You’re standing at a car dealership or sitting in a lawyer’s office, and suddenly they say those four words: "We need a cashier's check." If you've never had to get one before, it feels like a weird, old-school hurdle. You probably have a million questions. Does Bank of America even do those anymore? How much is it going to cost? Can you just click a button on your phone and have it show up?
The short answer is yes, Bank of America definitely issues cashier's checks. But there's a catch that trips people up every single day. If you aren't already a customer with them, you're basically out of luck.
Let’s get into the weeds of how this works in 2026.
The First Rule: You Must Have an Account
I’ve seen people walk into a branch with a stack of hundred-dollar bills thinking they can just "buy" a cashier's check. It doesn't work like that at BofA. Honestly, it’s a security thing. They stopped serving non-customers for this specific service a while ago.
To get a cashier's check, you need a checking or savings account in good standing. The bank essentially pulls the money from your balance immediately to "fund" the check. That’s why sellers love them—the bank is the one guaranteeing the money, not you. It can't bounce.
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What Does a Bank of America Cashier’s Check Cost?
Most people are looking at a $15 fee per check.
Is that steep? Maybe. It’s certainly more than a 50-cent stamp. But compared to the stress of a $30,000 transaction falling through, it’s a small price to pay.
However, you might be able to dodge that fee entirely. If you’re part of the Preferred Rewards program (Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Honors tiers), the bank usually waives the fee. You generally need at least a $20,000 combined balance across your BofA and Merrill investment accounts to hit that first tier. If you're a high-balance customer, check your "Benefits" tab in the app—you've probably been paying for checks you could’ve gotten for free.
How to Get One (The In-Person Hustle)
Most people still go into a financial center for this. It’s faster if you need the check right now.
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- Find a Financial Center: Use the app to find one nearby.
- Bring Your ID: Don't forget this. A valid, government-issued photo ID is non-negotiable.
- Know Your Payee: You can't get a "blank" cashier's check. You need the exact name of the person or company you’re paying. Double-check the spelling. If you mess up "The Smith Family Trust" and write "John Smith," the bank might not let you fix it without canceling the whole thing and starting over.
- Wait for the Print: The teller will verify your funds, grab the fee, and print the check on the spot.
Can You Order a Cashier's Check Online?
You actually can. This is a bit of a lifesaver if you can't make it to a branch before they close at 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
Log into the Online Banking portal or the mobile app. Navigate to the "Transfers" or "Information" section for your specific account. There’s usually an option to "Order a Cashier's Check."
The downside? The wait. BofA will mail the check to you (or directly to the payee), but it takes a few business days. If you're closing on a house tomorrow morning, the online route is a bad move. Stick to the physical branch for emergencies. Also, be aware that there might be extra delivery fees if you want it overnighted.
The $100 Million Limit?
There’s a lot of chatter about "limits." For most of us buying a Honda or a modest condo, there is no practical limit. As long as the money is in your account, they’ll write the check.
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Interestingly, some internal bank guidelines (and various employee accounts) suggest the absolute ceiling for a single official item is $100 million. If you’re trying to move more than that, well, you probably have a dedicated private banker handling your life anyway.
For the rest of us, if you're pulling out a massive sum—say, over $50,000—expect the teller to ask a few more questions. They aren't being nosey; they’re required by federal law to look out for fraud and money laundering. Just be honest. "I'm buying a tractor" usually satisfies them.
A Few Real-World "Gotchas"
What happens if the deal falls through? This is the nightmare scenario.
If you have a $10,000 cashier's check and the seller backs out, do not throw the check away. You have to take that physical piece of paper back to Bank of America to "re-deposit" it. If you lose the check, it’s a massive headache. You might have to buy an "indemnity bond," which is basically insurance in case someone finds the old check and tries to cash it. It can take 90 days to get your money back if the check is lost.
Treat that check like it's a stack of literal cash. Keep it in a folder. Don't leave it in your car.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Check
- Check your balance first: Ensure the funds (and the $15 fee) are fully cleared. Pending deposits won't work.
- Verify the Payee: Call the person you’re paying and ask exactly how the "Make Payable To" line should read.
- Book an appointment: If you're in a rush, use the BofA app to "Schedule an Appointment" at your local branch. It lets you skip the general teller line in many locations.
- Consider a Wire Transfer instead: If the recipient is okay with it, a wire transfer is often faster and doesn't involve carrying a piece of paper across town, though the fees are usually higher (around $30).
If you need that check today, grab your ID, head to the nearest branch before they close, and make sure you have that $15 ready. You'll walk out with a guaranteed payment that makes any seller happy.