Most banks and credit unions offer cashier's checks at the teller window

You can walk into almost any bank or credit union branch and request a cashier's check during business hours. The teller will take your payment (usually by debit from your account, sometimes in cash), verify the funds, and issue the check in the payee's name. The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your account open there and know who the check should be made out to.

Credit unions often charge less than banks for this service — sometimes nothing at all if you're a member. Banks typically charge between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account tier. A few banks charge nothing regardless of account type, so it's worth calling ahead if you're doing this for the first time.

You do not need to be an existing customer at most institutions. Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, though they may charge a higher fee or require you to pay in cash rather than by account debit. Call the branch directly to ask — policies vary by location and by bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks at the teller window, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have an account there.
  • Fees range from nothing to $15 per check depending on the bank and your account type, so calling ahead can save you money.
  • You need to know the payee's name and the exact amount before you arrive, because the check cannot be altered once issued.
  • Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers, though the fee may be higher and you may need to pay in cash.
  • If your bank is closed or you need a check outside business hours, online banks, check-printing services, and some retailers offer alternatives.

What you need to bring to the bank

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your identity before issuing the check. If you're not an existing customer, bring the same ID plus enough cash or a debit card to cover the check amount plus the fee.

Know the payee's name exactly as it should appear on the check. If the name is misspelled or incomplete, the payee may not be able to cash it, and you'll have to request a replacement. Know the amount to the dollar — you cannot change it once the check is printed. If you're unsure of either detail, ask the person who requested the check to confirm before you go to the bank.

Bring your account number if you're paying by account debit, though the teller can look it up with your ID. If you're paying in cash, bring bills or coins — most banks will not accept a personal check as payment for a cashier's check.

Online banks and check-printing services

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover offer cashier's checks by mail. You request the check through your online account, and the bank mails it to you or directly to the payee. This takes 5 to 10 business days, so it's not useful if you need the check today, but it works if you have time and prefer not to visit a branch.

Third-party check-printing services like Deluxe and CheckSmart can print cashier's checks, though they charge more than banks — often $15 to $25 per check. They are useful if you don't have a bank account or if your bank is closed. Some services mail the check; others print it at a retail location like Walmart or CVS. Turnaround time varies from same-day to 5 business days depending on the service and how you order.

Walmart and some grocery stores with financial services counters can print money orders, which are similar to cashier's checks but have lower limits (usually $1,000 per order). Money orders cost $1 to $5 and are issued when ready. They work for most payments under $1,000, but some payees specifically require a cashier's check, so confirm before you choose this route.

Fees and account requirements

Bank fees for cashier's checks vary widely. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically charge $10 to $15. Regional banks and credit unions often charge $5 to $10. Some banks charge nothing if you have a checking account with direct deposit or a minimum balance. A few banks, including some online-only institutions, charge nothing at all.

Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask about the fee before you request the check. If the fee seems high, ask whether you may have access to for a waiver based on your account type. If you're not a customer, ask what the non-customer fee is — it's often higher than the standard fee.

Some banks limit the number of cashier's checks you can request per month or per year without an extra charge. This is rare, but worth asking about if you need multiple checks. Most banks have no limit for standard customers.

How long it takes and what happens next

At a bank branch, you'll have the check in hand within 15 minutes. At an online bank, expect 5 to 10 business days by mail. At a check-printing service, turnaround ranges from same-day (if you pick it up at a retail location) to 5 business days (if mailed).

Once you have the check, you give it to the payee — a landlord, seller, court, or other recipient. The payee deposits or cashes it like any other check. The funds are drawn from your account when ready (or within one business day), so make sure you have the money available before you request the check. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check cannot bounce because the bank has already verified the funds.

Keep your receipt from the bank. It shows the check number, amount, and date issued. If the check is lost or stolen before the payee cashes it, you'll need this receipt to request a replacement or a refund.

When a cashier's check is required versus optional

Some transactions require a cashier's check specifically. Real estate closings, court-ordered payments, and large purchases often require one because the payee wants proof that the funds are may provide. A personal check or electronic transfer is not acceptable in these cases.

Other situations accept a cashier's check but don't require it. Paying rent, making a deposit on a car, or sending money to a contractor may allow a personal check, electronic transfer, or cashier's check — the payee's preference varies. Always ask what payment methods the payee will take before you go to the bank.

If you're unsure whether a cashier's check is required, ask the person or organization requesting payment. They'll tell you whether a cashier's check is necessary or whether alternatives are acceptable. This saves you a trip and a fee if another method works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I don't have a bank account?

Yes. Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay in cash, though the fee may be $15 to $25 instead of the standard $5 to $10. Check-printing services and some retailers also issue cashier's checks or money orders to non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they have the amount you need in stock.

What if I make a mistake on the amount or payee name?

You cannot change a cashier's check once it's printed. If you catch the error before leaving the bank, tell the teller when ready and request a replacement. If you discover the error later, contact your bank to request a new check. You may be charged another fee, and the process takes a few business days. This is why confirming the amount and payee name before you go to the bank is important.

How long is a cashier's check valid?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but some banks or payees may refuse to accept one that is more than 6 months old. If your check sits unused for several months, contact the issuing bank to confirm it's still valid before you give it to the payee. If the bank won't honor it, you can request a replacement.

What if the check is lost or stolen?

Contact your bank when ready with your receipt. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You'll typically pay a stop-payment fee ($15 to $30) and wait 30 to 90 days to confirm the check hasn't been cashed before the bank issues a replacement or refund. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Can I get a cashier's check for someone else?

Yes, but the check must be made out to the third party, not to you. You pay the bank, and the bank issues the check in the payee's name. You cannot cash a cashier's check made out to someone else — only the named payee can do that. This is a common way to pay contractors, settle debts, or send money to family members.