What’s the best way to send a big payment?

Banking Forum
1

I need to send a security deposit to my landlord. I called USAA to get a cashier’s check, but they warned me that if something goes wrong, it takes 90 days to stop payment. Local banks won’t give me a check unless I open an account with them.

Zelle has a $1,000 limit, which is useless for this.

I used to link an external account with ACH, but that option seems to be gone now.

For rent payments later, am I really going to have to mail paper checks every month like it’s the 90s?

2

You can get a money order from USPS. It’s easy and works the same way as a cashier’s check.

3

Milan said:
You can get a money order from USPS. It’s easy and works the same way as a cashier’s check.

USPS only does money orders, not cashier’s checks. But yes, a money order should work fine.

Just make sure to get a receipt or proof of payment when you give it to your landlord.

4

I used the Bill Pay option through USAA to set up regular rent payments. It worked great for me.

5

Del said:
I used the Bill Pay option through USAA to set up regular rent payments. It worked great for me.

Same here! I used USAA for Bill Pay to send checks for rent a few years ago. It worked fine, though I don’t know if they still offer that. I had another service provider who only took checks until I convinced him to use Venmo.

6

You might want to open an account at a local credit union. USAA’s banking services have become frustrating lately. And yeah, Zelle is kind of risky security-wise.

7

Why not wire the money?

8

White said:
Why not wire the money?

Yeah, I guess wiring or paying in cash would work if they need it immediately.

9

I’m on my son’s USAA checking account, and he uses ACH or schedules regular payments without any issues. Something about your situation seems odd.

10

My tenant just mails me a check every month. It’s old-school but works fine.

11

I write a check every month. It’s simple and still works great. Gen X for the win! :blush:

12

Sam said:
I write a check every month. It’s simple and still works great. Gen X for the win! :blush:

You still write checks? For what exactly?

13

The person at the bank was just being cautious. Do you think you’ll need to stop the payment? If not, just send the cashier’s check via FedEx with a signature required.

Money orders are another option, but stopping payment on those takes time too. If your landlord is okay with a regular check, that’s probably your easiest option.

14

It’s called a check. Problem solved.