Before you can take out a cashier’s check, a bank teller or cashier must determine that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the amount of money you need. The funds from your account get deposited into the bank’s account, and then the check is issued and signed by a teller. Once you have the check in hand, you can use it as payment for whatever you are buying. Cashier’s checks can be deposited like any other type of check, and the funds usually clear within a day or two.
Making a down payment on a carPutting down a security deposit for an apartmentBuying a house or real estate propertyPaying a contractor for a home remodelPurchasing a boat
Technically speaking, you can use a cashier’s check to pay for anything. However, keep in mind that most banks have a minimum face value for cashier’s checks. For instance, your bank might only offer cashier’s checks of $1,000 or more, so anything under that amount must be paid for using a different method. However, that’s not to say that cashier’s checks are 100% secure. If you are given a cashier’s check as a form of payment, it’s a good idea to have your bank confirm that the check is valid before you deposit it into your account.
Confirm the check amount and the recipient’s nameVisit your bank in-person and ask the teller for a cashier’s checkMake sure you have enough money in your account to cover the funds and feesGet the signed cashier’s check and receipt for the transaction
While many banks only issue cashier’s checks in-person, there are some banks that will provide cashier’s checks online. However, keep in mind that if your bank does allow online cashier’s checks, you will have to wait for the physical check to get mailed to you. Also, remember that cashier’s checks are not loans. Because the bank guarantees the money, you can’t repay the face value of the check after it has been deposited. You must provide the funds upfront before the bank issues a cashier’s check.
