Bank of America offers cashier's checks at all full-service branches, and you can order one in person or by phone

Bank of America (BOA) issues cashier's checks the same way most banks do: you provide the funds, the bank guarantees the check with its own name, and the payee receives a document backed by the bank rather than your personal account. At BOA, you can walk into any branch with cash or ask them to debit your account, or you can call ahead to arrange one by phone. The check is ready the same day in most cases, though some branches may need a business day if you call after hours.

The main reason to use BOA for a cashier's check is convenience if you already bank there. You do not need to visit a different institution, and the teller can pull funds directly from your account without you carrying cash. BOA does charge a fee — the amount varies by state and account type, but typically ranges from $10 to $15. Some account holders with premium checking plans may have the fee waived.

Key Takeaways

  • You can obtain a cashier's check at any Bank of America branch by providing the payee name, amount, and funds to cover it.
  • Bank of America charges a fee for cashier's checks, usually between $10 and $15, though some premium account holders may not pay it.
  • Most BOA branches issue cashier's checks same-day if you arrive during business hours, but calling ahead ensures the teller has time to prepare it.
  • You will need a valid ID and the exact payee name spelled correctly to prevent the check from being rejected or delayed.

What you need to bring to a Bank of America branch

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your identity before issuing the check. You also need to know the exact name of the payee, spelled correctly. If the name is misspelled, the payee may not be able to cash or deposit the check, or the bank may refuse to issue it at all.

If you are paying from a BOA account, bring your debit card or account number so the teller can debit the funds when ready. If you are paying in cash, bring the full amount plus the fee. Some branches have limits on how much cash they will accept in a single transaction, so if you need a very large cashier's check, call ahead to confirm the branch can handle it.

How to order a cashier's check by phone

Call the Bank of America customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch to get the direct number for your local branch. Tell the representative you want to order a cashier's check and provide the payee name, amount, and your account number. The teller will ask you to come in within a set timeframe — usually a few business days — to pick it up and sign the check in person.

Ordering by phone does not speed up the process much, but it does let you confirm the branch has the funds available and gives the teller time to prepare the paperwork. You still pay the same fee and must show ID when you arrive. Some branches may ask you to confirm the order in writing or online before they issue it, so ask what their process is when you call.

Bank of America cashier's check fees and account discounts

The standard fee for a BOA cashier's check is $10 to $15, depending on your state and account type. Some states regulate bank fees more strictly than others, so the exact amount may differ slightly where you live. Check with your branch or BOA's website for your state's fee.

If you hold a BOA Preferred Rewards account or certain premium checking plans, the fee may be waived entirely. Ask the teller whether your account qualifies for a fee waiver before you pay. If you are not sure what type of account you have, the teller can look it up using your ID and account number.

Timing: same-day vs. delayed issuance

Most Bank of America branches issue cashier's checks the same day you request them, as long as you arrive during business hours and the branch has the funds available. If you call late in the day or on a Friday afternoon, the branch may ask you to pick it up the next business day. Branches close at different times — typically 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and noon or 1 p.m. on Saturdays — so arriving early in the day increases the chance of same-day issuance.

If you need the check urgently, call your branch in the morning and ask whether they can have it ready by a specific time. This gives the teller a clear important date and reduces the risk of delays. Do not assume a branch will issue a check on a holiday or weekend, even if the branch is technically open.

What happens after you receive the check

Once the teller hands you the cashier's check, sign the back in the presence of the teller or a witness — BOA may require this before releasing it. Do not sign it before you leave the branch unless the teller explicitly tells you to. The check is now a negotiable instrument, meaning anyone who holds it can cash or deposit it, so treat it like cash and deliver it to the payee as soon as possible.

If you lose the check or it is stolen, contact BOA when ready. The bank can place a stop payment on it, but you may have to wait 90 days or longer before the bank will issue a replacement, depending on BOA's policy. Some banks require you to sign an affidavit stating the check was lost or stolen before they will reissue it.

Alternatives if Bank of America is not convenient

If you do not have a BOA account or the nearest branch is far away, other banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks with similar fees and timelines. Some check-cashing services and money transfer businesses also issue cashier's checks, though their fees may be higher. If you need a cashier's check for a real estate transaction or large purchase, ask the payee whether they will accept a certified check from your own bank instead — a certified check is often faster and cheaper to obtain.

If you need the check within hours and BOA cannot accommodate you, a wire transfer or ACH transfer may be faster, though those methods have different fees and are not suitable for all situations. Ask the payee what payment methods they accept before you commit to a cashier's check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check at a Bank of America ATM?

No. Cashier's checks must be issued by a teller at a branch, not at an ATM. You must visit a full-service BOA branch during business hours and speak to a person. Some branches may offer limited hours, so call ahead to confirm when your nearest branch is open.

What if I do not have a Bank of America account?

Most banks, including BOA, will issue a cashier's check to non-customers, but you must pay in cash and the fee may be higher. Bring a valid ID and the exact amount in cash plus the fee. Call your nearest BOA branch first to confirm they will serve non-customers and what their fee is.

Can the payee be a business or organization instead of a person?

Yes. Provide the exact legal name of the business or organization, spelled correctly. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the payee to provide it in writing before you go to the bank. A misspelled business name can cause the check to be rejected.

What if I change my mind after the check is issued?

You can place a stop payment on a BOA cashier's check, but the bank may charge a fee and require you to sign an affidavit. The process takes time, so contact the bank when ready if you need to cancel. Do not assume you can straightforward void the check yourself — only the bank can do that.

How long is a Bank of America cashier's check valid?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but some states have laws requiring banks to turn over uncashed checks to the state after a certain period, usually five to seven years. If a check has not been cashed within that time, the payee may need to contact BOA to reissue it. Ask the payee to cash or deposit the check promptly to avoid this issue.