{"id":2691,"date":"2025-05-14T21:25:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T21:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sprucemoney.com\/resource-center\/?p=2691"},"modified":"2025-05-14T21:25:44","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T21:25:44","slug":"what-is-a-cashiers-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sprucemoney.com\/resource-center\/spending\/what-is-a-cashiers-check\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a cashier’s check? How to get a cashier’s check and when you may need one"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many people haven\u2019t even heard of a cashier\u2019s check until they\u2019re asked for one. If you\u2019re in that boat, don\u2019t panic. Cashier\u2019s checks are a common form of payment for large purchases, and many banks offer them. In this post, we\u2019ll explain what a cashier\u2019s check is, how and where you can get one, and answers to common questions about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, if you\u2019re interested in easy ways to manage your money, check out our overview below of the helpful features available with Spruce, the mobile banking<\/a> app built by H&R Block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Bank products by Pathward\u00ae, N.A., Member FDIC.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a cashier\u2019s check?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A cashier\u2019s check is a form of payment guaranteed by a bank. Instead of writing and signing a check yourself, you provide the necessary funds to the bank, which then transfers the money into its own account and writes a check for that amount. This extra step assures the person or business you\u2019re paying that the check will clear since the financial institution backs it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to get a cashier\u2019s check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you need a cashier\u2019s check fast, you can visit a bank or credit union in person and get one the same day \u2014 as long as you\u2019re eligible under the bank\u2019s policies\u2014and in most cases that means you need to have an account with them. (see How to get a cashier\u2019s check below for more info). Some banks and credit unions allow you to order cashier\u2019s checks through your online banking account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certified bank check vs. cashier\u2019s check vs. money order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on the name, a certified bank check might sound like the same thing as a cashier\u2019s check. And how are money orders different? We get it \u2014 the terminology is confusing. Let\u2019s clear it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A certified check is a personal check written by you and drawn on your personal banking account. You get a certified bank check<\/strong> in person at your bank, where a teller or other representative will confirm you have the funds and verify your signature. They\u2019re less commonly used than cashier’s checks and not all banks issue them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be more familiar with money orders<\/strong>, which are prepaid forms of payment sold by banks, retailers, and post offices. While the funds aren\u2019t typically guaranteed by a bank, they are prepaid, so money orders can\u2019t bounce like personal checks can. One downside to money orders is that they typically max out around $1,000. Cashier\u2019s checks rarely have a limit on the amount you can use them for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to use a cashier\u2019s check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A cashier’s check is often used for a large transaction, like a car or house purchase, where it isn’t feasible or secure to hand over a wad of cash. People use cashier’s checks to show that they have the money to pay for what they’re buying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, a cashier\u2019s check provides a paper trail record for the respective banks and the consumers involved in the transaction, especially in regard to the amount, remitter and the recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: How much should I spend on a car?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to get a cashier\u2019s check<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide on how and where to get a cashier\u2019s check. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 it\u2019s pretty simple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Check your bank\u2019s cashier\u2019s check policy.<\/strong> Many banks provide cashier\u2019s checks, but some only provide them to account holders. If you\u2019re not in a rush or don\u2019t have a branch nearby, some banks offer online cashier\u2019s checks which are then typically mailed directly to the recipient. If your bank doesn\u2019t offer cashier\u2019s checks or you don\u2019t have a savings or checking account, call local branches in your area to see if they provide them to non-account holders and ask about any associated fees. Another option if you\u2019re not able to get a cashier\u2019s check is to get a money order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Know the payment details before you visit a branch.<\/strong> To get a cashier\u2019s check in person, you\u2019ll need to know the exact check amount and<\/em> have: \n