How To Create A Savings Account Bank Of America

What Is the Bank of America Cashier's Check Fee?

Getting a Cashier's Check
Fee
Cashier's Checks vs. Guaranteed Checks
Avoiding Fraud

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With a Bank of America checking account, you have access to financial products, including cashier's checks. You might need a cashier's check for a large transaction in which a guaranteed form of payment is requested, like buying a house or a car.

Although some banking institutions will issue cashier's checks if you don't bank with them, Bank of America issues them only to account holders — depending on the type of account they have, they might have to pay a $15 fee. Find out how much you'll pay for a Bank of America cashier's check, how to get one, how to avoid getting scammed and why you might need a cashier's check instead of another kind of guaranteed check.

How To Get a Bank of America Cashier's Check

Because a bank — instead of an individual — guarantees cashier's checks, they are typically considered safe. When a customer requests a cashier's check from a bank, the bank first ensures the customer has enough in their account to cover the check, then freezes the funds until the payee cashes the check.

To get a cashier's check you will need to visit your nearest branch and provide the teller with your ID, bank account information, exact amount of the check and name of the payee. The teller will print the check and sign it, and you'll need to pay the cashier's check fee unless you are enrolled in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program. Once you pay the fee you can take the check and present it to the payee.

BofA's Cashier's Check Fee

Bank of America offers cashier's checks to all customers with a checking or savings account for a $15 fee. If you are enrolled in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, however, you'll get cashier's checks for free. If you do have to pay the fee, Bank of America's cashier's check fee is in the middle for the industry — Wells Fargo and Citibank charge $10 and also offer cashier's checks for free on certain accounts. Capital One charges $20 for an online purchase with overnight shipping or $10 in-branch, but has no waiver.

How Cashier's Checks Differ From Other Guaranteed Checks

Cashier's checks are different from money orders and certified checks. A certified check is a personal check that the bank certifies and signs as a guarantee that you have the funds in your account and that your signature is genuine.

Like cashier's checks, money orders are prepaid — you can get them from financial institutions, post offices and even some retail stores like Walmart. A money order, however, is limited to $1,000 or less. If you need to pay for something that costs more than $1,000 and the payee wants a guaranteed form of payment you'll likely need a cashier's check.

How to Avoid Cashier's Check Fraud

Because cashier's checks are generally trusted, they are frequently used in scams. Although you can usually withdraw funds from a deposited cashier's check quickly, if the check ends up being fraudulent you'll be responsible for paying the money back to the bank.

Be careful about accepting a cashier's check from a stranger, even one issued by Bank of America or another trusted bank. To cut down on the likelihood of getting a bad cashier's check, follow these steps:

If possible, ask for a cashier's check drawn on a bank with a branch near you.
Call or visit the bank on which the check is written to find out if it is genuine.
Know the difference between funds being available for withdrawal from your account and the cashier's check actually clearing. Some banks are required by law to make funds available to customers even if the check hasn't cleared.

Information is accurate as of Nov. 16, 2021.

Valerie Smith is a writer based in Southern California, specializing in legal, real estate, finance, and aviation topics. Valerie is a commercial pilot, FAA licensed aircraft dispatcher, FAA licensed Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor, California real estate broker, and certified paralegal. Her work has appeared in numerous publications in print and online. A life-long California resident, Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University and attended Sheffield School of Aeronautics.