What is a Bank Draft?
A bank draft, also known as a cashier's check, is a type of check that is guaranteed by the issuing bank. This means that the bank promises to pay the amount written on the draft to the person or entity to whom it is written. Because of this guarantee, bank drafts are considered a safer form of payment than personal checks, as they reduce the risk of non-payment.
Obtaining a Bank Draft
To obtain a bank draft, an individual or business must first have an account at the bank. They can then request a draft by providing the bank with the necessary information, including the name of the payee and the amount of the draft. The bank will then withdraw the funds from the account and issue the draft. The individual or business can then use the draft to make a payment, such as for a large purchase or to pay a bill.
Advantages of Using a Bank Draft
One of the main advantages of using a bank draft is that it is guaranteed by the bank. This means that if the payee does not receive the funds, they can contact the bank and request that the funds be paid to them. This eliminates the risk of non-payment that is associated with personal checks. Additionally, bank drafts are often used in situations where a large sum of money is being transferred, such as in real estate transactions.
Another advantage of bank drafts is that they are considered to be a more secure form of payment than personal checks. This is because bank drafts are not easily counterfeit able, as they are issued by the bank and have a number of security features, such as watermarks and special ink. Additionally, bank drafts are typically only issued to individuals or businesses with accounts at the bank, which helps to prevent fraud.
Disadvantages of Using a Bank Draft
However, there are also some downsides to using bank drafts. For one, they can be more expensive than personal checks, as banks often charge a fee for issuing them. Additionally, obtaining a bank draft can be time-consuming, as it requires a visit to the bank and may involve a waiting period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bank draft, also known as a cashier's check, is a type of check that is guaranteed by the issuing bank. It is considered a safer form of payment than personal checks, as it reduces the risk of non-payment. However, bank drafts can be more expensive and time-consuming to obtain than personal checks. Despite this, they are still used in situations where a large sum of money is being transferred, such as in real estate transactions, to secure and guarantee payment.
