Cashier's check fees range from $5 to $15 at most banks, though some credit unions charge nothing
The cost of a cashier's check depends on where you get it. Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per check. Credit unions often charge less — some charge $0 to $3, and a few charge nothing at all. Online banks and some regional banks may charge $10 to $20. The fee is separate from the amount of money on the check itself; if you order a $5,000 cashier's check, you pay the check fee plus the $5,000.
Your own bank usually offers the lowest price if you have an account there. If you don't have a bank account, you can still buy a cashier's check at most banks and credit unions, but you may pay a higher fee — sometimes $15 to $25 — and you'll need to bring cash or a debit card to cover both the check amount and the fee.
Some banks waive the fee for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have certain account types. It's worth calling ahead to ask, especially if you need multiple checks.
Key Takeaways
- Bank cashier's check fees typically run $5 to $15, with credit unions often charging less or nothing.
- You pay the fee on top of the check amount — a $10,000 cashier's check with a $10 fee costs you $10,010 total.
- Non-customers usually pay more ($15 to $25) and must bring cash or a debit card to cover the full amount.
- Some banks waive fees for customers with certain account types or minimum balances, so ask before you pay.
- Credit unions and online banks may offer lower fees than traditional banks, but availability varies by location and membership.
Why banks charge for cashier's checks
A cashier's check is a may provide payment backed by the bank itself, not your personal account. The bank verifies you have the funds, removes the money from your account when ready, and signs the check with its own authority. This may provide is what makes the check valuable — the recipient knows the bank stands behind it. Processing that may provide takes staff time and creates a small liability for the bank, which is why they charge a fee.
The fee also covers the cost of the check stock itself (the physical paper), the teller's time, and the bank's record-keeping. Some banks build the fee into their profit model; others see it as a service charge that covers their actual costs.
How to find the lowest fee near you
Call your bank's main number or visit a branch and ask the teller directly. Don't assume all branches of the same bank charge the same amount — some regional banks vary fees by location. If you're not a customer, ask whether the fee changes if you open an account at the same time.
Credit unions in your area may offer lower fees, but you usually need to be a member. Some credit unions allow non-members to buy cashier's checks for a higher fee. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover often charge $0 to $10, but you may need to request the check by mail or pick it up at a partner location, which takes longer.
If you need the check the same day, you're limited to banks and credit unions with physical branches. If you can wait three to five business days, online banks become an option and may save you money.
What happens if you need multiple checks
Most banks charge per check, so ordering five cashier's checks means paying five fees. A few banks offer a small discount for multiple checks ordered at once, but this is uncommon. Ask the teller whether a discount applies before you pay.
If you regularly need cashier's checks — for example, if you're a real estate agent or landlord — some banks offer a package deal or waive fees for high-volume customers. It's worth asking your bank's business services department whether a special arrangement exists.
Comparing cashier's checks to other payment methods
A wire transfer costs $15 to $30 and moves money electronically in hours. A money order costs $1 to $5 but isn't may provide by a bank and carries a lower dollar limit (usually $500 to $1,000). A certified check, which is your personal check certified by your bank, costs $5 to $15 and takes one to two business days. A regular personal check costs nothing but offers no may provide.
Choose a cashier's check when the recipient needs a may provide payment and won't accept a personal check. Choose a wire transfer when speed matters more than cost. Choose a money order for small amounts under $1,000 when you want to avoid a bank fee. Choose a certified check if you have time and want to use your own account.
What to bring when you order a cashier's check
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Bring the cash or debit card to cover both the check amount and the fee. Bring the recipient's name spelled correctly — the check will be made out to that person or business, and spelling errors can cause problems. If you're ordering the check for a business, bring the business name and address.
Some banks ask for the reason you need the check, but this is optional information. You don't have to answer. If you're ordering a check for a large amount (usually $10,000 or more), the bank may ask additional questions as part of federal anti-money-laundering rules. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
How long a cashier's check takes to get
At a bank branch, a cashier's check usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The teller verifies your account, removes the funds, prints the check, and hands it to you. You can use it when ready.
If you order by phone or online, the bank mails it to you, which takes three to seven business days depending on the bank and your location. Some banks offer expedited mailing for an extra $10 to $20. A few banks with many branches let you order online and pick up at a local branch the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?
Yes. Most banks and credit unions sell cashier's checks to non-customers, but you'll pay a higher fee ($15 to $25 instead of $5 to $10) and must bring cash or a debit card to cover the full amount. Some banks require a minimum deposit or won't sell to non-customers at all, so call ahead.
What if I make a mistake on the check amount?
Tell the teller before you leave the bank. They can void the check and issue a new one, usually without charging a second fee. Once you leave the building, getting a replacement is harder and may cost another full fee.
Do I need to pay the fee upfront or can I deduct it from the check amount?
You pay the fee upfront, separate from the check amount. If you want to send $5,000 and have $5,010 in your account, the bank removes $5,010 total — $5,000 for the check and $10 for the fee. The check itself is for $5,000.
Are cashier's checks from credit unions more widely accepted than bank checks?
No. A cashier's check from a credit union is just as valid and widely accepted as one from a bank. The recipient doesn't care which institution issued it, only that it's may provide. Some very small credit unions may be less familiar to recipients, but this rarely causes problems.
Can I cancel a cashier's check and get my money back?
Yes, but it's complicated. You must contact the bank that issued it and request a stop payment, which usually costs $15 to $30. The bank will hold the money while they verify the check hasn't been cashed. If it hasn't been cashed after 30 to 90 days (depending on the bank), they return your money minus the stop-payment fee. If the check has already been cashed, you cannot get the money back.