How to Make a Cashier’s Check Step-by-Step

A cashier’s check is a secure payment method, drawn directly on the bank’s own funds. This ensures the payment will not bounce. Cashier’s checks are commonly used for significant transactions, such as purchasing a vehicle or making a down payment on a home. Their security features, including watermarks and bank signatures, reduce fraud risk compared to personal checks.

Information and Materials Needed

Before visiting a bank, gather specific details. You will need the exact amount for the check, as cashier’s checks cannot be issued blank. The full legal name of the payee, the individual or entity receiving the check, is also required. This information is printed directly on the check, ensuring it can only be cashed or deposited by the intended recipient.

You must have sufficient funds to cover the check’s full amount and any associated fees. These funds are typically withdrawn directly from your bank account or paid in cash at issuance. A government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, is mandatory for identity verification. While some banks allow non-customers to obtain a cashier’s check, it is generally more straightforward at a financial institution where you hold an account.

The Process of Obtaining a Cashier’s Check

Obtaining a cashier’s check typically involves an in-person visit to a bank branch. Approach a teller or customer service representative and request a cashier’s check. The teller will ask for the exact amount, the full legal name of the payee, and your government-issued identification.

After providing these details, you will authorize the transfer of funds from your account or hand over the cash. The bank will then issue the cashier’s check, signed by a bank representative. Before leaving, carefully review the check for accuracy, verifying the payee’s name, the amount, and the date. A small fee, typically ranging from $5 to $20, is charged for this service. You will receive the official cashier’s check along with a receipt as proof of the transaction.

Key Considerations After Obtaining

After obtaining a cashier’s check, treat it with the same care as cash. Safeguarding the check is important, as it represents bank-guaranteed funds. Keeping the official receipt is also important for your records, as it serves as proof of purchase and can assist in tracking the check.

Should a cashier’s check be lost or stolen, contact the issuing bank immediately to report the loss and file a “declaration of loss” statement. The bank may require an indemnity bond, which protects the bank if the original check is found and cashed. A waiting period, often 90 days or more, is required before a replacement check or refund can be issued. When the payee receives the check, they can deposit it into their own account or cash it at a bank, similar to a personal check.