Making a large financial transaction can be stressful, and neither party wants a payment problem. Personal checks can bounce suddenly, and even when they don’t, clearing a check can take several business days. This is where cashier’s checks come in handy.
A cashier’s check is a cheque issued by the bank and paid for in advance. It is used for transactions exceeding $1,000. Cashier’s checks are guaranteed by the bank’s own funds, not your own checking or savings account, so the recipient can access the funds immediately and is not subject to fraud or phony check scams.
Here’s everything you need to know about cashier’s checks, including where to get one if you don’t have a bank account.
It can be difficult to find a cashier’s check without a bank account. This is due to the fact that many banks only provide them to customers. Here are your options if you need a cashier’s check but don’t have a bank account.
Register for a free checking account
The most straightforward approach is to open an account at a bank or credit union that accepts cashier’s checks. Some banks have free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and once you’ve deposited funds, you can request a cashier’s check.
Of course, there are a variety of reasons why you might not have a personal bank account, so this isn’t for everyone.
Purchase a cashier’s check online.
If you have a local or regional bank account and there are no branches nearby, you may be able to order a cashier’s check online.
Customers can order a cashier’s check online or by phone from several banks. If you don’t mind waiting a few days for the check, simply log in to your bank account and buy it online. Your bank has the option of mailing it to you or sending it directly to the receiver.
Contact your neighborhood bank or credit union.
Both of these methods necessitate the use of a bank account. Is it possible to obtain a cashier’s check without having a bank account?
Although most banks only accept cashier’s checks, there are a few outliers. Calling many banks ahead of time will ensure that you don’t show up for a cashier’s check and leave empty-handed.
Remember that if you don’t have a bank account, you’ll have to pay for the check in cash, just like a money order.
Can you cash a cashier’s check if you don’t have a bank account?
You don’t need an account at the issuing bank to cash a cashier’s check you received from someone else. You may be required to present the issuer a photo ID that matches the name on the check when you endorse the check.
Another alternative is to deposit it in a separate bank’s account. Some institutions, such as Chase and U.S. Bank, allow you to deposit a cashier’s check using your mobile phone or an ATM, although the amount you can deposit may be limited.
You can also cash the check at a check-cashing store, albeit they may charge a fee.
What if I misplace or lose a cashier’s check?
If you’ve lost or misplaced a check, notify your issuing bank as soon as possible.
They will only be able to cancel it if you physically return it to them. There’s no way to nullify it once it’s out of your control, so it’s possible that someone else will locate it and try to cash it.
You may be required to obtain a “indemnity bond,” which shields the bank from liability, and you may be required to wait one to three months before receiving a replacement.
What exactly is a cashier’s check?
A cashier’s check is a form of check that is signed by an employee of the issuing bank, ensuring that there are enough funds to satisfy the check’s amount.
In contrast, a personal check can be funded using your own checking account. If you use the money before the recipient cashes the check, or if there wasn’t enough money in the account to begin with, the check will bounce. The recipient will be unable to access their funds, and you may be charged a fee by your financial institution.
When should a cashier’s check be used?
A cashier’s check might be an excellent option for major purchases, such as a down payment on a house or automobile. The seller may not accept debit or credit cards, and a cashier’s check is more secure than cash or a conventional check.
A cashier’s check has no upper or lower limit, although it’s worth considering for significant payments above $1,000 or anything above your credit limit. The issuing bank or credit union will charge you a fee of $5-$15. Bank of America, for example, charges $15 for cashier’s checks but waives the fee for some customers.
Cashier’s check substitutes
For substantial expenditures, a cashier’s check isn’t your only option. A money order, certified check, or money transfer are other options. When compared to receiving a cashier’s check, each of these solutions has advantages and disadvantages.
Order of money
A money order, like a cashier’s check, will never bounce. A cashier’s check, on the other hand, is guaranteed by your financial institution, but a money order is just paid for in advance.
A money order does not require a bank account to get; they are available at USPS facilities, Walmart, and even certain convenience stores. You’ll pay a cost of $1.65-$2.20 at the post office and can pay with a debit card or cash.
The problem is that money orders normally have a limit of $1,000 or $2,000, depending on where you receive them, so they aren’t appropriate for huge sums.
Authenticated check
A certified check is another option to a cashier’s check. You can pay for a certified check in advance, just like a money order, but it may be more convenient to go to a financial institution where you already have an account.
This is due to the fact that a bank staff can verify your account to ensure that you have enough funds, and then hold those funds until the check is cashed. This differs from a cashier’s check, which is guaranteed by the bank using its own funds.
Both solutions are more secure than a conventional check and appropriate for significant purchases and real estate transactions, so ask the recipient which they prefer.
Electronic funds transfers
Electronic money transfers allow you to transfer funds straight from one bank account to another, eliminating the requirement for a cashier’s check entirely. ACH and wire transfers are two of the most prevalent types of electronic money transfers, each with their unique processing speeds and pricing structures.
Electronic transfers are easiest if both parties have a bank account, however some financial organizations allow you to transmit money without a bank account.
Apps for money transfer
Another option is to utilize a money transfer app, such as Venmo (for domestic transactions) or Remitly (for international transfers). Many money transfer applications are free to use and charge lesser fees than regular bank transactions.
You can finance your transfer using a debit or credit card, and the money will be sent immediately to the recipient’s bank account or digital wallet.
Online transfers might help you save money.
Cashier’s checks are a safe and secure method of money transfer, but they can be difficult to get without a bank account and cannot be used overseas. If you need to send money overseas, consider using a money transfer software like Remitly.
Remitly makes it simple to send money over the world by offering quick transfer speeds and transparent, low-cost fees. If your recipient does not have a bank account, they may be able to retrieve the funds at a cash pickup site instead, depending on where they live.
To get started, download the app today!