Where to get a cashier's check and what to bring

You get a cashier's check by going to your bank or credit union in person and asking the teller to issue one. You will need to provide the exact amount, the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and cash or funds in your account to cover it. Most banks issue cashier's checks the same day, though some may take one business day if you request it late in the afternoon.

Not every financial institution offers cashier's checks. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase issue them routinely. Credit unions typically offer them too, but smaller banks or online-only banks may not. Call ahead or check your bank's website if you are unsure whether yours does.

Bring a photo ID when you go to the teller window. If you are requesting the check on behalf of a business or trust, bring documentation showing you have authority to do so — this might be a corporate resolution, power of attorney, or trust document, depending on the situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your bank or credit union in person with photo ID and request a cashier's check from a teller.
  • You must have enough cash or account funds available to cover the full amount of the check.
  • The payee name must be exact — you cannot leave it blank or make it out to "cash."
  • Most banks charge a small fee, typically $5 to $15, though some waive it for account holders.
  • The check is usually ready the same day, but confirm the timeline with your bank.

What information you need to provide

The teller will ask you for the payee name — the person or business that will receive the money. This name must be spelled correctly and match the name the recipient uses for banking or business purposes. If you misspell it or use a nickname, the recipient may have trouble depositing it.

You also need to specify the exact dollar amount. The teller will write this both in numbers and in words on the check. If the two do not match, the bank may refuse to issue it or ask you to clarify. Double-check the amount before the teller hands it to you.

Some banks will ask why you need the check, but they are not required to and you are not required to explain. If the bank suspects fraud or money laundering, they may ask additional questions or decline to issue it — this is rare for routine transactions.

Fees and how long it takes

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account type. A few banks charge nothing at all. Ask your teller what the fee is before you request the check.

The fee is usually deducted from your account when ready, or you may be asked to pay it in cash at the time of the transaction. If you are paying with cash for the check amount itself, you will need to bring enough to cover both the check amount and the fee.

Turnaround time is almost always same-day if you arrive during business hours. Some banks will issue it within minutes. If you arrive near closing time or on a Friday afternoon, the bank may issue it the next business day instead. Ask the teller for a specific time estimate.

What happens after you receive the check

Once the teller hands you the cashier's check, it is a valid financial instrument. You can give it to the payee, mail it, or hold it until you are ready to deliver it. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, so the recipient knows the funds are may provide.

The recipient will deposit or cash the check at their own bank. They do not need to do anything special — they treat it like any other check. The funds typically clear within one to three business days, depending on the recipient's bank.

Keep your receipt from the transaction. If the check is lost or stolen before the payee deposits it, you may need to file a claim with the bank to get your money back. The receipt helps prove you purchased the check and the amount.

If your bank does not offer cashier's checks

If your bank or credit union does not issue cashier's checks, you have a few alternatives. You can open an account at a bank that does and request one there, though this takes time. You can also ask if the bank offers a certified check instead — this is a personal check from your account that the bank stamps and guarantees, and it serves the same purpose as a cashier's check in most situations.

Another option is a money order, which you can purchase at many post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks but have lower limits — usually $500 to $1,000 per order — and cost less, typically $1 to $5. If you need to send a large amount, you would need multiple money orders.

Some recipients will also accept a bank transfer or wire transfer instead. Ask the payee whether they have a preference before you go to the bank.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is misspelling the payee name. Once the check is issued, you cannot change it. If you realize the name is wrong, you will need to ask the bank to cancel it and issue a new one — some banks charge a second fee for this. Spell the name out loud to the teller and ask them to repeat it back to you.

Another mistake is not bringing enough money to cover both the check amount and the fee. If you are paying in cash, calculate the total before you go to the window. If you are paying from your account, make sure your balance is high enough.

Do not leave the payee line blank or ask the teller to make it out to "cash." Banks will not issue a blank cashier's check. If you do not know the exact payee name yet, wait until you do before requesting the check.

Finally, do not lose the check or the receipt. If the check is lost before the payee deposits it, you will need to file a claim and may have to wait weeks to recover your money. Keep both in a safe place until the payee confirms they have received and deposited it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have an account at the bank?

Most banks require you to have an account with them to request a cashier's check. Some banks will issue one to non-customers if you pay the full amount in cash, but this is less common. Call your bank first to ask about their policy.

What if I need a cashier's check after the bank closes?

You cannot get a cashier's check outside of business hours. Plan ahead and visit during regular banking hours. If you need one urgently, check whether your bank has extended hours or weekend branches in your area.

Can the payee change a cashier's check to someone else?

No. A cashier's check is made out to a specific person or business and cannot be transferred. If the payee wants to give the money to someone else, they must deposit it first and then send a separate payment.

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

No. A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself and drawn on the bank's account. A certified check is your personal check that the bank stamps to may provide the funds are available. Both are considered find, but a cashier's check is slightly more formal and is preferred in some situations, like real estate closings.

What if the cashier's check gets lost in the mail?

Contact your bank when ready with your receipt. You can file a claim to cancel the original check and request a replacement. The process may take several weeks, and the bank may require you to sign an indemnity agreement promising to return the money if the original check is later deposited.