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Can You Get a Cashier's Check with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
While you cannot directly purchase a cashier's check with a credit card, it is possible to fund one by first taking a cash advance from your credit line.
Should You Get A Cashier'S Check With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this financial move.
Benefits
- Access to funds: You can obtain a cashier's check without having the necessary cash in your bank account.
- Convenience: It provides a quick way to secure a payment method often required for large transactions.
- Potential rewards: You might earn credit card rewards, though many issuers treat this as a cash advance, which is typically ineligible.
Costs
- Cash advance fees: Most credit card companies charge a fee for cash advances, often a percentage of the transaction amount.
- High interest rates: The annual percentage rate (APR) for cash advances is usually higher than for purchases, and interest begins to accrue immediately.
- Bank fees: The financial institution issuing the check will likely charge a separate fee for the service.
- Lower limits: Your card's cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit, potentially restricting the check amount.
How to Get A Cashier'S Check With A Credit Card
Need a cashier's check but only have a credit card? While not a direct process, it's often possible through a cash advance. Here’s a general guide to navigating it.
- Confirm Cash Advance Availability: Before heading to a bank, contact your credit card issuer. Verify that they permit using your card for a cash advance to obtain a cashier's check and inquire about the specific fees, interest rates, and daily limits, as they are typically high.
- Choose the Right Card: Not all cards are equal when it comes to cash advances. Fees and interest rates vary significantly. If you have multiple cards, compare their terms or use a resource like Kudos' explore cards tool to research options.
- Visit a Participating Bank: You must visit a physical branch of the bank that issues your credit card. Third-party banks generally will not provide a cashier's check from a credit card they do not issue.
- Provide Necessary Information: Bring your physical credit card, a government-issued photo ID, and the precise details for the check, including the payee's full name and the exact dollar amount.
- Complete the Transaction: The teller will process the transaction as a cash advance. You will sign for the amount, and the bank will issue the cashier’s check. Remember, interest on cash advances typically begins accruing immediately.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card for a cashier's check is often treated as a cash advance, which can affect your credit score in several ways. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Credit Utilization Ratio. A large cash advance can significantly increase your credit utilization ratio. Lenders prefer a lower ratio, so a sudden spike could negatively impact your score.
- Cash Advance Records. This transaction will likely appear on your credit report as a cash advance. Some lenders view this as a sign of financial distress, potentially making you seem riskier.
Alternative Ways To Get A Cashier'S Check
Money Orders
For smaller transactions, a money order is a practical substitute. You can purchase these prepaid instruments at post offices and many retail stores, not just banks. They offer security because the funds are guaranteed upfront. However, money orders typically have a maximum limit, often around $1,000, making them best for payments that don't require the high value of a cashier's check.
Certified Checks
A certified check offers a similar guarantee of funds. Unlike a cashier's check drawn on the bank's own account, a certified check is drawn on your personal account. The bank verifies your signature and freezes the necessary funds, confirming to the recipient that the money is available. This makes it a reliable alternative for large payments where personal checks aren't accepted.
Choose the Right Card to Get A Cashier'S Check
With over 3,000 credit cards available in the U.S., picking the one that best suits your spending habits and financial goals can feel overwhelming. Whether you need a card for a specific purpose like getting a cashier's check, or you're looking to maximize travel rewards or cash back, it's crucial to make an informed choice. Kudos offers an AI-powered tool that helps you navigate the options and find your credit card match based on your personal preferences, ensuring you get the most value from your plastic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for getting a cashier's check with a credit card?
Expect to pay a cash advance fee, typically 3-5% of the amount, plus the bank's own fee for the check.
Will this transaction count as a cash advance?
Yes, nearly all credit card issuers treat this as a cash advance, which comes with higher interest rates and fees.
Does getting a cashier's check with a credit card affect my credit score?
It can temporarily lower your score by increasing your credit utilization ratio and adding a cash advance to your history.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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