The question comes from reading this answer.
I've heard these terms used somewhat interchangeably, but I have no idea what the differences are.
What's the difference between a certified check, a cashier's check, a money order, and a bank draft?
What's the difference between a certified check, a cashier's check, a money order, and a bank draft?
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I was just denied by a check cashing establishment for cashing a draft check from an insurance co for injuries my daghter sustained. I was surprised and the employee could not tell me why they were unable to cash it for me as I frequently go there. Your answer to tis question is clear concise and easily understandable. Thank you!– user25350Commented Feb 7, 2015 at 17:58
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2 Answers
Many of these products are similar in nature and often depend on the issuing bank.
Cashier's Check Are checks signed and guaranteed by the bank. This means the funds are coming from the bank instead of your account -- which usually means they immediately take the money from your account. This is usually the most secure of the options and usually doesn't have many restrictions.
Certified Check Are checks signed by the customer, certified by the bank that you have enough funds and that your signature is genuine. Usually, but not always - the bank will set aside the funds.
Bank Draft Similar to a certified check but the bank will set aside the funds until the bank draft is used. Generally used in transactions involving larger sums.
Money order It's a payment order similar to a certified check; however, it needs to be prepaid. Also money orders may have maximum face values allowed.
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Good answer - any comments on which is most susceptible to fraud? Commented May 4, 2014 at 0:27
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Money order is sometimes used in money laundering -- There are scams involving fraudulent cashier's checks. Usually along the lines of someone paying in excess of the purchase price and asks for the difference. The payee's bank credits the seller's account before getting funds from the paying bank and the seller is out the difference (the excess amount)– AbrahamCommented May 4, 2014 at 0:55
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@MrChrister I'd say all of them are susceptible. Money orders and cashier's checks are many times accepted in lieu of cash, but it takes at least several days for fraudulent ones to bounce, so these are more likely to be used in fraudulent schemes. Drafts and certified private checks are more likely to be held for clearance so they're not as useful for criminals since they wouldn't be able to withdraw the money before the forgery is discovered. Commented May 4, 2014 at 7:12
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1I'd add: To the best of my knowledge, the first three can only be obtained from a bank. Money orders can be obtained from the post office and various other sources.– JayCommented May 5, 2014 at 4:13
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4@Abraham, Due to differences in international usage of the terms, you should indicate which source/country you get this info from.– PacerierCommented Apr 27, 2016 at 18:37
I found a good description of these on the Laurentian Bank website. Very similar to Abraham's answer, but the details are a little different (perhaps because it's Canadian).
Certified cheque: A cheque which has been certified by the bank that the funds to be drawn are available and locked in for the sole beneficiary. This type of payment is guaranteed in case of theft, loss or destruction. Certified cheques can be entirely replaced after investigation (may be subject to a fee).
Official cheque: As for the certified cheque, the official cheque is guaranteed by the bank against theft, loss or destruction. This type of cheque is different because it will be automatically and fully reimbursed within a 30 to 90-day period. If the amount is over $1,000, fees will be higher than those of the certified cheque.
Money Order: The money order is also a bank-guaranteed payment in case of theft, loss or destruction. As with the official cheque, it will be replaced or totally refunded within a 30 to 90-day period. Its difference resides in the fact that the maximum amount is $1,000 and it can be issued in US dollars.
Bank draft: A bank draft is the ideal guaranteed payment vehicle for all your foreign currency transactions. It’s guaranteed against theft, loss or destruction and will be replaced or totally reimbursed within a period that varies according to the currency. If you are an immigrant or an emigrant or if you make purchases outside of the country, you could require this payment vehicle.
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1Make sure you read the fine print about guarantees against loss for all of these if you send them through the mail. This family had a bank draft for an inheritance lost in the mail and had a very difficult time getting the money: cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/…– Rn222Commented Dec 21, 2017 at 21:20