Most banks will not let you buy a cashier's check with a credit card

When you walk into a bank and ask for a cashier's check, the teller will ask how you want to pay. The answer they want is a debit card, a bank account transfer, or cash. A credit card almost never works, and when a bank does accept one, they charge a fee that makes it pointless.

The reason is simple: a cashier's check is a may provide payment. The bank is putting its own name on the check, which means the bank is taking the risk that your payment will clear. If you pay with a credit card, the bank has to wait days or weeks to know whether your credit card company will actually send the money. During that time, the bank has already issued a check with its name on it — a check that might bounce if your card is declined. Banks do not want that risk, so they require you to pay from money you already have.

There are a few narrow exceptions. Some banks will take a credit card if you have a very high credit limit and an excellent history with them, or if you are a premium customer. But these are rare, and even then the bank usually charges a cash advance fee or a special fee just for processing the credit card payment. That fee can run 3 to 5 percent of the check amount, which defeats the purpose of getting a cashier's check in the first place.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks require payment from a debit card, bank account, or cash because a cashier's check is a may provide payment and the bank needs to know the money is already there.
  • If a bank does accept a credit card, they typically charge a cash advance fee or processing fee of 3 to 5 percent, which adds significant cost.
  • Your best option is to transfer money from a credit card to a bank account first, then use that account to buy the cashier's check.
  • A balance transfer check or convenience check from your credit card issuer is not the same as a cashier's check and will not work for the same purposes.

Why banks treat cashier's checks differently from other payments

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. When you hand someone a cashier's check, they know the money is already set aside at that bank. That is why landlords, title companies, and large sellers accept them when they would not accept a personal check.

Because the bank is guaranteeing the payment, the bank needs to be certain the money is coming from you before it issues the check. If you pay with a credit card, the bank has no may provide. Your credit card company might decline the charge. Your account might be frozen. The charge might be reversed days later. The bank cannot issue a check with its name on it while all that uncertainty is hanging in the air.

Debit cards and bank transfers work because the money moves immediately or within hours. The bank can see the funds land in its account before the teller hands you the check. Cash works for the same reason — the money is physically there. A credit card is a promise to pay later, and banks do not issue may provide checks based on promises.

The workaround: moving credit card money to your bank account first

If you need a cashier's check and only have a credit card with available balance, you have options that do not involve paying a fee to the bank.

The most straightforward route is a balance transfer check or convenience check from your credit card issuer. These are checks that come with your credit card statement or in the mail. When you write one, the charge goes on your credit card bill just like a purchase. You can write one of these checks to yourself, deposit it into your bank account, and then use that bank account to buy the cashier's check from the bank. This takes a few days for the deposit to clear, but there is no fee beyond your regular credit card interest.

Another option is a cash advance from an ATM or bank teller using your credit card. This puts cash directly in your hand, which you can then take to your bank and deposit, or use to pay for the cashier's check. Be aware that cash advances usually charge a higher interest rate and an upfront fee (often 3 to 5 percent), so this is more expensive than a balance transfer check.

A third option, if you have time, is to use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal to move money from a friend or family member, then repay them with your credit card later. This is slower and requires trust, but it avoids fees.

What does not work: balance transfer checks versus cashier's checks

It is tempting to think you can just write a balance transfer check directly to whoever needs the payment. In many cases, you can — a landlord or seller will often take a check from your credit card company just fine. But there are situations where it will not work.

A balance transfer check is still a check drawn on your credit card account, not a bank account. Some title companies, escrow offices, and government agencies will not accept them because they are not cashier's checks. They want a check may provide by a bank, not by a credit card company. If you are buying a house, paying court fees, or sending money to a government office, ask first whether a balance transfer check is acceptable. If it is not, you will need to get the money into a bank account and buy an actual cashier's check.

The same applies to certified checks, which are similar to cashier's checks but drawn on your own account and certified by the bank. Banks will not certify a check paid for with a credit card for the same reason they will not issue a cashier's check — they need to know the money is already there.

When you might encounter a bank that accepts credit cards

Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks or credit unions, have different policies. A few will accept a credit card for a cashier's check if you meet certain conditions: you have been a customer for a long time, you have a high credit limit, your account is in good standing, or you are a premium member who pays monthly fees.

Even when a bank says yes, read the fine print. Many charge a "credit card processing fee" that is separate from the cashier's check fee itself. This can be a flat fee (say, $10 to $25) or a percentage of the check amount. A percentage fee is the real trap — if you are buying a $5,000 cashier's check and the bank charges 3 percent, you are paying $150 just to use your credit card. That is money you would not pay if you used a debit card or bank transfer.

Before you ask your bank, do the math. If the fee is more than a few dollars, it is cheaper to move money from your credit card to your bank account first, even if that takes an extra day or two.

Fees to watch for if your bank does accept a credit card

If you find a bank willing to take a credit card for a cashier's check, you will likely face one or more of these charges:

  • Cash advance fee: Usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount, charged by your credit card company. This applies if you are taking a cash advance rather than using a balance transfer check.
  • Credit card processing fee: A fee charged by the bank for the inconvenience of processing a credit card payment. This might be a flat $15 to $30 or a percentage of the check amount.
  • Cashier's check fee: The standard fee the bank charges everyone for a cashier's check, usually $10 to $15. This is not related to the payment method.
  • Higher interest rate on cash advances: If you take a cash advance, your credit card company will charge a higher interest rate on that amount than on regular purchases, often 25 to 30 percent APR.

Add these up and you can easily spend $100 or more on a $1,000 cashier's check. That is why the bank account route is almost always cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to pay for a cashier's check online?

Most banks do not offer online cashier's check purchases at all — you have to go to a branch in person. The few that do offer online ordering will not accept a credit card as payment. You will need to link a bank account or debit card to complete the order.

What if I do not have a bank account yet?

You can open a bank account at most banks with just a credit card and an ID. Once the account is open, you can deposit money (via a balance transfer check or by visiting a branch with cash) and then buy the cashier's check. This takes a day or two but avoids fees.

Will a money order work instead of a cashier's check?

A money order is cheaper and easier to buy with a credit card — many convenience stores and post offices will sell you one. But money orders have lower maximum amounts (usually $500 to $1,000) and are not accepted in all situations where a cashier's check is required, such as real estate closings or court payments. Check with whoever needs the payment first.

Can I use my credit card to pay someone else's bank account, then have them buy the cashier's check?

Yes, if you trust that person. You can send money via Venmo, PayPal, or a bank transfer, and they can then buy the cashier's check and give it to you. This works but adds a step and requires someone else to be involved. It is usually simpler to move your own credit card money to your own bank account.

Does it matter which bank I use to buy the cashier's check?

You do not have to use your own bank. Any bank will sell you a cashier's check if you can pay with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash. Some banks charge slightly different fees, so if you are buying a large check, it is worth calling a few banks to compare. The difference is usually only a few dollars.