Getting a Cashier's Check at Bank of America

What you need to do to get a cashier's check at Bank of America

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your debit card or account information, tell the teller you want a cashier's check, and provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. The teller will ask how much the check should be for, confirm the payee name, take a fee (which varies by account type and state), and hand you the check — usually within minutes. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours. Because the bank guarantees the funds, the person receiving it knows the money is good. This makes cashier's checks useful for large purchases, security deposits, or any situation where the recipient wants certainty the check will not bounce.

Bank of America issues cashier's checks the same day you request them at any of its branches. You can also order them by phone or online if you prefer not to visit in person, though you will still need to pick up the check at a branch or have it mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any branch during business hours, and you receive them the same day you request them.
• You must be a Bank of America customer with an account or have a debit card to request a cashier's check in person.
• The fee for a cashier's check at Bank of America ranges depending on your account type, with some accounts waiving the fee entirely.
• You need to know the exact name of the payee and the amount before you go to the teller, as changes after the check is issued are not possible.
• If you cannot visit a branch, you can order a cashier's check by phone or through your online account and pick it up later or request it be mailed.

What information the teller will ask for

The teller needs three pieces of information: the exact name of the payee (the person or business receiving the check), the amount, and your account information. Write down the payee name exactly as it should appear on the check — misspellings or abbreviations the recipient does not recognize can cause problems when they try to deposit it. If you are unsure of the correct legal name, ask the recipient before you go to the bank.

You will also need to provide the amount in dollars and cents. The teller will not issue a check for a blank amount or "to be determined later." If the amount might change, wait until you know the final figure before requesting the check.

Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can pull up your account and confirm you are authorized to request the check. If you are not a Bank of America customer, you cannot order a cashier's check from the bank.

How much the fee costs

Bank of America charges a fee for cashier's checks, but the amount depends on your account type. Customers with certain premium accounts, such as Preferred Rewards accounts at higher tiers, may have the fee waived. Standard checking account holders typically pay a fee, though the exact amount varies by state and can change.

Call your local Bank of America branch or log into your online account to find out the current fee for your specific account type. The fee is usually between $10 and $15, but you should confirm before you go to the teller so you are not surprised at the counter.

The fee is deducted from your account at the time you request the check. If you do not have enough funds to cover both the check amount and the fee, the teller will let you know and you can add funds or adjust the check amount.

Ordering a cashier's check without visiting a branch

If you cannot visit a branch in person, you can order a cashier's check by calling Bank of America's customer service line or through your online banking account. When you order by phone, a representative will ask for the same information the teller would need: the payee name, the amount, and your account details.

After you place the order, you have two options for receiving the check. You can pick it up at any Bank of America branch (usually within one to two business days), or you can request that it be mailed to your address. Mailed checks typically arrive within five to seven business days, so plan ahead if you have a important date.

The fee still applies whether you order in person, by phone, or online. The process is the same — the bank deducts the fee from your account when the check is issued.

What happens after the check is issued

Once the teller hands you the cashier's check, it is yours to use. Write down the check number in case you need to track it later. If the check is lost or stolen, contact Bank of America right away — the bank can place a stop payment on it and issue a replacement, though there may be an additional fee for the replacement.

Do not write anything on the check yourself. The bank has already filled in the payee name, amount, and signature. If you need to make changes — such as correcting the payee name or amount — you cannot do it. You will have to return the check to the bank and request a new one, which may involve another fee.

Give the check to the recipient as soon as possible. Cashier's checks do not expire, but holding onto one for months or years can raise questions when the recipient tries to deposit it. Most banks will accept a cashier's check without issue regardless of how old it is, but some may ask why there was such a long delay.

If you need the check mailed instead of picked up

Bank of America can mail a cashier's check to your address on file. When you request the check — whether in person, by phone, or online — ask the teller or representative to mail it rather than having you pick it up. The check will be sent to the address associated with your account.

Mailed checks take longer than in-person pickup. Plan for five to seven business days for delivery, longer if you are mailing it during a holiday period. If you have a specific important date, picking up the check at a branch is faster and more reliable.

If the check does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Bank of America customer service. They can track the mailing and issue a replacement if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is getting the payee name wrong. Once the check is printed, you cannot change it. If the recipient's name is misspelled or abbreviated differently than they expect, they may have trouble depositing it. Call the recipient and confirm the exact legal name before you go to the teller.

Another mistake is not having enough money in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee. If your account balance is too low, the teller will decline the request. Check your balance before you go, or bring a debit card from another account you can use to transfer funds.

Do not assume all Bank of America branches are open at the same hours. Some branches have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Call ahead or check the branch locator on Bank of America's website to confirm hours before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America only issues cashier's checks to customers with an active account. If you do not have an account, you will need to open one first, which typically takes a few minutes at any branch. Alternatively, you can visit a different bank where you do have an account.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name after the check is printed?

You cannot change a cashier's check once it is issued. You will have to return it to the bank and request a new one with the correct name. The bank may charge another fee for the replacement, so it is worth taking time to confirm the payee name before the teller prints the check.

How long does a cashier's check stay valid?

Cashier's checks do not expire. However, some banks may question a very old check or require additional verification before depositing it. It is best to deliver the check to the recipient as soon as possible after you receive it.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I have received it?

Yes, but it requires a stop payment request. Contact Bank of America and provide the check number. There is usually a fee for this service, and the bank will issue a replacement check if you need one. The process typically takes a few business days.

What if the cashier's check is lost or stolen?

Contact Bank of America when ready and request a stop payment on the check number. The bank can issue a replacement, though there may be a fee. Provide as much detail as you can about when and where the check was lost.