Cashier's check fees range from $0 to $15 per check, depending on your bank and account type

Most banks charge between $5 and $10 for a single cashier's check. Some banks charge nothing if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium checking account. A few banks charge as much as $15. The fee is separate from the amount of money on the check itself — you pay the fee to the bank for issuing the check, and you pay the face value of the check from your account balance.

The fee structure varies widely. Chase, for example, charges $8.50 per check for most customers, but waives the fee for customers with certain account tiers. Bank of America charges $10 per check for standard accounts. Credit unions often charge $3 to $5. Some regional banks charge nothing at all. The only way to know your bank's exact fee is to call them or check your account agreement.

If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether your bank offers a discount for ordering more than one at a time. Some do; many do not. It is worth asking before you pay for each check separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks charge $5 to $10 per cashier's check, though fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and your account type.
  • Premium or high-balance accounts often have cashier's check fees waived, so check your account benefits before paying.
  • Credit unions typically charge less than traditional banks, usually $3 to $5 per check.
  • The fee is charged by the bank for issuing the check and is separate from the amount of money you put on the check.

How to find out what your bank charges

Call your bank's customer service line and ask directly: "What is your fee for a cashier's check?" Have your account number ready. The representative will tell you the exact amount and may also tell you whether your account type qualifies for a waived fee.

You can also check your bank's website. Most banks list cashier's check fees in their fee schedule, usually under a heading like "Checking Account Fees" or "Transaction Fees." The fee schedule is often a PDF you can read. If you cannot find it online, the customer service line is faster than visiting a branch in person.

When your bank waives the fee

Many banks waive cashier's check fees for customers who meet certain conditions. Common conditions include maintaining a minimum daily balance (often $10,000 to $25,000), having direct deposit set up, or holding a premium account tier. Some banks waive the fee for customers over a certain age or for military members.

If you are close to meeting the balance requirement, it may be worth temporarily moving money into that account to waive the fee — especially if you need several checks. Do the math: if you need three checks and the fee is $10 each, you save $30. If moving $15,000 into the account for a week costs you nothing (and it usually does), that is a worthwhile trade.

Ordering cashier's checks in person versus by mail

Most banks charge the same fee whether you order in person at a branch or by mail. A few banks charge slightly more for mail orders because of the cost of shipping the check back to you. Ask your bank whether there is a difference before you order.

In-person ordering is usually faster — you can walk out with the check the same day. Mail orders typically take 5 to 10 business days. If you need the check urgently, go to a branch. If you have time, mail order is convenient and usually costs the same.

What happens if you need the check urgently

If your bank is closed or you need a cashier's check outside business hours, you have limited options. Some banks offer cashier's checks through their mobile app or online banking portal, though this is rare. Most do not.

If you cannot wait for your bank to open, consider whether a regular personal check will work instead. A personal check costs nothing and clears from your account when ready. The recipient may accept it if they know you or if the transaction is low-risk. For high-value transactions or situations where the recipient specifically requires a cashier's check, you will need to wait for your bank to open.

Comparing costs across banks if you are switching

If you use cashier's checks regularly, the fee difference between banks adds up. Someone who needs 12 cashier's checks per year at a bank charging $10 each pays $120 annually. At a credit union charging $3 each, the same person pays $36 — a difference of $84 per year.

If you are considering switching banks for other reasons, cashier's check fees are worth factoring in. Look at the full fee schedule, not just this one item. A bank with low cashier's check fees might charge more for overdrafts or monthly maintenance. Compare the total cost of banking there, not just the single fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without paying a fee?

Yes, if your bank waives the fee for your account type. Call your bank and ask whether you may have access to. Some banks waive fees for customers with high balances, premium accounts, or direct deposit. If you do not may have access to now, you may may have access to if you move money into the account or set up direct deposit.

Is the cashier's check fee the same as the amount on the check?

No. The fee is what you pay the bank for issuing the check. The amount on the check is the money you are transferring. If you order a $5,000 cashier's check and your bank charges $10, you pay $10 to the bank and $5,000 comes out of your account — a total of $5,010.

Do online banks charge less for cashier's checks?

Many online banks do not issue cashier's checks at all, since they have no physical branches. If you need a cashier's check and use an online bank, you may need to switch to a traditional bank or credit union that has branches. Check your online bank's website first — some partner with other banks to issue checks for a fee.

What if I order a cashier's check and never use it?

You cannot get the fee back. The fee is for the service of issuing the check, not for the check being cashed. If you decide not to use the check, the fee is gone. The money on the check stays in your account until someone deposits it or until it expires (usually six months to a year, depending on your bank).

Can I negotiate the cashier's check fee?

Not usually. Banks set their fees in their fee schedule, and customer service representatives cannot override them. Your only options are to switch banks, meet the conditions for a waived fee, or pay the standard fee.