Cashier’s Check: Definition, Uses, Costs and How to get one

What is a Cashier’s Check?

A cashier’s check is defined as an issued bank instrument that is used to pay for payments involving high values. They can be used to pay for purchasing or a down payment for properties. The checks are secured financial instruments that banks or credit unions issue. The checks are drawn against the bank funds or account and not by one’s own personal account. They have protective features that ensure the payee’s legitimacy. The bank guarantees the check by providing protective watermarks to avoid counterfeiting and requires bank signatures from one or a few bank employees to prove its value. The check doesn’t bounce, making it as highly regarded as cash.

How does a cashier’s check work?

A cashier’s check works like cash as a form of payment for high-value items. Banks and credit unions ensure that the client deposits the amount designated in the check before its issuance. The check is secure since it is guaranteed by the bank with a few protective markings to prove its legitimacy. Its protective markings, such as watermarks and signatures from one or more bank employees, stand as security to the check’s recipient. A cashier’s check does not bounce since it is guaranteed and protected by banks or credit unions. Once the check is issued, the bank directly withdraws the money out of its account. The bank writes the check payable only to the institution with whom the client is conducting its business transaction. The payee can use and redeem the cash designated within the check almost immediately or the next business day. A premium service fee is associated with the cashier’s check issuance.

When to use a cashier’s check

The best time to use a cashier’s check is during the client’s need to pay for high-value items. High-value items include paying for a purchase or down payment for a property. The payments or purchases can be the down payment for a home, paying the closing cost for a mortgage, and buying a car, boat, or land. The check is the best to use when a personal check, credit card, or cash is not acceptable for the payment transaction. It is a safe and convenient way of paying a large sum of money that is quick and secure. It helps the client and its recipient secure a safe and secure business deal. 

How much does a cashier’s check cost?

Cashier’s checks usually cost around $10 to $15 in most traditional banks. Some banks waive the fees for getting a cashier’s check for their clients. If a particular client can maintain a certain balance in their account, then the cost is waived. The cashier’s check cost is higher than other forms of payment or financial instruments. People pay a premium for the service, in exchange for increased security. They can be purchased in banks and credit unions. 

How do I get a cashier’s check?

Listed below are the instructions on getting a cashier’s check.

• Choose a financial institution such as a bank or credit union: One must choose a financial institution to undertake the transaction. To answer the question, Where to Get Cashier’s Check? Best Ways Reviewed, a person’s bank is usually the best option. It is highly preferable to do the transaction at your own bank or credit union. Since you’re a member of the institution, lower fees and a smoother experience are likely. If one opts for another bank or credit union aside from its own, they will be required to deposit first in order to cover the amount of the check.  
• Get ready to provide the information of the parties involved in the transaction: The exact information of the parties involved in the transaction is needed. It is needed to secure a valid and assured bank transaction for easy transferring of funds. The exact name of the business or person a client is paying and the exact amount of the check is essential for the transaction.   
• Approach a Teller in the chosen financial institution: One has to go to the teller in order for the check to be verified. The teller will supply the cashier’s check, providing other security features such as signatories from the teller and other bank employees. The verification of the information provided, such as name and amount, is expected to be done. A valid ID or client’s bank account is required for the transaction. One must have enough funds to cover the amount specified in the check to complete the process.
• Proceed to the cashier’s check service payment: After providing the information,  payment for the service is required.

What are the alternatives to Cashier’s Checks?

Listed below are the alternatives to Cashier’s Check.

1. Money Orders: The money orders are not a check. They are a method of payment for business transactions. They are a secure payment instrument for purchases under a specific monetary amount. The recipient of the money order simply takes it to a bank to cash or deposit the check amount.
2. Certified Checks: Certified checks are checks drawn directly to the bank account of the client. It is classified as a personal check that needs to be signed by the client and its bank. The bank guarantees the amount indicated in the check for the recipient’s benefit for an assured and safe transaction. A certified check is less secure than a cashier’s check. 
3. Wire Transfers: Wire transfers are an alternative way to pay for a purchase or service. Its mode of payment is electronically sending the money to the recipient’s account. The information needed to make a wire transfer includes the payee’s name, bank, account number, and amount. 
4. Social Payment Apps: Social payment apps are used to send money to someone’s email or phone number using an app. One can use their bank account, credit card, debit card, or client’s balance in the app to send the money. Transfers can be quick and easy, but not advisable for large value transfers since it is less secure. 

Does the remitter sign a cashier’s check?

Yes, the remitter signs the back of a cashier’s check. The remitter signs the back of the check before it can be converted into cash. For a cashier’s check to be valid, a signature from the issuing agent, such as a teller or its employees from the bank or credit union, signs the check. The check indicates the names of the recipient and the remitter of the check. Once the process is done, the check is released and used as a form of payment for a successful business transaction. 

Is a cashier’s check the same as cash?

Yes, a cashier’s check is the same as cash. A cashier’s check is as highly regarded as cash for its ability to securely act as a payment instrument for large purchases. It is regarded as equal to cash as the check is drawn to the bank’s account. To talk about Cashier’s check vs Money Order: What’s the difference, the difference is evident from the cashier’s issuer and service payment. A cashier’s check is issued by the bank, which makes the check more secure. A money order can be issued by a check cashing store, post office, grocery store, and other places for amounts of less than $1,000. The fee associated with the money order is less than the service amount paid for the cashier’s check. A money order is less secured in comparison to a cashier’s check. 

Are cashier’s checks safe?

Yes, a cashier’s check is a secure financial instrument for clients’ use. A cashier’s check is a safer way to pay or purchase large payments. It is safe and secure since it has multiple security markings and is guaranteed by the bank. The security markings of a cashier’s check include its watermark and required bank signatures. The cashier’s check is assured by the issuing financial institution, such as a bank or credit union. The check is a safer mode of payment that is a written financial instrument. It is drawn against the bank’s money, which makes it less risky.