Can I Take a Cashiers Check Back to My Bank?

A cashier’s check is a payment instrument issued and guaranteed by a bank, drawing funds directly from the bank’s own account. This makes them a secure form of payment. Returning an uncashed cashier’s check to the issuing bank is generally possible, but subject to specific conditions.

Understanding Conditions for Return

Returning an uncashed cashier’s check depends on several conditions. The check must not have been deposited or cashed by the intended recipient, nor should it have been endorsed by the payee. You must possess the original, physical check, undamaged and unaltered. The request for return must be made at the bank that originally issued the cashier’s check. The bank will confirm the check’s status in its system, verifying that it remains uncashed before proceeding with any return.

Required Information and Documentation

Before visiting the bank to return a cashier’s check, you will need to gather specific information and documentation. This includes the original cashier’s check itself, ensuring it is undamaged and has not been endorsed by the payee. You will also need proof of purchase, such as a receipt, a debit memo, or a transaction record that confirms you bought the check. Additionally, a valid government-issued identification, like a driver’s license or passport, is required to confirm your identity as the purchaser.

The Return Process

Visit a branch of the issuing bank with all necessary documentation. You will present the original cashier’s check along with your identification and proof of purchase to a bank representative.

The bank will likely require you to complete specific forms, such as a cancellation request form. Some banks may also ask you to write a statement on the back of the check, indicating it was “not used for intended purpose.”

The bank will then verify the check’s status in their system, confirming it has not been cashed. Once verified, the funds are typically returned to your account, often immediately or within a few business days, though some banks may charge a small cancellation fee.

Handling Lost or Stolen Checks

Handling a lost or stolen cashier’s check is more involved due to its guaranteed nature. Immediately notify the issuing bank about the loss or theft.

You will typically be required to file a formal document, such as a “Declaration of Loss” or an “Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Official Check.” Banks often require the purchaser to obtain an indemnity bond for the full amount of the lost check.

This bond acts as an insurance policy, protecting the bank from financial loss if the original check is later found and cashed. The cost for such a bond typically ranges from 1% to 5% of the check’s value.

Even with an indemnity bond, a waiting period is usually imposed before funds can be reissued or returned. This period is commonly around 90 days from the check’s issue date.