What Is a Cashier’s Order? How a Cashier’s Order Works and Where to Get One
Updated: 16 Apr 2026
Written bySingSaver Team
Team
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. While we review and compare financial products to help you find the best options, we do not provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.
Main points about cashier’s order
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A cashier's order, essentially a bank-issued cheque, offers a secure payment method, especially for large transactions.
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The funds are guaranteed by the bank, minimising the risk of bounced payments.
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Singaporeans can acquire cashier’s orders from various local banks, both online and in-branch.
How cashier’s orders work in Singapore
A cashier's order is essentially a bank-issued cheque, offering a secure alternative to cash or personal cheques. When you request one, the bank immediately withdraws the specified amount from your account. This sum is then held by the bank until the recipient deposits the order, guaranteeing payment.
To issue a cashier's order, you'll need to specify the recipient's name. The bank acts as the guarantor, ensuring the funds are available and transferred safely. In Singapore, you'll typically pay a fee of around S$5 for each cashier's order. These orders are available at most banks and can often be issued in various currencies, depending on the bank's policies. It's important to note that cashier's orders generally have a validity period of six months. Also, be aware that cancellations may incur additional penalties. Payment is usually made via cash or debit card.
While Singapore has largely transitioned into a "Smart Nation" with PayNow and FAST, certain high-value transactions—like buying a home or a car—still call for a more "traditional" guarantee. As of January 1, 2026, Singapore has officially stopped issuing corporate cheque books, but the Cashier’s Order (CO) remains a vital, bank-guaranteed instrument for retail customers
Cashier’s Order vs. Personal Cheque
In the current 2026 landscape, the distinction between the two has grown:
| Feature | Personal Cheque | Cashier’s Order (CO) |
| Availability | Available for retail (individual) users only. | Available for both retail and corporate users. |
| Payment Guarantee | Not guaranteed (can bounce if funds are insufficient). | Guaranteed by the issuing bank. |
| When Funds Leave | Only when the recipient deposits the cheque. | Immediately upon issuance. |
| Phasing Out? | Being phased out; clearing fees now apply. | Remains a valid "secure" paper-based option. |
Note: As of 2026, corporate cheques are no longer issued in Singapore, making COs one of the few paper-based options left for businesses
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Advantages and disadvantages of cashier’s orders
While cashier's orders offer security and reliability, it's important to weigh their benefits against potential drawbacks.
Advantages
Guaranteed Payment
The recipient knows the money is already "locked" by the bank.
No Credit Limit Issues
Unlike PayNow or FAST, which often have daily limits (e.g., S$50,000–S$200,000), a CO can be for any amount within your balance.
Disadvantages
As of 2024–2025, many banks have introduced a "Cheque/CO Deposit Fee" (approx. S$0.75 - S$3.00) for the recipient.
Can be time-consuming to acquire compared to digital payment methods
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How to get a Cashier’s Order in Singapore?
You can obtain a CO through two main channels. Note that banks now heavily incentivize the digital route with lower fees.
Method 1: Online/Mobile Banking (Recommended)
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Log in to your bank’s digital platform (e.g., DBS digibank, OCBC Digital).
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Look for "Payments" or "Transfer" and select "Cashier’s Order."
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Enter the Payee's name and the amount.
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Select your delivery method: Mail to your registered address or self-collect at a branch.
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Fee: Usually S$3 to S$5.
Method 2: Over-the-Counter (At a Branch)
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Visit a physical branch with your NRIC/Passport and ATM card.
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Fill out a Cashier’s Order application form.
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Fee: Significantly higher, ranging from S$10 to S$15 per order.
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SingSaver Tips
What key factors should Singaporeans consider before obtaining a cashier's order? Start by outlining your transaction specifics. Determine the exact amount needed and the recipient's details. Compare the fees and processing times across different banks in Singapore to find the most suitable option for your needs. Remember, a cashier's order is best for secure, large-sum transactions.
Where can I get a cashier’s order in Singapore and how much does it cost?
Fees and Charges (Updated April 2026)
With the 9% GST now fully integrated and the MAS's push for digital payments, "paper" fees have increased.
| Bank | Online Purchase Fee | Counter/Branch Fee |
| DBS / POSB | S$3.00 | S$15.00 |
| OCBC | S$5.00 | S$10.00 |
| UOB | S$5.00 | S$10.00 (First CO free if to self) |
| Standard Chartered | S$5.00 | S$15.00 |
Pro-tip: Seniors (aged 60+) may still be eligible for fee waivers on certain paper-based services as part of the MAS transition support plan.
The time required to deposit and process a cashier’s order is the same as that for a regular cheque.
| Cashier’s order deposited on | Receive money on |
| Monday to Thursday before 3.30pm | Next business day after 2pm |
| Thursday after 3.30pm | Monday after 2pm |
| Friday before 3.30pm | Monday after 2pm |
| Friday after 3.30pm | Tuesday after 2pm |
| Saturday | Tuesday after 2pm |
| Sunday | Tuesday after 2pm |
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When to use a cashier’s order in Singapore?
Even in 2026, COs are typically required for:
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Real Estate: Paying the 5% option fee (Option to Purchase) for a property.
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Car Purchases: Handing over payment to a dealership or a private seller.
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Large Settlements: Legal settlements or large-sum payments where the recipient does not want to risk a bank transfer delay.
Saver-savvy tip
For daily expenses without a bank account, use PayNow or prepaid stored value cards instead of cashier's orders.
Product Name | Hot Reward Pick | SingSaver Reward | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Standard Chartered Priority Banking | - | - | |
 | HSBC Everyday Global Account | - | - | |
 | Citigold | S$1,599 | ||
| Citigold | S$1,599 | ||
 | CIMB Preferred | - | - | |
| Standard Chartered Priority Banking | - | - | |
 | Revolut Standard Debit Card | - | - | |
 | Wise Multi-Currency Card | - | - | |
 | Airwallex Corporate Card | S$349 |
Alternatives to Cashier’s Order
If you want to avoid the fees and physical paperwork, consider these 2026-standard alternatives:
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Electronic Deferred Payment (EDP & EDP+): Launched in July 2025, these are the digital "successors" to COs. EDP+ allows you to issue a guaranteed digital payment where funds are deducted immediately, similar to a CO but entirely via your banking app.
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MEPS+: Used for high-value inter-bank transfers. It is near-instant but usually costs S$20–S$30.
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FAST Transfers: Limits have been increased by most banks to S$200,000 per day for users with hardware tokens or Singpass Face Verification.
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Frequently asked questions about cashier’s order in Singapore
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Exercise caution with unfamiliar parties: Prefer bank transfers or PayNow when possible.
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Watch for red flags: Be wary of unusual requests or irregularities in the order.
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Verify with the issuing bank: Confirm authenticity via official bank channels if unsure.
In Singapore, banks typically require payment for cashier’s orders using funds directly from your current or savings account rather than a credit card.
This is because a cashier’s order is a pre-funded instrument, meaning the bank needs to withdraw the funds upfront to guarantee payment. Therefore, they need to access funds that are immediately available, like those in your current or savings account. This ensures that the bank can issue the order with the assurance that the money is already secured.
If you misplace your cashier’s order or discover an error on it, you might be able to cancel it and request a replacement or refund, provided it hasn't been deposited yet.
You'll need to promptly contact the issuing bank in Singapore, ideally with your receipt. Similar to other financial institutions, you'll likely be required to complete a form, providing details from your receipt. Be prepared to pay a processing fee for this service. The bank's processing time for such claims can vary, but it's often a few weeks.
In the unfortunate event that the cashier’s order was fraudulently cashed, you should file a police report. This is a crucial step in attempting to recover your funds, and the police report will likely be needed for any claim you make with the bank.
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Yes, cashier’s orders are generally considered a very safe payment method in Singapore, as they are guaranteed by the bank. However, like any financial instrument, they can be susceptible to fraudulent activities. To protect yourself:
While both cashier’s orders and regular cheques are written instruments used for transferring money and can be deposited or cashed, they differ significantly in terms of security. Think of it this way: a cashier’s order is like a pre-paid, guaranteed cheque. The bank immediately withdraws the funds from the payer’s account when the order is issued, guaranteeing the money is available.
This is unlike a regular cheque drawn directly from the payer’s account at the time of deposit. If the payer has insufficient funds, the cheque may "bounce" or be rejected. Therefore, while a cheque can be convenient, a cashier's order offers higher security, particularly for large or critical transactions in Singapore, as it eliminates the risk of insufficient funds.
Cashier’s order validity
In Singapore, cashier’s orders are generally valid for six months from the date of issue. While this period might seem generous, depositing the order within this timeframe is important. If a cashier’s order expires, the recipient may encounter difficulties depositing it. Furthermore, the issuing bank might impose a cancellation fee, even if the order was never used. Therefore, it's best practice to deposit or cash the cashier’s order promptly to avoid any potential issues or fees.
Tracking a cashier’s order
Tracking a cashier’s order primarily involves contacting the issuing bank directly. Unlike some money order services, there isn't a centralised online tracking system. To inquire about the status of your cashier’s order, you'll need to reach out to the bank's customer service via phone or in person.
Be sure to retain your receipt, as it contains essential details like the order number, which the bank will need to assist you. Without the receipt, tracking the order becomes significantly more challenging. You may have to file a formal request with the bank, which could involve fees and a longer processing time.
Remember, the bank that issued the cashier’s order is your point of contact for tracking. Even if you obtained the order through an intermediary or agent, the issuing bank is the entity that holds the relevant records.
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About the author
SingSaver Team
At SingSaver, we make personal finance accessible with easy to understand personal finance reads, tools and money hacks that simplify all of life’s financial decisions for you.