Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and policies vary by institution

Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts can issue a cashier's check, but not all of them do. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank issue them routinely. Many regional banks and credit unions offer them too. However, some online-only banks, small community banks, and certain credit unions do not issue cashier's checks at all, either because they lack the infrastructure or because they choose not to offer the service.

The only way to know whether your bank issues them is to call the branch directly or log into your online banking portal and look for the option. Do not assume that because a bank takes deposits it will issue a cashier's check. Some institutions that do issue them charge a fee—typically between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee for customers who meet certain account balance or activity requirements.

If your bank does not issue cashier's checks, you have other options: you can open an account at a bank that does, visit a branch of a different bank if you have an account there, or use a money order or certified check as an alternative, depending on what the recipient requires.

Key Takeaways

  • Most traditional banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks, but online-only banks and some smaller institutions do not.
  • You must contact your bank directly to confirm they offer cashier's checks, since the service is not universal.
  • Fees for cashier's checks range from $5 to $15, though some banks waive the fee for certain account holders.
  • If your bank does not issue cashier's checks, you can visit another bank where you have an account, open a new account, or use a certified check or money order instead.

What you need to bring to get a cashier's check

To request a cashier's check at your bank, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. You will also need to know the exact amount of the check and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. Some banks require you to provide the recipient's address as well, though this is not universal.

If you are ordering the check in person at a branch, the teller will ask you these details and issue the check on the spot, usually within a few minutes. If you are ordering by phone or online, you will provide the same information through that channel, and the bank will mail the check to you or allow you to pick it up at a branch. Processing time varies: in-person requests are when ready, while mail delivery typically takes three to seven business days.

Banks that do and do not issue cashier's checks

National banks that issue cashier's checks include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and TD Bank. Most regional banks—such as KeyBank, Regions Bank, and Huntington Bank—also issue them. Credit unions that are part of the CO-OP or Allpoint networks often issue cashier's checks for their members, though you should confirm with your specific credit union.

Banks that typically do not issue cashier's checks include Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Discover Bank, and most other online-only institutions. Some smaller community banks and credit unions have chosen not to offer the service, either because they lack the volume to justify the infrastructure or because they discourage paper checks altogether. A few banks issue cashier's checks only for accounts that meet certain balance or tenure requirements.

The best approach is to contact your bank's customer service line or visit your local branch and ask directly. If you are considering switching banks partly because of cashier's check access, confirm the policy before opening an account.

How to order a cashier's check if you do not have an account at that bank

If you do not have an account at a bank but need a cashier's check, you have limited options. Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay cash and provide a valid ID, but this is not standard practice and varies widely by institution. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask whether the bank will do this and what their requirements are.

A few large banks, including some Chase and Bank of America branches, have issued cashier's checks to non-customers in the past, but policies change and differ by location. Do not assume any bank will do this without confirming first. If a bank refuses, your alternatives are to open a basic checking account (which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online or in person), use a certified check instead, or purchase a money order from a post office, grocery store, or check-cashing service.

Fees and timing for cashier's checks

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or meet other account requirements. A few banks, particularly some credit unions, issue one or two cashier's checks per year for free to all members. Others charge a flat fee regardless of account status.

Timing depends on how you order. In-person requests at a branch are issued when ready—you walk out with the check in hand. Phone and online requests are mailed to you, which typically takes three to seven business days depending on your location and the bank's processing speed. Some banks offer expedited mailing for an additional fee. If you need a cashier's check urgently, visiting a branch in person is the fastest option.

Alternatives if your bank does not issue cashier's checks

A certified check works similarly to a cashier's check: the bank verifies that the funds are available and stamps the check as certified, guaranteeing payment. Most banks that issue cashier's checks also issue certified checks, and the fee is usually the same or slightly lower. The main difference is that you write the check yourself, whereas the bank writes a cashier's check. Certified checks take slightly longer to process because the bank must verify your account balance first.

A money order is another option and is available at post offices, grocery stores, Walmart, and check-cashing services. Money orders are typically cheaper than cashier's checks—usually $1 to $5—but they have lower maximum amounts, often capped at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you would need to purchase multiple money orders. Money orders do not require a bank account.

A wire transfer is faster than any check if the recipient has a bank account and you are comfortable providing their banking details. Wire transfers are usually processed the same day and cost $15 to $30, depending on whether it is domestic or international. However, wire transfers cannot be reversed once sent, so they carry more risk if you make a mistake with the recipient's information.

What happens after you get a cashier's check

Once you have the cashier's check in hand, treat it like cash—it is as good as money to the recipient because the bank has already may provide the funds. You can mail it, deliver it in person, or give it to a third party. The recipient deposits or cashes it at their bank like any other check. There is no special process on their end.

Keep a record of the check number and amount for your own records, especially if the check is for a large transaction like a down payment or a legal settlement. If the check is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, contact your bank when ready. The bank can place a stop payment on the check (usually for a fee of $15 to $30) and issue a replacement, though this process can take several business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from a bank where I do not have an account?

Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay cash and show a valid ID, but this is not standard. Call the bank first to ask. If they refuse, open a basic checking account, which takes 10 to 15 minutes, or use a certified check or money order instead.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check?

In-person requests at a branch are issued when ready. Phone or online orders are mailed to you in three to seven business days. Some banks offer expedited mailing for an extra fee. If you need one urgently, visit a branch in person.

What if I lose a cashier's check before the recipient cashes it?

Contact your bank right away and ask to place a stop payment on the check. The bank will charge a fee (typically $15 to $30) and issue a replacement, though the process takes several business days. Keep the check number and amount handy when you call.

Is a certified check the same as a cashier's check?

Both may provide the funds are available, but a certified check is one you write yourself that the bank stamps as verified. A cashier's check is written by the bank. Most recipients accept both equally, and fees are similar. Certified checks may take slightly longer because the bank must verify your balance first.

Can I use a money order instead of a cashier's check?

Yes, if the amount is under the money order limit, usually $1,000. Money orders are cheaper ($1 to $5) and available at post offices and grocery stores without a bank account. For larger amounts, you would need multiple money orders or a cashier's check.