Legal Definitions - cashier's check

A cashier’s check is a type of check that is guaranteed by the bank that issues it. It is a secure way to make large payments because the bank verifies that the funds are available before issuing the check.

The bank draws the check on itself, meaning that the bank is both the drawer and the drawee. The bank is responsible for paying the amount of the check to the person or organization named as the payee.

John wants to buy a car from Sarah, but the car costs $10,000, which is too much to pay in cash. Instead, John goes to his bank and requests a cashier’s check for $10,000 made out to Sarah. The bank verifies that John has enough money in his account to cover the check and issues the cashier’s check to him. John gives the check to Sarah, who can be confident that the check will clear because it is guaranteed by the bank.

Another example is when a person needs to make a down payment on a house. The seller may require a cashier’s check to ensure that the funds are available and the payment is secure.

These examples illustrate how a cashier’s check is a secure way to make large payments because the bank verifies that the funds are available before issuing the check.