Security features printed onto the check prevent any possible forgery. Risks of Using Cashier’s ChecksĬashier’s checks offer a safe method of payment. This does save you a trip to the bank, but it will still take longer since you have to rely on the mail.

That makes it your responsibility to get it to the recipient. When you request a cashier’s check online, the bank will send a physical check to your mailing address. This varies from place to place, but most banks will only offer this option to their customers. The last option is to order a cashier’s check online. One difference, though, is that you can usually get a cashier’s check from almost any credit union, whether or not you’re a member. The process of getting a cashier’s check at a credit union is similar. So if you don’t have a bank account, you should call before going to any bank to make sure they will issue you a cashier’s check. Keep in mind that some banks sell cashier’s checks only to their customers. If you don’t have an account with the bank, you may be able to pay with cash. Once the teller prints and signs the check, it’s ready for use. If you have an account with the institution, the amount you request comes out of your personal account and goes to the bank’s own account. This info is printed on the check – you can’t add anything in handwriting. You’ll need identification and other relevant information – the amount of the check, the correct spelling of the payee’s name and any memo notes. You can purchase a check from a bank teller. There are three main ways to get a cashier’s check: from a bank, a credit union or online. If you’re looking to make a big money purchase, a cashier’s check may be the quickest and safest way to go. The funds are usually available immediately-in most cases, the next day. Since a financial institution’s account backs a cashier’s check, a cashier’s check is one of the securest forms of payment.Ĭashier’s checks are also useful in time-sensitive transactions. But the seller wouldn’t hand over the deed without a form of payment that has a guarantee. Real estate is a good example, because you wouldn’t hand over such large amounts of money without receiving the deed right away. People often use cashier’s checks for large purchases where it’s not practical or feasible to bring cash. With a personal check, you just rip it up or call the bank to stop payment. Also, once a cashier’s check is complete, it is difficult to cancel.

With a personal check, the money is drawn from your account, which may or may not have enough money to cover the check. Or if you have an account there, you need to have the amount in your account and the bank will withdraw it, moving it to the bank’s own account. The money will then be available when the payee cashes the check.Ī cashier’s check is different from a personal check because the money is drawn from the bank’s account. To get a cashier’s check, you need to bring the cash to the bank. A legitimate cashier’s check will not bounce. Once a bank creates a cashier’s check, the bank guarantees to pay the amount printed on the check. They’re as good as money in the bank because, well, they are the bank’s money in the bank. Cashier’s checks, also known as teller’s checks, are checks that draw on the bank’s own funds to make the payment.

Check memo line