Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do have different rules about who can get one

Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts will issue a cashier's check for their own customers. However, some banks refuse to issue them at all, some will only issue them to account holders, and some will issue them to non-customers but charge a higher fee or require you to come in person. A few banks have stopped offering cashier's checks entirely because of fraud concerns. Before you assume your bank has them, call and ask whether they issue cashier's checks, whether you need an account there, and what the fee is.

The largest national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank — all issue cashier's checks to their account holders. Most regional banks and credit unions do as well. However, some online-only banks do not issue them because they have no physical branch where you can pick one up or verify your identity in person. If your bank is online-only, you may need to use a different institution or a check-cashing service.

Key Takeaways

  • Most traditional banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks to account holders, but you should call your bank first to confirm they offer them and what the fee is.
  • Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, but typically charge a higher fee and may require you to appear in person with identification.
  • Online-only banks usually cannot issue cashier's checks because they have no physical location where you can pick one up.
  • Credit unions often issue cashier's checks to members at lower fees than banks, and some credit unions will issue them to non-members for a higher fee.
  • If your bank does not offer cashier's checks, you can sometimes get one from a different bank or credit union, or use a money order or certified check as an alternative.

What banks typically charge for a cashier's check

Fees for cashier's checks vary by institution. Account holders at large national banks usually pay between $5 and $15 per check. Credit unions often charge $3 to $10 for members. Non-customers typically pay $15 to $30 or more, and some banks refuse to issue them to non-customers at all.

Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account tier. Others charge the same fee regardless of your account status. Call your bank and ask for the specific fee before you go in, because fees can change and may vary by branch.

How to get a cashier's check from your bank

If your bank issues cashier's checks, the process is straightforward. Go to a branch in person with your ID and the amount of money you want the check for. Tell the teller you want a cashier's check. You will need to provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and you may need to provide their address.

The teller will deduct the amount of the check plus the fee from your account when ready. You will receive the check on the spot, usually within a few minutes. Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check by phone or online, but you will still need to pick it up in person at a branch.

If you do not have an account at the bank, call ahead to ask whether they will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer. If they will, bring your ID and cash or a debit card to pay for the check and the fee. Some banks require non-customers to bring a second form of ID or proof of address.

Banks that do not issue cashier's checks

Some banks have stopped issuing cashier's checks because of fraud and forgery concerns. Chime, a mobile banking app, does not issue them. Many online-only banks like Ally and Marcus do not offer them either. If your bank does not issue cashier's checks, you have a few options: open an account at a bank that does, use a different bank or credit union that will issue one to a non-customer, or use an alternative like a certified check or money order.

A certified check is similar to a cashier's check but is drawn on your own account and signed by a bank officer who verifies the funds are there. A money order is a prepaid instrument you can buy at many retailers, banks, and post offices. Neither is exactly the same as a cashier's check, but both can work for some transactions. Ask the person or business requesting the check whether they will accept one of these alternatives.

Getting a cashier's check from a credit union

Credit unions often issue cashier's checks at lower fees than banks. If you are a member of a credit union, ask whether they issue them and what the fee is. Many credit unions charge $3 to $5 per check for members.

Some credit unions will issue a cashier's check to a non-member, but the fee is usually higher — often $10 to $20. If you do not belong to a credit union but need a cashier's check, you can sometimes join one just to get the check. Many credit unions have low or no membership fees and allow you to join if you live or work in their service area or meet other membership criteria. Call the credit union and ask about membership and cashier's check fees before you go in.

What to do if your bank will not issue a cashier's check

If your bank does not issue cashier's checks and you cannot find another bank or credit union that will, you have other options. A money order serves a similar purpose and is widely available at post offices, grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers. Money orders are typically cheaper than cashier's checks — usually $1 to $5 — but have lower maximum amounts, often capped at $500 to $1,000 per order.

A certified check is another alternative. You write a check from your own account, take it to your bank, and a bank officer certifies that the funds are there and sets them aside. Certified checks cost $5 to $15 and work for most transactions that require a cashier's check. However, not all banks offer certified checks either, so call first.

If you need a cashier's check for a large amount and your bank will not issue one, you may need to open an account at a different bank temporarily, use a check-cashing service, or ask the recipient whether they will accept a wire transfer or other payment method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from a bank where I don't have an account?

Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, but most charge a higher fee and may require you to bring two forms of ID or proof of address. Call the bank first to ask whether they offer this service and what the fee is. Many banks refuse to issue cashier's checks to non-customers entirely.

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

If you go to a branch in person, you can usually get a cashier's check within a few minutes. Some banks allow you to order one by phone or online, but you will still need to pick it up at a branch. If you order by phone, it may take one to two business days to prepare.

What if I need a cashier's check but my bank is closed?

If your bank is closed, you can try a different bank or credit union that will issue one to a non-customer, though you will likely pay a higher fee. You can also use a money order as an alternative, which is available at many retailers 24 hours a day. A money order is not exactly the same as a cashier's check, but it works for many transactions.

Do I need to have the money in my account before I get a cashier's check?

Yes. The bank will deduct the amount of the check plus the fee from your account when ready when you request it. You must have enough money in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee, or the bank will not issue it.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I get it?

Canceling a cashier's check is difficult and sometimes impossible. Once issued, the bank has already deducted the money from your account. If the check has not been cashed, you may be able to request a refund, but the bank may charge a fee or require you to wait a certain amount of time. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel.