November 12, 2025
Written by Janet Berry-Johnson
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Public Accountant
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, CFEI®, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She is passionate about making complex tax and financial information accessible to everyone.
A cashier's check is issued and guaranteed by a bank, drawn on the bank's funds rather than the check-writer's, giving the payee extra confidence
To get a cashier's check you'll need to provide the exact payee name, the amount, a photo ID, and often be a bank customer (or pay in cash if you're not)
The process generally follows five steps: review requirements, gather info, request the check (in-branch or online), pay funds + fee, then deliver the check
Typical fees range from about $10-$20, though this varies by institution and some waive fees for certain account types
While safer, cashier's checks still carry fraud risk (e.g., fake checks) and getting a replacement for a lost one can take 30-90 days with special requirements
If you're putting money down on a home or handling another financial transaction that requires a large payment, you may need to make that payment via a cashier's check.
A cashier's check is a check that's issued and guaranteed by a bank, so the recipient doesn't have to worry about it bouncing. They also offer other benefits, like a lower risk of theft and fast access to funds for the payee.
Whether settling a major transaction, making a big purchase, or simply looking to improve your financial know-how, understanding how to get a cashier's check can come in handy.
You're likely familiar with personal checks, which rely on the check writer's account balance for their value. A cashier's check can offer a higher level of security and trustworthiness because it's issued by a bank or credit union, drawn from the bank's funds, and signed by a cashier or teller.
So, how does a cashier's check work? Basically, you hand over the amount you wish to pay, plus a small fee, to the bank. The bank then issues a check, guaranteeing it won't be declined due to insufficient funds.
Not every transaction needs the extra confidence and security of a cashier's check, but there are specific moments when a cashier's check is helpful or even required.
Cashier's checks are often required in real estate transactions. For example, making a down payment when closing on a home demands more than swiping a credit card or writing a personal check. Paying with a cashier's check assures all parties the deal will close without a financial hiccup.
Say you're buying a car from a stranger. You don't necessarily want to walk around with thousands of dollars of cash in your wallet, and the seller doesn't want to let you drive off in the car only to discover that your personal check bounced because you don't have enough funds in your account to cover it. In this case, a cashier's check can help give you and the seller peace of mind.
You can use a cashier's check to move your money from one bank to another. Instead of withdrawing a large sum of cash or waiting for electronic transfers to clear, a cashier's check offers a secure and immediate way to move your money.
Now that you know what they are, you may wonder, "Where can I get a cashier's check?" Here's where to go and what you'll need.
Different banks and credit unions may have varying requirements for issuing a cashier's check. Some might require you to have an account with them, while others may not. Ask your financial institution about the requirements for issuing cashier's checks and any cashier's check fees, as these can vary from one institution to another.
You'll need to provide specific information, including the exact name of the payee (the person or entity to whom the check is payable), the amount of the check, and, in some cases, your account number.
Double-check the payee's name and the amount because you can't change these once the bank prints the cashier's check.
Now it's time to visit or contact your financial institution. If you're working with a brick-and-mortar bank, you can get a cashier's check by visiting a teller in person. However, some online banks allow you to order cashier's checks online through their website or mobile app.
Pay the exact amount you need the cashier's check made out for, plus any applicable fees. If you're an account holder at the financial institution, they'll withdraw the funds from your checking account. Otherwise, you will likely need to pay cash.
Ask for a receipt for the transaction. A receipt is useful if the cashier's check is lost or stolen.
The final step is to deliver the cashier's check to the payee. You can provide it in person or through a secure method, like registered mail, if distance or circumstances require it.
As with many financial services, most banks charge a fee to issue cashier's checks. Fortunately, the cost associated with securing a cashier's check is typically minor, considering the value of security it brings to your financial transactions.
The typical cashier's check cost ranges from $10 to $20.1 It's usually less expensive to pick up a cashier's check at a bank branch than to request one online and have it mailed to you.
Some banks may waive the fee for customers with certain types of accounts, particularly those considered premium or high-tier.
A cashier's check is one of many options for securely transferring money from one party to another. If the other party doesn't require a cashier's check, here are a few alternatives.
Wire transfer: Wire transfers are ideal for immediate transactions – especially international ones. While typically faster than cashier's checks, they can come with higher fees, making them best suited for urgent or high-value transactions.
Money order: Money orders are available at banks, post offices, and some retail stores. They're generally limited to smaller amounts but offer a cost-effective and widely accepted payment method.
P2P payment apps: Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps allow you to send money directly from your bank account or credit card to another individual's account via a mobile app or website. These services are convenient for quick, small to medium-sized transactions among friends or trusted parties but may lack some security features for larger, more official transactions.
Certified check: A certified check is a personal check verified by a bank. The bank confirms the account holder's signature is genuine and they have enough funds to cover the check amount. The bank then sets aside the check amount until it's cashed or deposited. Certified checks offer a level of security similar to cashier's checks but are drawn against your account.
You may not use a cashier's check often, but when you need a secure form of payment that assures adequate funds, they offer both security and reliability.
Understanding when and how to use different payment options empowers you to confidently navigate your transactions, ensuring that you choose the most suitable method for your needs.
Find out about common frauds and scams and how to avoid them to further protect yourself financially.
Still have questions about cashier's checks? Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions.
If you lose a cashier's check, contact the issuing bank to inform them of the loss as soon as possible.
The bank will require that you get an indemnity bond for the amount of the lost check before it will issue a new one. The indemnity bond is like insurance to protect the bank from losses if the lost cashier's check is found and presented for payment.
Even with an indemnity bond, the bank may require a waiting period of 30 to 90 days before issuing the replacement check.2
To avoid cashier's check fraud, be cautious and verify the check's authenticity before accepting it, especially in transactions with strangers. Here are a few tips:
Verify directly with the issuing bank (using contact information you find independently—not from the check itself) that the check is valid.
Try to avoid accepting overpayments where you're asked to refund the excess amount.
Avoid using the funds until the check clears, which can take several days.
There's no universal maximum amount for a cashier's check. The limit depends on the issuing bank's policies and the funds you have available.
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