Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do may have requirements you need to meet first

Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts will issue a cashier's check, but not all. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank issue them as a standard service. Regional banks and most credit unions do too. However, online-only banks, some smaller community banks, and non-bank financial institutions like check-cashing services typically do not offer them at all.

Even if your bank does issue cashier's checks, you may face restrictions. Some banks require you to be an existing customer with an account in good standing. Others will issue one to a non-customer but charge a higher fee or require you to come in person with a government ID. A few banks have stopped offering them entirely due to fraud concerns, so calling ahead is always the safest first step.

Key Takeaways

  • National banks and most credit unions issue cashier's checks, but online banks and check-cashing services do not.
  • Many banks require you to have an account with them before they will issue a cashier's check.
  • Fees range from free to $15 depending on the bank and whether you are a customer, so ask before you request one.
  • You will need to provide the exact payee name, amount, and reason for the check when you order it.
  • Cashier's checks typically take one business day to issue, though some banks can produce them same-day in person.

Which types of banks issue cashier's checks

The largest national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank — all issue cashier's checks. So do most regional banks with multiple branches, such as PNC, KeyBank, and Regions Bank. Credit unions that are members of shared branching networks or CO-OP networks often issue them too, though you should confirm with your specific credit union first.

Banks that do not issue cashier's checks include most online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, Discover Bank), check-cashing stores, payday lenders, and money transfer services like MoneyGram or Western Union. Some smaller community banks have also stopped issuing them because of the fraud risk and the cost of maintaining the infrastructure to do so securely.

If you are unsure whether your bank offers them, call the branch directly or check your bank's website. Many banks list this service under "payment services" or "check services." If your bank does not issue them, you can still get one from another bank where you open an account, though that takes time and may not be practical if you need one quickly.

Customer requirements and restrictions

Most banks require you to be an existing customer with an account in good standing to get a cashier's check. "In good standing" typically means your account is not overdrawn, you have not had recent fraud or suspicious activity, and you have not closed the account recently. Some banks will not issue one if you have had the account for fewer than 30 days.

If you do not have an account at the bank, many will still issue a cashier's check but with conditions. You may have to pay a higher fee (sometimes $10 to $15 instead of free or $5), provide two forms of ID, and come in person to the branch. Some banks will refuse non-customers entirely, especially for large amounts.

A few banks have daily or monthly limits on how many cashier's checks you can order or how much you can request in a single check. These limits are rare but worth asking about if you need multiple checks or a very large one. Banks also reserve the right to refuse a cashier's check if they suspect fraud or if the transaction looks unusual for your account.

How to order a cashier's check from your bank

The process depends on whether you can visit a branch in person. If you can, go to any branch of your bank during business hours with your ID and the information about the check you need: the exact name of the payee, the amount, and the reason (optional but sometimes requested). The teller will fill out the check, take payment from your account, and hand it to you when ready or within a few minutes.

If you cannot visit in person, call your bank's customer service line and ask if they can mail a cashier's check to you. Some banks will do this, but they require you to provide the payee information over the phone and may take several business days to mail it. You will be charged for the check and for postage. A few banks allow you to order online through your account, though this is less common.

Do not assume you can order a cashier's check by phone or online without visiting a branch. Many banks require you to come in person, especially for large amounts or if you are not a regular customer. Call ahead to confirm what your bank requires and how long it will take.

Fees and payment methods

Cashier's check fees vary widely. Many banks charge nothing for customers, especially if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account. Others charge $5 to $10 per check. Non-customers typically pay $10 to $15. A few banks charge based on the amount of the check — for example, 0.1% of the check amount with a minimum fee.

You will need to have the funds in your account to cover both the check amount and the fee. The bank will deduct the full amount when ready when you order the check, so if you are ordering a $5,000 check and the fee is $10, you need $5,010 available in your account. If you do not have the funds, the bank will refuse to issue it.

Some banks waive the fee if you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance, having direct deposit set up, or holding a specific account type. Ask your bank whether any of these explore to you before you pay the fee.

Timing: how long a cashier's check takes

If you order in person at a branch, you can usually get a cashier's check the same day, often within minutes. The teller prints it, you sign it, and you leave with it. Some banks may take a few hours if they need to verify funds or if the branch is very busy.

If you order by phone or mail, expect one to three business days for the bank to process your request and mail the check to you. If you need it urgently, ask whether the bank can issue it same-day if you visit a branch in person. Many banks can do this even if you normally bank online.

Do not count on a cashier's check arriving by a specific date if you are ordering by mail. Banks do not may provide delivery dates, only the date they mail it. If you have a hard important date, visit a branch in person or use a bank that has a branch near you that you can visit.

What to do if your bank will not issue one

If your bank does not offer cashier's checks or refuses to issue one for you, you have a few options. Open a basic checking account at another bank that does issue them — this takes 15 to 30 minutes and you can often do it online or in person. Once the account is open, you can order a cashier's check when ready.

Another option is to ask the person or business you are paying whether they will accept a different form of payment. A personal check, a wire transfer, or a money order may work depending on what they need. If they specifically require a cashier's check because they do not trust personal checks, explain your situation and ask whether they have other options.

If you need a cashier's check urgently and cannot open a new account, some banks will issue one to a non-customer for a higher fee if you visit in person with cash or a debit card. Call ahead to confirm this is possible at the specific branch you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from a bank where I do not have an account?

Yes, most large banks will issue one to a non-customer, but you will pay a higher fee ($10 to $15 instead of free or $5), you must visit in person with a government ID, and you must have the funds available in cash or on a debit card. Call the branch first to confirm they will do this and to ask what ID they need.

What if I need a cashier's check but do not have the full amount in my account?

You cannot get a cashier's check without the funds available. If you are short, deposit the money first and wait for it to clear (usually one business day), then order the check. If you need it the same day, you may not be able to get one.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I have ordered it?

Yes, but it depends on whether you have already given it to someone. If you still have it, bring it back to the bank and they will refund your money minus a small fee (usually $10 to $25). If someone else has it, you will need to stop payment, which costs more and may not work if they have already cashed it.

Do I need to go to my specific branch, or can I go to any branch of my bank?

You can go to any branch of your bank. If you are a customer, bring your ID and the payee information. If you are not a customer, call ahead to confirm the branch will issue one to you and what they need from you.

How long is a cashier's check good for?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may stop honoring them after six months to a year if they are not cashed. If your check is old, contact the bank that issued it and ask them to issue a new one or confirm they will still honor the original.