Bank of America charges for cashier's checks, and the fee depends on your account type

Bank of America does charge a fee for cashier's checks. The cost is typically $10 for most customers, though some account holders pay less or nothing. If you have a premium account—like a Preferred Rewards or a higher-tier checking account—you may have the fee waived entirely. The exact fee structure varies, so calling your local branch or checking your account agreement is the fastest way to know what you'll pay.

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours. The bank guarantees the funds are there, which is why the recipient trusts it more than a personal check. That may provide is what you're paying for when you request one.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America typically charges $10 per cashier's check, though the fee may be waived if you hold certain premium accounts.
  • You need to visit a branch in person to request a cashier's check; you cannot order one online or by phone.
  • The bank will deduct the funds from your account immediately, so you must have the full amount available before you request it.
  • Cashier's checks usually take one business day to prepare, though some branches can issue them the same day if you arrive early.

How to get a cashier's check at Bank of America

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your debit card or ID and tell the teller you need a cashier's check. Bring the exact amount you want the check for, plus the $10 fee (unless your account waives it). You'll need to know the payee's name—the person or business the check is written to—and you can write a memo line if you want, but that's optional.

The teller will pull the funds from your account right away and issue the check on the spot or within one business day, depending on the branch and the time you arrive. If you go early in the morning, many branches can hand it to you the same day. If you go late in the afternoon, expect to pick it up the next business day.

You cannot order a cashier's check online or by phone through Bank of America. The branch visit is required.

What happens to your account when you request one

The moment the teller issues the cashier's check, Bank of America deducts the full amount plus the fee from your checking account. This is different from a personal check, where the money stays in your account until the recipient cashes it. With a cashier's check, the bank takes the money immediately because it is now the bank's responsibility to pay the recipient.

If you don't have enough funds in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee, the bank will not issue it. Make sure your balance is high enough before you go to the branch.

When cashier's checks make sense versus other payment methods

A cashier's check is useful when the recipient needs proof that the money is may provide. Landlords often ask for cashier's checks for security deposits. Sellers in real estate transactions sometimes require them. Courts may ask for them when you're paying a judgment. Personal checks don't carry that same may provide, so recipients are more likely to refuse them.

If you're paying someone you trust and they'll accept a personal check or a bank transfer, those cost nothing or less. A wire transfer through Bank of America costs around $15 to $30 depending on whether it's domestic or international, so a cashier's check is cheaper for domestic payments. ACH transfers (electronic transfers between bank accounts) are free but take several business days.

If the recipient needs the money fast and wants a may provide, a cashier's check is usually the right choice.

What to do if you lose the cashier's check

If you lose a cashier's check after the bank issues it, contact your Bank of America branch immediately. The bank can put a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You'll likely have to wait a set period—often 90 days—to make sure no one tries to cash the original. After that waiting period, the bank will issue you a replacement check for the same amount.

There may be a fee for the stop payment and replacement, though some branches waive it if the check was lost through no fault of your own. Ask the teller what the cost will be before you proceed.

Comparing Bank of America to other banks

Most major banks charge between $7 and $15 for a cashier's check. Wells Fargo charges around $10. Chase charges $10 to $15 depending on the account. Credit unions often charge less—sometimes $3 to $5—and some waive the fee for members. If you use cashier's checks often, switching to a credit union or a bank with a premium account that waives the fee might save you money over time.

The fee itself is not negotiable at Bank of America, but your account type determines whether you pay it. If you're a frequent user of cashier's checks, ask your banker whether upgrading to a Preferred Rewards account or another premium tier would pay for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without going to a branch?

No. Bank of America requires you to visit a branch in person to request a cashier's check. You cannot order one online, by phone, or through the mobile app. The teller needs to verify your identity and confirm you have the funds available.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check?

Most branches issue cashier's checks the same day if you arrive in the morning. If you go late in the afternoon, expect to pick it up the next business day. Call your branch ahead of time if you need it urgently and want to confirm they can issue it same-day.

What if my account has a fee waiver—do I still pay $10?

No. If your Bank of America account includes a cashier's check fee waiver (common in Preferred Rewards and premium checking accounts), you pay nothing. Check your account agreement or call your branch to confirm whether your account qualifies.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after it's issued?

Yes, but only through a stop payment. Contact your branch and ask them to stop payment on the check. You'll wait 90 days to ensure no one cashes it, then the bank will refund the amount. There may be a fee for this service.

What if the recipient never cashes the cashier's check?

The funds are gone from your account once the check is issued. If the recipient never cashes it, the money stays with Bank of America indefinitely. You would need to contact the recipient and ask them to return the check, or request a stop payment and replacement if the check is lost or uncashed for a very long time.