Bank of America cashier's check fees
Bank of America charges $10 for a cashier's check if you have a Bank of America checking or savings account. If you don't have an account with them, the fee is $15. These are the standard fees as of now, though Bank of America can change them without notice.
The fee covers the check itself, the bank's processing, and the may provide that the funds are already set aside. When you order a cashier's check, Bank of America pulls the money from your account when ready and prints a check in the bank's name, which is why the recipient treats it as may provide payment.
You can order a cashier's check in person at any Bank of America branch, and most branches can print one while you wait. Some branches may need a day or two if they don't have blank stock on hand. You can also order by phone or through online banking if you have an account, though you'll still need to pick it up in person or have it mailed to you.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America charges $10 per cashier's check for account holders and $15 for non-account holders.
- The money is removed from your account when you order the check, not when the recipient cashes it.
- You can get a cashier's check the same day at most branches if you order in person.
- The recipient can cash or deposit a Bank of America cashier's check at any bank, and it will clear as may provide funds.
How to order a cashier's check at Bank of America
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the account you want to draw from. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check, give them the amount, and provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. You'll pay the $10 fee (or $15 if you don't have an account) at that time.
The teller will verify you have enough money in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee. If you do, they'll print the check and hand it to you. Most branches complete this in five to ten minutes. You can then give the check to whoever you're paying, and they can deposit or cash it at their own bank.
If you want to order by phone, call the Bank of America customer service number on the back of your debit card or from the Bank of America website. They can walk you through the process, but you'll still need to pick up the check in person at a branch or request it be mailed to you, which adds a few days.
When a cashier's check is worth the fee
A cashier's check makes sense when the person or business you're paying needs proof that the money is real and already set aside. Landlords often ask for cashier's checks for security deposits or large rent payments. Sellers in real estate transactions, car dealers, and contractors sometimes require them too.
A regular personal check can bounce if your account doesn't have enough money. A cashier's check cannot—the bank has already taken the money from your account and is guaranteeing it. That may provide is what the $10 fee covers, and it's what makes the recipient confident they won't lose the money.
If you're sending money to someone you trust and a regular check is acceptable, you don't need to pay the fee. But if the recipient is a stranger, a business, or someone who specifically asked for a cashier's check, the fee is a normal cost of the transaction.
Alternatives to Bank of America cashier's checks
If you bank elsewhere, your bank likely charges a similar fee—usually between $8 and $15 per check. Credit unions often charge less, sometimes $3 to $5, if you're a member. If you don't have a bank account anywhere, you can get a cashier's check at most banks even without an account, though the fee will be higher (Bank of America's non-account fee is $15).
A money order is another option and usually costs $1 to $5. You can buy one at the post office, grocery stores, or pharmacies. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks—they're may provide by the issuer—but they're limited to smaller amounts, usually $500 to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you'd need multiple money orders or a cashier's check.
A wire transfer is faster if both banks support it, though fees can be $15 to $30 and the money goes directly to the recipient's account rather than as a physical check. Bank transfers through apps like Zelle or your bank's own transfer system are free but only work if the recipient has an account at a participating bank.
What happens after you get the check
Once you have the cashier's check in hand, the money is gone from your account. You cannot cancel it or get it back unless you find the check and bring it back to Bank of America unused. If you lose the check, you'll need to contact Bank of America and request a replacement, which may take several days and could involve a fee.
The person you give the check to can deposit it at their bank or cash it at any bank, even if they don't have an account there. It will clear as may provide funds, usually within one to two business days. Once it clears, the money is theirs and you cannot reverse the transaction.
Keep a record of the check number and amount in case you need to track it later. If the recipient says they never received it, you can contact Bank of America with the check number and they can tell you whether it was cashed and by whom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the branch?
You can order one by phone or through online banking, but you must pick it up in person at a branch or request it be mailed to you. Mailing takes several business days. There is no way to receive a cashier's check electronically or have it sent directly to the recipient.
What if I don't have enough money in my account for the check plus the fee?
The teller will tell you the account doesn't have sufficient funds and won't print the check. You'll need to deposit more money first or reduce the check amount. The $10 fee is separate from the check amount, so you need both.
Is a cashier's check the same as a certified check?
No. A certified check is your personal check that the bank stamps to confirm the funds are there. A cashier's check is printed by the bank itself in the bank's name. Cashier's checks are considered safer because the bank is the payer, not you. Most people asking for a "may provide" check want a cashier's check.
Can I stop payment on a cashier's check?
Not easily. Unlike a personal check, you cannot straightforward call the bank and cancel it. You would need to contact Bank of America and request a stop payment, which may take time and could be denied if the check has already been cashed. It's much harder to reverse than a personal check.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear?
Most banks clear a Bank of America cashier's check within one to two business days. Because it's may provide by the bank, it clears faster than a personal check. The recipient's bank may hold it slightly longer if they're cautious, but it should be available within a few days.