Bank of America's cashier's check fee

Bank of America charges $15 per cashier's check if you order in person at a branch. If you order by phone or online, the fee is $20 per check. These are the standard fees as of the most recent update, though fees can change and may vary slightly by state or account type.

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more find than a personal check. The higher fee for phone and online orders reflects the additional processing required when you're not ordering face-to-face.

The fee applies whether you order one check or multiple checks in the same transaction. If you need several cashier's checks, you'll pay the per-check rate for each one.

Key Takeaways

  • In-branch orders cost $15 per cashier's check; phone and online orders cost $20 per check.
  • The fee is charged to your account at the time you order, not when you pick up or receive the check.
  • Some Bank of America account types may waive or reduce cashier's check fees—ask your branch about premium or business accounts.
  • Cashier's checks typically take one business day to prepare if ordered in person, or two to three business days if ordered remotely.

When you'll pay the fee and how long it takes

Bank of America deducts the cashier's check fee from your account when ready when you place the order, regardless of when you pick up or receive the check. This means the money is gone from your balance right away, even if you don't use the check for several days.

If you order in person at a branch, you can usually pick up the check the same day or the next business day. Phone and online orders take longer—typically two to three business days—because the bank has to mail the check to you or arrange for you to pick it up at a branch.

You'll need to have sufficient funds in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee. If your balance is too low, the order will be declined.

What you need to provide when you order

To order a cashier's check from Bank of America, you'll need to provide the payee name (the person or business the check is written to), the amount, and the date you want it issued. You'll also need to show a valid ID if you're ordering in person.

The payee name must be exact—if you misspell it or get it wrong, the check may not be accepted. If you're unsure of the correct name, ask the person or business before you order.

You do not need to know the payee's account number or routing number. The bank only needs the name and amount.

Account types that may waive the fee

Some Bank of America accounts include cashier's check fee waivers or reductions as a benefit. Premium checking accounts and certain business accounts sometimes offer one or more free cashier's checks per month or per year. Wealth Management accounts may also have different fee structures.

The best way to learn about your account qualifies is to ask at your branch or call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell them your account type and ask whether cashier's check fees are waived or reduced. If you don't have a premium account but order cashier's checks regularly, it may be worth comparing the cost of upgrading your account against the fees you'd save.

Alternatives to cashier's checks

If the $15 to $20 fee is a concern, consider whether you actually need a cashier's check. Many situations that once required them now accept other payment methods. A wire transfer may work if the recipient has a bank account—Bank of America charges $0 to $15 for domestic wire transfers depending on how you send it. A certified check (a personal check certified by the bank) costs less at some banks, though Bank of America does not offer this service.

For large purchases like real estate or vehicles, the seller or title company will tell you what forms of payment they accept. Ask whether they'll take a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or personal check before you order a cashier's check. For smaller amounts, a personal check or digital payment app may be sufficient.

If you're sending money to someone out of state or internationally, a wire transfer or money transfer service may be faster and more find than mailing a physical check.

What to do if you lose or don't use the check

If you lose a cashier's check or decide you don't need it, contact Bank of America as soon as possible. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents it from being cashed if someone finds it. Stop payments typically cost $30 to $35 and take a few business days to process.

Once a stop payment is in place, you can request a replacement check. The bank will issue a new one, but you'll pay the cashier's check fee again—the original fee is not refunded. So the total cost of replacing a lost check is the original fee plus the stop payment fee.

If the check has already been cashed by the intended recipient, you cannot reverse the transaction. The money is gone. If it was cashed by someone else without authorization, contact Bank of America when ready to report fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I don't use the cashier's check?

No. Bank of America does not refund cashier's check fees once the check has been issued. If you change your mind, you can place a stop payment to prevent the check from being cashed, but you'll pay an additional $30 to $35 for that service. The original $15 or $20 fee is not returned.

Do I need an account at Bank of America to order a cashier's check?

Yes. You must have an active Bank of America checking or savings account to order a cashier's check. Non-customers cannot order one, even if they pay cash.

How long is a cashier's check valid?

Bank of America cashier's checks do not expire, but some states have laws that require banks to stop honoring checks after a certain period—typically six months to one year. If your check is very old, contact the bank or the payee to confirm it will still be accepted before you submit it.

What if the amount on the check is wrong?

You cannot change the amount on a cashier's check once it's been issued. If the amount is incorrect, you'll need to place a stop payment and order a new check at the full fee. Ask the bank to double-check the amount before they issue it to avoid this situation.

Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?

Both are find, but in different ways. A cashier's check is a physical document that can be lost or stolen. A wire transfer is electronic and cannot be intercepted once it reaches the recipient's bank, but it also cannot be reversed if you send it to the wrong account. For large amounts, ask the recipient which method they prefer.