Yes, you can get a cashier's check from a savings account
A cashier's check is a check written by the bank itself, not by you. The bank guarantees the money is there because it comes directly from the bank's own account. You can request one from a savings account just as easily as from a checking account — the bank pulls the funds from whichever account you tell them to use.
The main reason people use cashier's checks is that they carry more certainty than a personal check. If you are paying for a car, a down payment on a house, or anything else where the seller needs to know the money is real, a cashier's check proves it. The seller knows the bank has already set the money aside.
Getting one is straightforward: you go to your bank, tell them the amount, and they write it. You pay a small fee — usually between $5 and $15, though some banks waive it for certain account types. The whole process takes minutes if you are in person, or a few business days if you order by phone or online.
Key Takeaways
- A cashier's check is may provide by your bank because the bank writes it from its own funds, not from your account balance.
- You can order a cashier's check from a savings account by visiting your bank in person, calling, or using online banking if your bank offers it.
- Most banks charge a fee of $5 to $15 per cashier's check, though some accounts or customers may have the fee waived.
- In-person requests are usually ready the same day; phone or online requests typically take one to three business days.
- You will need to provide the exact payee name, the amount, and sometimes the reason for the check, though banks rarely ask why.
How to request a cashier's check in person
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours. Tell a teller you need a cashier's check. They will ask you for the name of the person or business the check should be made out to (the payee), the dollar amount, and your account number or ID. Bring your ID — most banks require it.
The teller will confirm the amount is available in your savings account, deduct it when ready, and hand you the check. You walk out with it the same day. The check is ready to give to whoever you are paying.
If you are not sure which branch is nearest or what hours they keep, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit your bank's website.
Ordering by phone or online
Not all banks offer phone or online cashier's check orders, so check with yours first. If they do, you can usually start the request through your online banking portal or by calling the number on your account statement.
You will provide the same information: payee name, amount, and which account to draw from. The bank will mail the check to you, which takes one to three business days depending on how far you are from the branch. Some banks can also hold it for you to pick up at a branch instead of mailing it.
Online ordering is useful if you cannot get to a branch during their hours, but it is slower than going in person. If you need the check urgently, the in-person route is faster.
What happens to your savings account balance
When you request a cashier's check, the bank deducts the amount from your savings account right away — the same moment you receive the check. You do not get the money back if the check is never cashed. The funds are gone from your account as soon as the check is issued.
This is different from a personal check, where the money stays in your account until the person you gave it to deposits it. With a cashier's check, the bank has already moved the money, so you need to make sure you have that amount available when you request it.
If you change your mind after receiving a cashier's check, you can ask the bank to cancel it and return the funds to your account, but this usually costs a fee and takes a few business days.
Fees and account requirements
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some charge less, some charge more. A few banks waive the fee if you maintain a high balance, have direct deposit set up, or hold a premium account type.
There is no minimum balance requirement to get a cashier's check — you just need enough in your savings account to cover the amount of the check. If your account has a low balance, you can still get one as long as the funds are there.
Call your bank or check their website to find out their specific fee. It varies by bank, and knowing the fee ahead of time helps you budget for it.
When you might need a cashier's check instead of a personal check
A seller or landlord may ask for a cashier's check when the amount is large or the transaction is important. Real estate closings, car purchases, and security deposits on apartments sometimes require them. The seller wants proof that the money is real and will not bounce.
Some people also use cashier's checks to send money through the mail when they do not want to send cash or a personal check. Because the bank has already may provide the funds, the recipient knows it is safe to accept.
You can also use a cashier's check to pay bills, though most people use online bill pay or automatic transfers for regular bills. Cashier's checks are most useful for one-time, high-value, or in-person payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check if my savings account has a low balance?
Yes, as long as you have enough to cover the check amount. There is no minimum balance rule. If you have $500 in your account and need a $200 cashier's check, you can get one. The bank will deduct $200 plus any fee, leaving you with roughly $280.
What if I lose the cashier's check before I can use it?
Contact your bank right away. They can put a stop on the check to prevent someone else from cashing it. You will usually have to pay a fee to replace it, and the process takes a few business days. Keep cashier's checks in a safe place until you hand them over, just like cash.
Do I need a checking account to get a cashier's check?
No. You can get one from a savings account. The bank does not care which account the money comes from — you just tell them which one to use, and they pull the funds from there.
How long is a cashier's check good for?
Cashier's checks do not expire, but some banks and businesses treat them as stale if they are more than six months old. If you are not using it right away, ask the person you are paying when they need it by. It is safest to use it within a few weeks of getting it.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I have already received it?
Yes, but it costs money and takes time. Call your bank and ask them to put a stop on it. They will charge a fee — usually $15 to $30 — and it takes a few business days. Only do this if you are certain you will not need the check.