for more than an agreed amount and asks you to wire back the difference. The check appears to clear, but banks are required to make funds available within 1–5 business days even if the check hasn't fully cleared. Days later, the bank discovers the check is counterfeit and withdraws the full amount — leaving you responsible for the wired funds. Rule: Never send money back to someone who sent you a cashier's check for overpayment — it's always a scam.

Cashier's Check 2026 — When You Need One, How to Get It, and What It Costs

A cashier’s check is a bank-guaranteed check drawn on the bank’s own funds — not your personal account balance. Because the bank guarantees payment, sellers of cars, real estate, or high-value items accept cashier’s checks with confidence. In 2026, you can get a cashier’s check at most bank branches for $8–$15. Here’s when you need one, how to get it, and how to avoid cashier’s check scams.

Quick answer: Visit your bank branch, request a cashier’s check, provide the payee name and amount, and funds are immediately deducted from your account. The bank then issues a bank-signed check guaranteeing payment. Cost: $8–$15 at most major banks; free for premium account holders; $3–$5 at credit unions.

Cashier’s Check Fees at Major Banks (2026)

Bank	Cashier’s Check Fee	Free For
Chase	$8	Sapphire Banking customers
Bank of America	$15	Preferred Rewards Platinum+
Wells Fargo	$10	Portfolio account holders
Citi	$10	Citi Priority customers
U.S. Bank	$7	Platinum Checking customers
Regions Bank	$10	Prestige accounts
Credit unions (most)	$3–$5	Often free for members
USAA	$0	All members
Navy Federal	$0	All members
Alliant Credit Union	$0	All members

When Do You Need a Cashier’s Check?

Use a cashier’s check when the other party needs guaranteed funds:

Common uses:

Buying a car — private sellers and dealers often require a cashier’s check for amounts over $5,000
Home purchase down payment or closing costs — title companies and mortgage lenders typically require cashier’s checks or wire transfers
Paying rent/security deposit — some landlords require guaranteed payment for move-in costs
Large private transactions — expensive electronics, jewelry, collectibles, firearms
Court-ordered payments — some legal settlements require cashier’s checks
Business transactions — paying vendors who won’t accept personal checks

When you don’t need a cashier’s check:

Everyday purchases (use debit or credit card)
Payments under $1,000 (personal check or money order works)
Online payments (bank transfer, Zelle, ACH)
Friends and family (Venmo, PayPal, Zelle)

How to Get a Cashier’s Check — Step by Step

In person at your bank:

Bring your government-issued ID
Know the exact amount (in whole dollars — no cents rounding)
Know the payee’s full legal name (this cannot be changed later)
Ask the teller for a “cashier’s check” (also called an “official check”)
The teller deducts funds from your account immediately
The bank issues the check signed by a bank officer
You receive the physical check to hand to the payee

Online (some banks):

Some banks (Chase, Wells Fargo) allow ordering cashier’s checks online with mail delivery (3–5 business days)
Good for when you can’t get to a branch

If you don’t have a bank account:

Some banks issue cashier’s checks to non-customers (higher fee, $10–$20)
USPS money orders are an alternative for amounts under $1,000
Walmart Money Center issues money orders up to $1,000 for $1.00

Cashier’s Check vs. Money Order vs. Wire Transfer

Payment Type	Max Amount	Cost	Speed	Availability
Cashier’s check	No limit	$8–$15	In person same day	Bank branches only
Money order	$1,000 (USPS)	$1–$5	Same day	Post offices, Walmart, many stores
Wire transfer	No limit	$15–$35 outgoing	Same day or next day	Banks and credit unions
Zelle	$500–$5,000/day (varies by bank)	$0	Instant	Online/mobile
Personal check	No limit	~$0.30–$0.50/check	1–5 days to clear	Checking account

For amounts over $10,000: Wire transfer is often more practical than a cashier’s check — same guaranteed funds, easier to transmit to a business or closing company.

What to Do If You Lose a Cashier’s Check

If you lose a cashier’s check before delivering it to the payee:

Contact your bank immediately
Request an indemnity bond — you must sign a legal promise to repay the bank if the original check is ever cashed
The bank will then issue a replacement check (some banks charge a fee; the process takes 30–90 days)
Do NOT ask someone to “cash” a lost cashier’s check for you — if both the original and replacement clear, you owe double

Cashier’s Check Scams — How to Protect Yourself

The fake cashier’s check scam:

Stranger agrees to buy your item for more than asking price
Sends you a cashier’s check for the excess amount + your item price
Asks you to wire back the “overpayment”
The check appears to clear within a day or two
Days later, the bank reverses the deposit — the check was counterfeit
You are out the item AND the wired money

Protection rules:

Never wire money or send gift cards to someone who sent you a cashier’s check
Ask your bank to verify the check by calling the issuing bank directly (not any number on the check itself)
Wait until the check fully clears (7–10 business days) before releasing goods
If something feels rushed or too good to be true, it’s a scam

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy