Most banks will not issue a cashier's check directly from a credit card

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why it carries the bank's may provide. When you ask for one, the bank needs to know the money is actually yours before they put their name on it. A credit card is a line of borrowed money, not a deposit account, so banks treat a cashier's check request from a credit card differently than they would from a checking or savings account.

Most major banks — including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — have explicit policies against issuing cashier's checks drawn directly against a credit card. Some smaller banks and credit unions may have different rules, but the standard answer is no. The bank's concern is straightforward: they would be guaranteeing a check for money you have not yet paid them back.

If you need a cashier's check and only have a credit card available, you have a workaround, but it involves an extra step and may cost you money in fees and interest.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks will not issue a cashier's check directly from a credit card because the check would may provide borrowed money, not money in your account.
  • You can get cash from your credit card through a cash advance at an ATM or bank branch, then deposit that cash and request a cashier's check from your checking account.
  • A cash advance on a credit card typically charges a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, starting immediately with no grace period.
  • Some banks allow you to transfer credit card funds to a linked checking account, which may be cheaper than a cash advance if your card offers that feature.
  • If you have a debit card or access to a checking account with funds, use that instead — cashier's checks from debit or checking accounts carry no extra fees.

How to get a cashier's check when you only have a credit card

The process requires two separate transactions. First, you convert the credit card into cash. Second, you use that cash to fund a cashier's check request through a bank account.

To get cash from your credit card, visit an ATM or a bank branch and request a cash advance. At an ATM, insert your credit card and select the cash advance option (not a regular withdrawal — that only works with debit cards). At a bank branch, tell the teller you want a cash advance on your credit card. The teller will process it the same way they would a debit card withdrawal, but the money comes from your credit line instead of a deposit account.

Once you have the cash, deposit it into a checking account — yours or someone else's if you are using their account. Then request a cashier's check from that bank in the normal way. You will need to provide the payee name, the amount, and the account you are drawing from. Most banks issue cashier's checks same-day or within one business day.

The cost of a cash advance on a credit card

A cash advance is not free. Your credit card issuer charges two things: a cash advance fee and a higher interest rate.

The cash advance fee is usually a percentage of the amount you withdraw — typically 3 to 5 percent, though some cards charge a flat fee instead (for example, $10 minimum). A $1,000 cash advance at 4 percent costs you $40 upfront. This fee appears on your credit card statement as a separate charge.

The interest rate on a cash advance is almost always higher than the rate on regular purchases. While a purchase might carry an APR of 18 percent, a cash advance might be 24 or 25 percent. More importantly, interest on a cash advance starts accruing immediately — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. If you take out a $1,000 cash advance at 24 percent APR and pay it back in 30 days, you will owe roughly $20 in interest on top of the $40 fee, for a total cost of $60.

Check your credit card's terms document or call the issuer to find out your specific cash advance fee and APR before you proceed. The cost can vary significantly between cards.

An alternative: balance transfer or account transfer features

Some credit cards offer the ability to transfer funds from your credit line directly into a linked checking or savings account. This is sometimes called a balance transfer to bank account or a similar name depending on the issuer. If your card has this feature, it may be cheaper than a cash advance.

The advantage is that you avoid the cash advance fee — you only pay interest on the amount transferred. The disadvantage is that the interest rate is still usually higher than the purchase rate, and interest still starts immediately. You will need to check your card's terms or contact the issuer to see whether this option is available and what the terms are.

This feature is less common than cash advances, and not all cards offer it. If you have it, it is worth comparing the total cost (fee plus interest) against a straight cash advance before you decide which route to take.

When a credit union or smaller bank might have different rules

Large national banks have standardized policies against cashier's checks from credit cards, but some credit unions and smaller regional banks operate differently. A few may allow you to request a cashier's check if you have a credit card with them and a linked deposit account, or they may have different fee structures.

If you bank with a credit union or a smaller bank, call and ask directly whether they will issue a cashier's check from a credit card. Be specific: ask whether they will draw the check against the credit card itself, or whether they require you to convert it to cash or transfer it first. The answer may save you a trip or clarify what your options actually are.

Why banks have this policy

A cashier's check is a bank's may provide that the funds are real and available. When a bank issues one, they are putting their reputation and their own money on the line if the check bounces. A credit card is unsecured debt — the bank has no collateral and no may provide that you will pay the balance back. Issuing a cashier's check directly from a credit card would mean the bank is guaranteeing a payment for money you have not yet repaid them, which creates a risk they are not willing to take.

This is also why you cannot write a check directly from a credit card. Credit cards are not checking accounts, and the payment system does not treat them that way. The two account types serve different purposes in the banking system, and cashier's checks are tied to the checking account side.

Alternatives if you need a may provide payment method

If you need a may provide payment but do not have access to a checking account or do not want to pay cash advance fees, consider these options:

  • Money order: Available at post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. You pay cash or use a debit card, and the money order is may provide by the issuer. Fees are usually $1 to $3 per order, and the maximum amount varies by location.
  • Wire transfer: If the recipient has a bank account, you can wire money directly from your credit card through some payment services, though this also typically involves a fee and interest charges similar to a cash advance.
  • Certified check: Similar to a cashier's check but drawn from your own account. If you have a checking account with funds, this is cheaper and faster than converting a credit card to cash first.
  • Debit card cash advance: If you have a debit card linked to a checking account with funds, use that instead. There are no fees or interest charges, and you can get a cashier's check directly from the deposit account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from my credit card at any bank, or only my card issuer?

Only your card issuer can process a cash advance on your credit card. If you want to use a different bank to issue the cashier's check, you will need to deposit the cash there first. Some banks will not issue a cashier's check to someone who does not have an account with them, so check before you go.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check after I do a cash advance?

The cash advance is usually instant at an ATM or takes a few minutes at a bank branch. Once you have the cash and deposit it, most banks issue a cashier's check same-day if you request it before their cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day otherwise.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. This can lower your score slightly. The bigger risk is if you carry a balance and pay interest; that shows up on your credit report and can affect your score over time if it becomes a pattern.

What if I need a cashier's check for more than my credit card limit?

You can only take a cash advance up to your available credit limit, and the limit for cash advances is often lower than your overall card limit. If you need more money than your cash advance limit allows, you will need to use a different payment method or find another source of funds.

Is there any way to avoid the cash advance fee?

Not if you are using a cash advance. The fee is built into the product. Your only option to avoid it is to use a different account type — a checking account, debit card, or savings account — or to use a money order or wire transfer instead.