In this post I’ll answer the “Where can I get a cashier’s check near me?” and other questions about the so called “Official Check“.
Although debit cards, credit cards, and digital payment options like PayPal are popular forms of payment, sometimes, especially for larger purchases, some people prefer to use a check. But for larger transactions, Cashier’s checks are often preferred because they are backed by bank or credit union funds. Not only that, cashier’s checks usually clear faster than your regular checks.
You might use a cashier’s check to:
- Purchase a car
- Make a down payment on a home
- Buy a boat
- Pay closing costs for a mortgage
- Purchase a piece of land
Basically, cashier’s checks aren’t used for everyday transactions, but rather larger payments where the payee wants to ensure that the check won’t bounce.
So where can you get a cashier’s check near you?
Table of Contents
What is a Cashier’s Check?
A cashier’s check is a type of check that is guaranteed by a bank. It is drawn on the bank’s own funds, rather than yours. Cashier’s checks are written in the bank’s name and are usually signed by a teller.
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Now, with a cashier’s check, the bank is responsible for paying the amount to the payee. Cashier’s checks are commonly used in real estate and brokerage transactions.
How do Cashier’s checks work?
When you request a cashier’s check to pay either a business or an individual, the financial institution first checks your account to ensure you have the amount you need to pay available.
This amount is then withdrawn from your account and deposited into the bank’s account.
It’s important to note that the bank may charge a fee to issue a cashier’s check for you.
Once you have paid the bank the funds needed to cover the check, the financial institution will print the cashier’s check with the payee’s name, and the amount that’s to be paid.
The bank’s account number is printed in place of your bank account and routing number.
When the payee deposits a cashier’s check, the funds used to pay it are drawn from the bank’s account.
Why use a cashier’s check?
There are several reasons for using a cashier’s check in place of a personal check.
They offer many more benefits and protections that you don’t get with personal checks or cash payments.
Here are some reasons you’d want to use a cashier’s check:
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- Cashier’s checks are often the preferred payment method for large transactions since they are backed by bank or credit union funds.
- They usually clear faster than regular checks, which, again, means they’re often a preferred payment method for big transactions.
- Provided that the cashier’s check is authentic, the risk of the check bouncing is nonexistent. And, if the check were to bounce, it would be the bank, and not you, that is held responsible.
- Cashier’s checks are considered to be safer than personal checks or using debit cards because the funds are guaranteed.
How much does a cashier’s check cost?
At most banks and credit unions, you can expect to pay a flat fee of between $5 and $15 for a cashier’s check.
However, if you have a certain balance or type of checking account, then fees might be waived. Many financial institutions include cashier’s checks in their account memberships. Others might charge account holders a small fee.
The cost will depend on the bank you use and whether or not you have an account.
How to Get a Cashier’s Check: What You’ll Need
To get a cashier’s check, you will need to take certain documents with you to the financial institution.
When you ask for a cashier’s check, you won’t receive a blank check like you would when you get a personal check.
Instead, the financial institution will fill out the check with the information you provide.
Here’s what you’ll need to take with you when you request a cashier’s check:
Identification
You will need to take some form of personal identification with you. This could be a driver’s license or passport and bank account number or ATM card.
Payment
You will need to have sufficient funds to pay for the cashier’s check.
Payee information
Also required is the information for the check recipient. So, this is the person or company the bank or credit union should make the check payable to.
Money for the fee
If the bank or credit union charges fees, you will need to ensure you have money for the cashier’s check fee.
Where to Get a Cashier’s Check
Cashier’s checks are issued by financial institutions. So, unlike money orders, you won’t be able to purchase a cashier’s check at a gas station, convenience store, or post office.
If you want to get a cashier’s check, you can do so from the following places:
Banks
You can get cashier’s checks at your local bank. Most of the time, you will need to have a checking or savings account with the bank to get a cashier’s check at your local branch.
That’s not to say that you can’t get a cashier’s check if you don’t have a bank account, but I’ll cover that more below.
Here are some banks that offer cashier’s checks:
1. Ally Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: None
2. Bank of America
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $15. Fee is waived for Preferred Rewards members
3. BBVA
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
4. Capital One Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
5. Chase Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $8. Fee is waived for Premier Plus & Platinum account holders.
6. Citibank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10. Fee is waived for Citi Priority & Citigold account holders.
7. Citizens Bank & Trust
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
8. Comerica Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
9. Fidelity
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $8
10. Fifth Third Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $7. Fee is waived for Preferred & Private Bank account holders.
11. HSBC
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: Fee is waived for Basic & Choice members.
12. Huntington Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $6
13. KeyBank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $8. Fee is waived for Privilege & Privilege Select account holders.
14. M&T Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
15. PNC Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10. Fee is waived for Performance & Performance Select account holders.
16. Regions Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
17. SunTrust Bank
- Account needed: No
- Fees: $8 and $15 for non-account holders. Fee is waived for Signature Advantage, Advantage Checking, & Exclusive Checking accounts.
18. TD Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $8. Fee is waived for most checking, savings, and money market accounts.
19. Union Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $3
20. USAA
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10
21. US Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10. Fee is waived for military service members.
22. Wells Fargo
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10. Fee is waived for Preferred, Premier, & Portfolio Checking
23. Woodforest National Bank
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $10 fee
Credit Unions
You can also get cashier’s checks from credit unions.
24. Alliant Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: None
25. BECU
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $5
26. Chartway Federal Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $3
27. Navy Federal Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $5
28. Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $5
29. PenFed Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: None
30. Tucson Federal Credit Union
- Account needed: Yes
- Fees: $3
How to get a cashier’s check without a bank account
If you don’t have an account with a bank or credit union, it can be a little more difficult to obtain a cashier’s check. It’s not impossible though.
There are a couple of banks that will allow you to purchase this type of check without requiring you to be an account holder.
For example, Huntington Bank will allow you to get a cashier’s check without a checking account, but you may need another type of bank account, like a traditional deposit account, loan, or investment account.
If you have insurance, a safe deposit box, or a credit card with Huntington, you should be able to get a cashier’s check without a traditional deposit account. SunTrust also allows you to get cashier’s checks without a bank account.
Can I get a cashier’s check at Walmart?
No, you cannot get a cashier’s check at Walmart. They can only be obtained at banks and credit unions. You can, however, cash a cashier’s check at Walmart.
Alternatives to a Cashier’s Check
Okay, so if you can’t get a cashier’s check or if the payee doesn’t want to accept a cashier’s check, there are some other forms of payment that you can consider:
Certified checks
A certified check is like a cashier’s check, but it’s drawn directly against your account. Basically, it’s a personal check, but it’s signed by both you and the bank.
During the certification process, the bank will verify that sufficient funds are in the account to cover the check and your signature. This can make certified checks a more secure form of payment than a regular personal check.
Money orders
A money order functions like a check, but it’s a more trusted payment method. This is because money orders are pre-paid, meaning they are only issued once a buyer has paid for the money order.
Because you specify the name of the recipient on the money order, it’s almost impossible to steal your money. Thus, you’re protected from theft.
Much like a check, money orders are written for a specific amount of money.
Unlike checks, money orders don’t bounce. And, you don’t need a bank account to get a money order either.
Money orders can also be cheaper than cashier’s checks, costing just $1.50 or less in most cases.
Finally, they are much more convenient to get. Unlike cashier’s checks, which can only be obtained at banks and credit unions, money orders can be purchased at a wide variety of places, such as supermarkets, gas stations, and the post office.
Wire transfers
A wire transfer is an electronic payment service where funds are transferred by wire, such as through SWIFT, the Clearing House Interbank Payments System, or the Federal Reserve Wire Network.
A wire transfer can be made from one bank account to another bank account, or through a transfer of cash at a cash office.
With a wire transfer, you send money electronically directly from your account to someone else’s, so no check is needed.
While it’s convenient, there are a couple of downsides to wire transfers. Firstly, wire transfers are more expensive than cashier’s checks.
While a cashier’s check will only cost you $5 to $15, a wire transfer will cost you $15 to $50.
Secondly, wire transfers aren’t always instant. Within the US funds may be available within a few hours or one business day. But, it can take several days for an international wire transfer to be completed, and that may not be ideal for your payee if the money is needed quickly.
Money transfer apps
Money transfer apps allow you to send funds digitally. Many allow you to transfer money for free. Some allow international payments as well. And, with some apps, you can send money instantly.
Some popular money transfer apps include PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
What if a Cashier’s Check is Lost or Stolen?
If you lose a cashier’s check, you may be able to get the bank to issue you a new one. However, the bank will require you to get an indemnity bond. This bond ensures that the bank won’t be liable for paying the second check as well as the first.
If the lost check is found and cashed, you’ll be responsible for that particular check, and not the bank. This isn’t a quick process either. After you purchase an indemnity bond, the bank may have a waiting period of 30 to 90 days before it will issue you a replacement check. You can purchase an indemnity bond through an insurance broker.
You may be able to stop payment on a lost cashier’s check, depending on the bank that issued the check. Many banks allow you to initiate a stop payment over the phone or online, but it’s best to call the bank to ask about its policies on cashier’s checks.
Do be aware though that if you’re stopping payment on a cashier’s check, the bank still might require you to purchase an indemnity bond, and that you’ll likely have to pay a fee for stopping the payment. This could be around $30 or more. Plus, you may have to wait up to 180 days for the bank to refund the money to your account.
Closing Thoughts
Cashier’s checks can be obtained at banks and credit unions, So, if you’ve wanted to know, “Where can I get a cashier’s check near me?” make sure you visit one of the banks or credit unions on our list above.
And, don’t forget to take those documents, like your ID with you.
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