Where to Get a Cashier's Check

Banks and credit unions are your main sources for cashier's checks

You can get a cashier's check from almost any bank or credit union that holds your account. Walk into a branch during business hours, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and provide the amount and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. The teller will prepare it on the spot — usually within a few minutes — and you'll pay a fee (typically $5 to $15, though some banks waive it for account holders).

You don't have to use your own bank. Any bank will issue a cashier's check to you, even if you have no account there, though you may pay a higher fee. Credit unions often charge less than large banks, and some community banks have lower fees than national chains.

Key Takeaways

• Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest way to get a cashier's check, usually ready in minutes during business hours.
• You can get a cashier's check from any bank, even without an account there, but expect to pay a higher fee.
• Online banks and some credit unions can mail you a cashier's check, but this takes several business days.
• You'll need the exact amount, the payee's name spelled correctly, and cash or a debit card to pay the fee.
• Some banks require you to call ahead or use their mobile app to request a cashier's check before visiting.

What to bring when you visit a branch

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license or passport. You'll also need to know the exact amount of the check and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. Spell the payee's name correctly, because the teller will write it exactly as you say it.

If you're paying by cash, bring enough to cover both the check amount and the fee. If you're paying by debit card or using funds from your account, the teller will handle that at the window. Some banks require you to have an account with them to pay by card; others will accept a card from any bank.

Getting a cashier's check from your online bank

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank can issue cashier's checks, but they mail them to you rather than handing them over at a branch. The process usually takes 5 to 10 business days. You'll request the check through your online account, provide the payee information, and the bank will mail it to your address on file.

This option works if you have time before you need the check. It doesn't work if you need one today or tomorrow. Call your online bank's customer service line to confirm they offer cashier's checks and what their timeline is — it varies by bank.

Using a mobile app or phone to order ahead

Some large banks let you request a cashier's check through their mobile app or by calling ahead, then pick it up at a branch. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer this in many locations. You provide the payee name and amount through the app or phone, and the check is ready when you arrive.

This saves time if the branch is busy. Call your bank's customer service number or open the app and search for "cashier's check" to see if this option is available at your branch. Not all branches offer it, so confirm before you make the trip.

What happens if you need a cashier's check urgently

If you need a cashier's check the same day, visit a branch in person during business hours. Most banks can issue one within 15 minutes. If it's after hours or on a weekend, you'll have to wait until the next business day.

Some banks have extended hours or Saturday branches. Check your bank's website or call ahead to confirm a branch near you is open when you need it. If your bank doesn't have weekend hours, look for a nearby bank or credit union that does — you can get a cashier's check from any institution, not just your own.

Fees and what they cover

Cashier's check fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and whether you have an account. Banks that waive fees typically do so only for customers with checking or savings accounts. If you don't have an account, expect to pay $5 to $10.

The fee covers the bank's cost to issue the check and may provide it with their own funds. Once you pay the fee and receive the check, it's yours — the bank won't refund the fee if you change your mind or don't use the check. Some banks will reissue a lost or damaged check for free within a certain period, so ask about their policy before you leave.

Alternatives if you can't get to a bank

If you can't visit a branch and your online bank takes too long, consider a money order from the post office, a grocery store, or a check-cashing service. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks — they're may provide by the issuer — but they have lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000 per order) and cost less ($1 to $5). They're useful for smaller payments.

A certified check is another option if your bank offers it. It's a personal check from your account that the bank certifies with a stamp, guaranteeing the funds are there. It takes longer than a cashier's check (usually 1 to 3 business days) and costs about the same, but it works for some situations where a cashier's check isn't required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?

Yes. Any bank will issue one to you, even if you have no account there. You'll pay a higher fee (usually $8 to $15 instead of $5 to $10), and you'll need to pay the check amount plus the fee in cash or with a debit card from another bank.

How long does a cashier's check take to clear?

Cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks because the bank guarantees the funds. Most clear within one business day, and many clear the same day they're deposited. The receiving bank may hold it for a few days as a precaution, but the funds are may provide from the moment the check is issued.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name?

Tell the teller before they print the check. They can void it and issue a new one, usually without an extra fee. If you don't notice until after you leave, contact the bank — some will reissue it for free if you return the original within a set period. Never try to cross out or change the name yourself; the check will be invalid.

Can I get a cashier's check made out to myself?

Yes, though it's unusual. Some people do this to move money between accounts or banks. The teller will issue it with your name as the payee, and you can deposit it or cash it like any other check. There's no restriction on who the payee can be.

Do I need to call ahead before visiting a branch?

It's not required, but calling ahead can save time if the branch is busy or if they need to prepare a large check. For standard amounts under $10,000, you can usually walk in and get one without waiting. For larger amounts, some banks ask you to call ahead so they can have the funds ready.