Where to Get a Cashier's Check: Banks, Credit Unions, and Other Options

Banks and credit unions are your most straightforward sources for a cashier's check

Most people get a cashier's check from their own bank or credit union, and that is usually the fastest route. You walk in with cash or a debit card, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and they issue one on the spot — often within minutes. The teller will ask you who the check is payable to, the amount, and may ask what it is for (though they are not required to tell you no). You pay a fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the institution, though some banks waive it for customers who maintain certain account balances.

If you do not have an account at a bank or credit union, you can still get a cashier's check there — you just cannot use a debit card. You will need to bring cash or a wire transfer. Some banks will issue one to a non-customer, but policies vary widely. Call ahead before you go, because some institutions refuse non-customers entirely, and others limit the number they will issue or require you to speak to a manager.

Key Takeaways

• Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest place to get a cashier's check, usually issued within minutes for a $5 to $15 fee.
• Non-customers can get a cashier's check at most banks and credit unions, but you must bring cash and should call ahead to confirm the institution will issue one.
• Online banks and some credit unions do not issue cashier's checks in person, so you will need to use a physical branch or a different institution.
• Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram offer cashier's checks at some locations, though fees are typically higher than banks.
• If you need a cashier's check urgently and your bank is closed, a notary public can sometimes direct you to an alternative source or help you explore other payment methods.

What to bring and what to expect when you arrive

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you are a customer, bring your debit card or account number. If you are a non-customer, bring cash in the exact amount you need plus the fee, or slightly more to cover it. The teller will ask you to spell the payee's name and confirm the amount. They will also ask you to sign the check, and sometimes they will ask for the recipient's address.

The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the line is short. Some banks will hold a cashier's check for a few days if you ask them to, so you do not have to use it when ready. Do not lose it — a cashier's check is as good as cash to whoever holds it, and replacing a lost one can take weeks and require a bond.

Online banks and why they usually cannot issue cashier's checks

Banks that operate only online — like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover — do not have physical branches, so they cannot issue cashier's checks in person. Some online banks will mail you one, but the process takes several business days and you have to request it through their website or phone line. If you need a cashier's check today or tomorrow, an online bank is not an option.

If you bank with an online institution and need a cashier's check urgently, your best move is to visit a physical bank or credit union branch in your area, even if you do not have an account there. Bring cash and your ID, and ask if they will issue one as a non-customer. Many will, though some charge a higher fee for non-customers.

Money transfer services and check-cashing stores

Western Union and MoneyGram locations sometimes issue cashier's checks, though not all of them do. Call the location near you first to confirm. Fees at these services are usually higher than at banks — often $15 to $25 — and the process may take longer because staff are less familiar with the request. Check-cashing stores occasionally issue them as well, but again, call ahead.

These options make sense only if you cannot reach a bank or credit union during business hours, or if you are in a rural area with no bank branches nearby. For routine cashier's checks, a bank or credit union is cheaper and faster.

Getting a cashier's check from a credit union if you are not a member

Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than banks are. Many will issue a cashier's check to anyone with cash and a valid ID, sometimes for the same fee they charge members. Some credit unions belong to shared branching networks, which means you can visit a different credit union branch and conduct business there even if you do not belong to that specific credit union. If you are a member of any credit union, ask whether they participate in shared branching — if they do, you can get a cashier's check at thousands of other credit union branches nationwide.

To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Alliant Credit Union branch locator online. Call ahead to confirm they will issue a cashier's check to a non-member and ask about their fee.

Timing and planning ahead

If you know you will need a cashier's check, get it during business hours on a weekday. Most banks and credit unions are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday hours. If you need one on a weekend or after hours, you will have to wait until the next business day or find a 24-hour alternative (which is rare).

Plan to get the cashier's check the same day you need to use it, or the day before. Do not get it weeks in advance — some recipients will not accept a cashier's check that is more than 6 months old, and holding onto it increases the risk of losing it.

What to do if your bank refuses or charges too much

If your bank charges a fee you think is unreasonable, ask to speak to a manager. Some banks will waive the fee if you have a good account history or if you maintain a minimum balance. If they refuse, try a credit union or a different bank in your area — fees vary, and shopping around can save you $10 or more.

If a bank refuses to issue a cashier's check to you as a non-customer, try a credit union or a money transfer service. If you are a customer and the bank refuses, ask why — sometimes there is a hold on your account or a fraud flag that you can resolve by speaking to a manager or calling customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most banks and credit unions will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you bring cash, a valid photo ID, and the fee. Call ahead to confirm the institution will do this, because policies vary. Some banks refuse non-customers, while others limit the number they will issue or require you to speak to a manager.

How long does it take to get a cashier's check?

At a bank or credit union branch, usually 5 to 10 minutes. If you order one by mail from an online bank, it takes several business days. Money transfer services may take 15 to 30 minutes if they issue them at all.

What if I lose a cashier's check?

Contact the bank that issued it when ready and ask them to put a stop on it. You will likely need to sign an affidavit and may have to post a bond equal to the check's value. The process can take weeks. Do not give a cashier's check to someone else to deliver — hand it directly to the recipient or mail it yourself.

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

Yes, but the check must be payable to the person you name, not to you. You cannot cash a cashier's check made out to someone else. If you are paying a bill or a debt on someone else's behalf, ask the creditor whether they will accept a check in your name instead, or whether they require the cashier's check to be payable to them directly.

Do I need to make an appointment to get a cashier's check?

No. Walk-ins are standard at banks and credit unions. If the line is long, you may wait 10 to 20 minutes, but you do not need to call ahead or schedule anything. Money transfer services may require an appointment at some locations, so call first if you are going to one of those.