How to Get a Cashier's Check From Bank of America

What a cashier's check is and why you might need one

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. Bank of America guarantees the funds are there because the bank has already taken the money from your account when you request it. This makes it safer than a personal check for large transactions — the recipient knows the payment won't bounce.

You might need a cashier's check for a down payment on a house, a car purchase, security deposits, or any situation where the person receiving the payment wants proof the money is may provide. Some landlords and sellers won't accept personal checks for amounts over a certain threshold, and a cashier's check solves that problem.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America issues cashier's checks at any branch during business hours, and you need to be a customer with a checking or savings account.
• You must provide the exact payee name, amount, and recipient information — you cannot leave the payee blank or make changes after the check is printed.
• The fee for a cashier's check at Bank of America is typically $10, though this may vary by account type or location.
• The bank withdraws the full amount from your account when ready when you request the check, so you need sufficient funds available.
• You receive the check the same day in most cases, though some branches may require advance notice for large orders.

How to request a cashier's check in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with your ID and debit card or account information. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. The teller will ask you for the payee name (the person or business the check is written to), the amount, and any other details about who will receive it.

Write down the exact spelling of the payee name before you hand it to the teller — misspellings can cause problems when the recipient tries to deposit or cash the check. If you're unsure of the exact legal name of a business, ask the person requesting the check to confirm it in writing.

The teller will confirm the amount and deduct it from your account on the spot. You'll pay the fee at this time as well. In most cases you'll receive the check when ready, though if you're ordering a large quantity or the branch is very busy, they may ask you to come back later that day or the next business day.

Getting a cashier's check without visiting a branch

Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks online or by mail through their standard digital banking platform. You must visit a physical branch or call ahead to arrange one. Some branches may allow you to call with your request and pick up the check later, but this varies by location — call your local branch to ask whether they offer this option.

If you cannot visit a branch in person, you can ask someone with power of attorney over your account to request the check on your behalf, or you can authorize a trusted person to pick it up using a written authorization letter and their ID. The person picking it up will need to show the teller your authorization and their own ID.

What information you need to provide

Before you go to the branch, gather the following details: the exact legal name of the payee (the person or business receiving the check), the amount in dollars and cents, and your Bank of America account number or debit card. You'll also need a valid ID.

If the check is for a business, confirm the exact legal name — "ABC Plumbing" and "ABC Plumbing Inc." are different entities, and using the wrong name can delay or prevent the recipient from cashing it. If you're paying a mortgage company, property management firm, or government agency, ask them to provide the exact payee name they need on the check.

Fees and account requirements

Bank of America charges a fee for each cashier's check, typically $10 per check. This fee may be waived if you have certain premium account types, such as Preferred Rewards or a higher-tier checking account. Ask your teller whether your account qualifies for a waived fee.

You must be a Bank of America customer with an active checking or savings account to request a cashier's check. The bank will deduct both the check amount and the fee from your account, so you need to have sufficient funds available. If your account is overdrawn or you don't have enough to cover the check plus the fee, the teller will let you know and you won't be able to complete the transaction.

What happens after you receive the check

Once you have the cashier's check, treat it like cash — it's as good as money to the recipient. Do not sign the back of the check unless the recipient specifically asks you to. If you lose it or it's stolen, contact Bank of America when ready with the check number so they can put a stop on it, though recovering the funds can take time and may not always be possible.

The recipient will deposit or cash the check at their own bank. Because it's drawn on Bank of America's account, any bank can process it. There's no special step you need to take once you hand over the check — your responsibility ends when you deliver it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I don't have a Bank of America account?

No. You must be a Bank of America customer with an active checking or savings account. If you don't have an account, you can open one at any branch, but you'll need to wait for it to be activated before you can request a cashier's check. Some banks will issue cashier's checks to non-customers for a higher fee, but Bank of America does not.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name?

You cannot change a cashier's check after it's printed. If you notice an error before leaving the branch, tell the teller when ready — they can void it and issue a new one, though you may be charged another fee. If you've already left, contact the branch right away. Once the check is in someone else's hands, you cannot stop it.

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

Cashier's checks typically clear within one to two business days because the funds are may provide by the bank. The recipient's bank may place a temporary hold while they verify the check, but it's usually shorter than the hold on a personal check. Ask the recipient's bank if you need a specific timeline.

Can I request a cashier's check over the phone?

Bank of America does not issue cashier's checks over the phone. You must visit a branch in person or arrange for an authorized person to pick one up on your behalf. Call your local branch to ask whether they allow advance phone orders that you can pick up later.

What if the amount is very large?

There's no maximum amount for a single cashier's check at Bank of America, but the branch must have enough cash on hand. For very large amounts — typically over $10,000 — call ahead to make sure the branch can prepare the check. The bank may also ask for additional information for large transactions due to federal reporting requirements.