Cashier's checks: what they are, how to get one, and how much they cost, among other related questions

A cashier's check is a check issued by a bank using its own funds rather than those in your account. and a teller's or cashier's signature was affixed to it A cashier's check differs from a personal check in that the bank, not the check's author, is responsible for ensuring its payment. Cashier's checks are also known as government checks or cashier's drafts.

Large purchases, like the purchase of a car or a house, are best paid for with a cashier's check. whenever you won't be able to use a bank card and carrying cash is too risky Watermarks and, in some cases, the signatures of two bank employees further complicate any attempt to forge these checks. The risk of theft or fraud is greatly reduced when you buy one from a financial institution like a bank or credit union.

To What Extent Should I intermediation between a cashier's check and a money order1between a cashier's check and a money order

Cashier's checks are a service offered by most financial institutions to their clients, though some may extend this to anyone who needs one. To obtain a cashier's check, follow these steps:

1. Be prepared to show identification and the exact sum due. Cashier's checks are similar to personal checks in that they are drawn on the funds of a financial institution, but the money for the check must be provided to the bank in advance. Since you cannot obtain a blank cashier's check, you will also need the name of the company or individual you are paying (the "payee"). You'll also need to be prepared to show identification to the teller.

2. Pay a visit to the branch closest to you and ask to borrow a check from a teller. You may be able to place an order for a cashier's check over the phone or online with some banks. Instead, you'd have to wait longer while the recipient waits for a cashier's check to arrive in the mail. If you need the check immediately, you can either go to a branch of your bank (if it has one) or to another bank or credit union (if yours doesn't) that does.

3. Your check's amount, plus any fees, must be paid in full. If the money is already in an account there, the entire check amount will be frozen or taken out of the account the moment the check is issued. Check that there is enough money in the account to cover the fee. In most cases, you'll want to pay in cash even if the bank issues checks to people who aren't already its customers. The cashier's check will be issued and signed by the teller.

4. Take a receipt. Get a receipt to show that you paid. If the check gets lost or stolen, or if you just want to know if it was cashed, you can use this to do either.

Checking accounts are available at most financial institutions and should be opened if necessary. Cashier's checks can only be issued by banks and credit unions, and many of these financial institutions won't even give them to people who aren't already customers. If you need a cashier's check but aren't a customer at the institution, call up the branch and ask if you can still get one. A money order could be an alternative to opening a bank account.

Need a new bank and here it is See the best checking accountsthe top checking accounts

Cashier's checks can be obtained from a variety of financial institutions. While there is some disagreement over the name, some refer to them as "official checks." Please contact your financial institution for current pricing and availability. While many banks and credit unions do not, some do. a lowering or elimination of account maintenance fees Many businesses only offer them to registered users.

Some of the most well-known banks' cashier's check fees are detailed below.

Unlike personal checks, cashier's checks cannot be canceled. The bank may ask for an indemnity bond in the event of a lost cashier's check before issuing a replacement. ( Here's more information about indemnity bondsIndemnity bonds are explained in more detail below. And If You Lose a Cashier's Check )

The replacement check will be your responsibility once you obtain the bond, which is not easy to do in the United States. S Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Consult an insurance agent if you need assistance, says the OCC.

The bank may still make you wait longer than a month for a replacement check, bond or no bond.

Unlike personal checks, cashier's checks are written on the bank's own money and not yours. To clarify, a certified check is a check that is both written and drawn by you. After verifying your signature and checking your account balance, the bank will issue a statement saying that the check is valid and that you have enough money to cover it. ( Here are tips on when you should use a certified checkConsider the following advice when deciding whether or not to use a certified check. )

Prepaid payments such as money orders are common. They typically have a cap on how much they can spend. To give just one example, the United States S Money orders purchased through the USPS are limited to a maximum of $1,000. Although both cash and debit cards can be used to purchase cashier's checks, money orders are not bank-backed. ( Here's when it makes sense to use a money orderUse of a money order is warranted now. )

In general, you shouldn't accept a cashier's check from an unknown person. If you do get a check, don't spend the money until at least a few days after depositing it, or double-check with your bank to make sure it has cleared. Over ,525 causes many financial institutions to delay depositing the funds until the check has been cleared by the issuing institution.

» Find out more about how to avoid cashier's check fraudAvoiding fraudulent use of cashier's checks

To obtain a cashier's check, follow these simple instructions:

1. Before asking for a check, you should have the correct amount, the name of the intended recipient, and your identification ready.

2. Going to the bank and asking for the check from a teller

3. Cover the cost of the check plus any additional charges.