Most banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks, but availability and fees vary
Nearly every bank in the United States issues cashier's checks — they are a standard product, not a specialty service. Your own bank almost certainly offers them. Credit unions do as well. The main differences are in how much they charge, how long the process takes, and whether you can order one online or only in person.
Some banks charge nothing for a cashier's check if you maintain a certain account balance or have direct deposit. Others charge $5 to $15 per check. A few online banks do not issue them at all, which means you would need to use a different institution or find an alternative payment method.
The fastest way to get one is to walk into a branch with your account information and the payee's name. Most branches can issue a cashier's check on the spot. If you cannot visit in person, many banks now let you order one online or by phone, though it may take a few business days to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank or credit union almost certainly issues cashier's checks, and the process usually takes minutes if you visit a branch in person.
- Fees range from free to about $15 per check depending on your bank and account type, so ask before you order.
- You need the payee's exact name, the amount, and your own account information to request one.
- Online banks and some smaller institutions may not issue cashier's checks, so confirm with your bank before you need one.
- If your bank does not issue them, you can get one from any bank where you have an account, or sometimes from a check-cashing service for a higher fee.
Getting a cashier's check at your own bank
Start by calling your bank's customer service line or visiting your branch to confirm they issue cashier's checks and what the fee is. Have your account number ready. Ask whether you can order online, by phone, or only in person — this varies by bank.
If you are ordering in person, bring a photo ID and your debit card or account information. Tell the teller the payee's name (spelled exactly as it should appear on the check), the amount, and what the check is for. The teller will verify your account has enough funds, print the check, and you will walk out with it in minutes. You will usually receive a receipt showing the check number and amount.
If you are ordering by phone or online, the bank will mail the check to you, which typically takes three to five business days. Some banks let you pick it up at a branch instead. You will be charged the fee at the time you order, usually deducted from your account.
Banks that charge no fee for cashier's checks
Fee policies change, so this list is a snapshot, but several large banks have offered cashier's checks free to customers with certain account types or balances. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have all waived the fee for premium checking accounts or customers who maintain a minimum balance — often $1,500 to $2,500.
Credit unions often charge less than banks or waive the fee entirely for members. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask what they charge before you assume you need to pay.
The only way to know your bank's current policy is to ask directly. Banks update their fee schedules regularly, and policies differ by branch and account type. Call the number on the back of your debit card or visit your branch.
What to do if your bank does not issue cashier's checks
Some online banks and smaller institutions do not issue cashier's checks because they have no physical branches. If your bank falls into this category, you have several options.
First, check whether you have a second account at a traditional bank. If you do, you can order a cashier's check there, even if it is not your primary bank. You will need to provide your ID and proof of funds, but most banks will issue one to any account holder.
Second, you can visit a bank where you do not have an account and ask if they will issue a cashier's check for a fee. Some will, though the fee may be higher — $10 to $20 — because you are not a customer. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service.
Third, check-cashing services and some grocery stores issue cashier's checks, though the fee is usually steeper than a bank's — sometimes $15 to $30. This is the slowest and most expensive option, but it works if you need one urgently and have no other way to get it.
Differences between large banks and credit unions
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge $5 to $10 per cashier's check. They have many branches, so you can often get one same-day. They also tend to offer online ordering, though delivery by mail takes several days.
Regional banks and smaller institutions may charge $3 to $8 or waive the fee for certain account holders. Credit unions often charge $2 to $5 or nothing at all. The trade-off is that credit unions have fewer branches, so if you need one in person, you may have to travel farther or wait longer for mail delivery.
Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not issue cashier's checks at all. If you bank exclusively online, you will need to use a different method or open a second account at a brick-and-mortar bank.
What information you need to provide
When you request a cashier's check, have the following ready: the payee's full name (spelled exactly as it should appear), the amount in dollars and cents, and the reason for the check (optional but sometimes requested). You will also need to show your ID and provide your account number or debit card.
Double-check the payee's name before the teller prints the check. Cashier's checks are difficult to change once issued — if the name is wrong, you may need to request a new one and pay another fee. Some banks will reissue a check for free if the error was theirs, but this is not may provide.
If the check is for a business, ask the business how they want the payee line to read. For example, some want "ABC Company" and others want "ABC Company, Inc." Getting this right the first time saves you a trip back to the bank.
How long a cashier's check takes to arrive
If you order in person at a branch, you will have the check in your hand within 15 to 30 minutes. The teller prints it while you wait.
If you order by phone or online and request mail delivery, expect three to five business days. Some banks offer faster delivery for an extra fee, or you can pick it up at a branch if that is faster for you.
If you need a cashier's check urgently, visit a branch in person. This is the only way to get one the same day. If your bank has no nearby branch or you cannot visit during business hours, call and ask whether they can mail one overnight or hold one for pickup at a different branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?
No, you need an account at the bank issuing the check. However, some check-cashing services and grocery stores issue cashier's checks to non-customers for a higher fee. Call ahead to confirm they offer this and what they charge.
What if I need a cashier's check on a weekend or holiday?
Banks are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so you cannot get one in person. If you need one urgently, order it online or by phone before the bank closes and ask for overnight mail delivery or branch pickup on the next business day. Some banks charge extra for expedited delivery.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after it is issued?
Yes, but it is complicated and may cost you a fee. Contact your bank when ready and ask about their cancellation process. You will usually need to wait a set period (often 30 to 90 days) to confirm the check has not been cashed, then request a refund. Some banks charge $15 to $25 for this service.
Do I need to have the full amount in my account when I order?
Yes. The bank verifies you have enough funds before issuing the check. The amount is deducted from your account at the time of issue, not when the payee cashes it.
What if the bank made an error on the cashier's check?
Contact the bank when ready. If the error was theirs — wrong amount, misspelled name, wrong date — most banks will reissue it for free. If you caused the error by providing incorrect information, you may be charged a fee to cancel and reissue.