Banks and credit unions are your main sources for cashier's checks
You can get a cashier's check from any bank or credit union where you have an account. Walk into a branch during business hours, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and provide the payee name and amount. The teller will deduct the funds from your account when ready and issue the check, which is may provide by the bank itself rather than by your personal promise to pay.
If you don't have an account at a particular bank, some will still issue you a cashier's check if you pay in cash, though policies vary. Call ahead to confirm. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than large banks are, but again, it depends on the individual institution.
The cost of a cashier's check ranges from free to about $15, depending on your bank and whether you're a member. Some banks waive the fee for account holders; others charge a flat rate. A few banks include cashier's checks free as part of premium checking accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest way to get a cashier's check, usually taking 10 to 15 minutes if you have an account there.
- You need the exact name of the payee and the amount before you go to the teller, and the funds are withdrawn from your account right away.
- Some banks charge $5 to $15 per check; others waive the fee for account holders or premium members.
- If you don't have a bank account, you can sometimes buy a cashier's check with cash at a credit union or smaller bank, but you should call first to confirm they accept non-members.
- Online banks and some money transfer services do not issue cashier's checks, so you will need to visit a physical branch.
What to bring and what information you need
Bring your debit card or account number and a photo ID. You'll need to know the exact name of the person or business the check is payable to — misspelling a name can make the check invalid or difficult for the payee to deposit. If you're unsure of the correct spelling, ask the person or organization before you go to the bank.
You also need to know the exact amount. Cashier's checks cannot be altered after they're issued, so if you write $5,000 and later realize you meant $4,500, you'll need to get a new check and may lose the fee you paid for the first one. Some banks will reissue a check for free if you catch the error when ready, but don't count on it.
If the check is for a business or organization, ask whether they have a preferred payee name. Some require "ABC Corporation" while others want "ABC Corp." or "ABC, Inc." Getting this detail right the first time saves you a trip back to the bank.
How long it takes and when you'll have the check
If you're an account holder at the bank, you'll walk out with the check in hand within 10 to 15 minutes. The teller prints it, you sign it, and you're done. There's no waiting period for cashier's checks issued in person at a branch.
If you're a non-member paying in cash, the process may take longer — some banks will hold the cash for a day or two to verify it's legitimate before issuing the check. Ask when you call whether they can issue it the same day.
Some banks offer cashier's checks by mail if you're an account holder, but this takes several business days. If you need the check urgently, visit a branch in person.
Finding a branch near you
Use your bank's website or mobile app to find the nearest branch and its hours. Most banks have a "Find a Branch" or "Locations" page where you can search by zip code or address. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask which branch is closest to you and whether they have cashier's checks in stock (they almost always do, but it's worth confirming if you're traveling).
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo, you'll find branches in most cities. If you're with a smaller regional bank or credit union, use their locator tool to check whether there's a branch near your home or workplace.
Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check online through their website or app and pick it up at a branch the same day or next business day. Check your bank's website to see if this option is available.
Alternatives if your bank is closed or far away
If you need a cashier's check outside your bank's hours or don't have a nearby branch, a credit union may be your next option. Credit unions often have more flexible hours than banks and may issue cashier's checks to non-members for a small fee. Use the CO-OP or Allpoint network locators on the credit union's website to find a participating branch near you.
Some check-cashing services and money transfer businesses like MoneyGram or Western Union can issue cashier's checks, but fees are usually higher than at a bank — often $10 to $25 or more. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service, as not all locations do.
If you're in a true emergency and can't reach a bank or credit union, a certified check from your bank (which requires your signature and is may provide by the bank but not as strongly as a cashier's check) may work as a substitute, depending on what the payee will accept. Ask the person or business receiving the check whether a certified check is acceptable before you pursue this route.
Why a cashier's check instead of other payment methods
A cashier's check is useful when the payee wants may provide funds — for example, when buying a car, making a down payment on a house, or paying a contractor a large sum upfront. Because the bank guarantees the check, the payee knows the money is there and won't bounce.
A personal check carries the risk that your account doesn't have enough money, so payees often won't accept it for large transactions. A wire transfer is faster but costs more and is harder to reverse if something goes wrong. A cashier's check splits the difference: it's may provide, costs less than a wire, and gives you a paper record.
Some payees specifically request a cashier's check in their payment instructions. If they do, don't substitute a personal check or another method — follow their instructions exactly.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is misspelling the payee's name. Double-check the spelling before you hand the check to the teller, and ask the payee to confirm it in writing if you're unsure. A check made out to "Jon Smith" cannot be deposited by "John Smith" without the bank's permission, which is rarely granted.
Another mistake is not keeping a record of the check number and amount. Write down the check number, amount, payee name, and date in a notebook or your phone. If the check is lost or the payee claims they never received it, you'll need this information to trace it or request a replacement.
Don't assume the payee will accept a cashier's check without asking first. Some organizations have specific payment methods they require, and a cashier's check might not be one of them. Confirm before you go to the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?
Some credit unions and smaller banks will issue a cashier's check to non-members if you pay the full amount in cash, but policies vary widely. Call ahead to ask. You'll typically pay a higher fee than account holders do, and the bank may hold your cash for a day or two before issuing the check.
What if I lose the cashier's check before I give it to the payee?
Contact your bank when ready with the check number and amount. The bank can put a stop payment on it and issue a replacement, usually for free if you report it right away. This is why keeping a record of the check number is important.
Can the payee cash a cashier's check at any bank?
Yes. Because the check is may provide by the issuing bank, any bank will cash it or deposit it into an account. The payee doesn't need to have an account at your bank.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear?
Once the payee deposits it, a cashier's check typically clears within one to two business days, faster than a personal check. Some banks clear it the same day.
What's the maximum amount I can get on a cashier's check?
There's no legal limit, but individual banks set their own limits. Most banks will issue cashier's checks for any amount up to several hundred thousand dollars. If you need a very large check, call your bank in advance to confirm they can issue it.