How Do I Get a Cashier’s Check From USAA?

Not many people use checks nowadays. It is an old payment method that, through time, is being replaced by other advance digital methods. Still, they are useful if you need to pay a great amount of money and want the funds to be transferred safely, then you can opt for a cashier’s check from USAA (United Services Automobile Association).

Also known as teller or official checks, it is a type of check that is not issued in your name. Rather, the bank draws the money from their account and takes full responsibility for paying the funds to the recipient. 

With this, you can ensure that you do not suffer from fraud or for the check to be stolen and used elsewhere. If you want to get a cashier’s check from USAA, you can do it in three ways, and you will need to know some details, like the fees included, before you purchase one.

How does a cashier’s check work?

It is not as hard as it looks to get one. Basically, you pay the bank the amount of money you want the cashier’s check to provide; the bank draws that amount from their funds, and a cashier or teller signs the check with the recipient’s information.

It differs greatly from a personal check since it is not in your name. So if anything bad happens to the check, for example, if it has not arrived, then you will not be responsible for it. On top of that, since a USAA bank representative signs the check, the recipient’s bank will not return it. The security measures ensure that it is legit and will not have trouble cashing it.

There are not that many occasions where you will get to use a cashier’s check since it is normally for big investments. For instance, a cashier’s check is the best choice if you want to buy a new vehicle, pay for education, make a down payment on a home or invest in someone else’s business.

For small payments, we recommend that you get a money order. It works the same as these checks; you can get it in other places besides the bank.

Three methods to get a cashier’s check with USAA

Before you learn how to request one, you must check the fee included. Normally, it is a small amount that varies depending on the financial institution you are getting the cashier’s check. For USAA, that fee is $10, so you need to consider this apart from the number of funds you want the bank to pay the recipient.

Get one physically

One way to obtain it is by going to a USAA bank and requesting one with a teller. You must have a savings or checking account with them before you purchase a cashier’s check. Once you are in the financial institution, you need to:

1. Give the teller an identification document (ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.) and your account number.
2. Provide the recipient’s information.
3. Say how much you want to send to the payee. Before you do so, ensure that you have all the funds necessary in your account before you pay. You can also ask if they accept cash.
4. Pay the amount of money and the fee to request the cashier’s check.

Request it from the USAA website

By logging into your USAA account, you can submit the necessary details for the process. However, since you are ordering one online, it will take a few days for it to arrive. It also depends on the type of mailing service you choose. For regular services, it will most likely take between 7 to 10 days to arrive. If you want to proceed, then:

1. After you log into your USAA account, click on Teller’s Check Request by going to the MY TOOLS section and then under Payments.
2. Verify your identity.
3. Type all the details about the recipient and review them.
4. Click on Submit

Use the USAA mobile app

If you have downloaded this app, it is easier to request a cashier’s check with USAA. To do so, you must:

1. Open the app and choose the account you want to spend money into buying the cashier’s check
2. Tap on Move Money or go to the menu by tapping on the top right corner button and selecting Teller Check Request
3. Follow the prompts

What is the best option to obtain a cashier’s check?

Although both online options are faster than going to a USAA bank, you can only request $2,500 maximum. If you need to order more, then you will have to call a representative to help you with your request.

So it might be better to go in person to request the cashier’s check. The teller will guide you through the process, and you will get answers to your doubts in no time. Still, few people can afford to transport from their house to the bank for various reasons.

For example, if you have a disability, you should use one of the online options. Either way, requesting a cashier’s check from USAA will save you some trouble, and you will not be held responsible for any inconvenience or error during the issuing.