
You can use a bank check to purchase a vehicle, but there are some specific requirements to keep in mind.
Most dealerships will require a cashier's check, which is a type of bank check that is guaranteed by the bank.
A cashier's check is typically issued by a bank and paid for by the buyer's funds, providing a secure way to make a large purchase like a vehicle.
The bank will verify the buyer's account information before issuing the check, ensuring that the funds are available.
To get a cashier's check, you'll need to visit your bank in person and request the check.
You might like: Does Chase Bank Cash Checks for Non Customers
Types of Checks
A cashier's check is money guaranteed by a bank and signed by a cashier or teller, with the bank insuring that the money's covered.
Car dealerships prefer cashier's checks over personal ones, likely due to the added security of knowing the bank has guaranteed the payment.
You can obtain a cashier's check by visiting the bank, and you may even have to pay a small fee for it.
Bank
You can get a bank cheque if you're making a large purchase like a vehicle or home. It's essentially a withdrawal from your account that the seller can deposit into theirs.
To get a bank cheque, you'll need to visit a branch of your bank and request one be drawn up. The cheque will be made out to the seller for the agreed amount.
Bank cheques can be a secure way to make a large payment, but you'll need to make sure you have the funds in your account to cover the payment.
Additional reading: Can You Use Venmo without a Bank Account
Cashier's Check
A cashier's check is money guaranteed by a bank and signed by a cashier or teller. The bank insures that the money's covered, making it a safer option than a personal check.
You can buy a cashier's check from a bank, and it's essentially a guaranteed payment. However, there's still a risk of fraud if someone forges the check.

To reduce the risk of fraud, meet at the buyer's bank to make the exchange, just like with a certified check. This will give you an added layer of security.
Cashier's checks are often required for large transactions, such as buying a car, motorcycle, boat, or RV from a private party or dealership. They may also be used to close on a home purchase, although a wire transfer might be preferred by the title company.
You'll need to visit the bank to get a cashier's check, and you may have to pay a small fee. Car dealerships, in particular, prefer cashier's checks over personal checks due to the added security.
You might like: Can Social Security Check Your Bank Account
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest payment method when buying a car?
Certified checks are considered the safest payment method when buying a car, as they're issued and guaranteed by banks, protecting against fraud and counterfeit checks
Sources
- https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/how-do-i-pay-for-a-used-car-145092/
- https://www.keysavvy.com/blog/are-cashiers-checks-safe-when-selling-a-car
- https://www.truecar.com/blog/the-lowdown-on-down-payments/
- https://autoapprove.com/resource-detail/private-sale-money-exchange
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-cashiers-check/
Featured Images: pexels.com