Where to Get a Cashier's Check and What to Expect

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 where you have an account. Most will issue one the same day you request it, though some branches may need a few hours if you arrive late in the afternoon. You do not need to be a customer to get one — many banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers for a fee, usually between $5 and $15.

The process is straightforward: you go to a teller, tell them the amount and who the check should be made out to, and provide payment (either from your account or in cash). The bank then prints the check on their own stock, signs it with the bank's authorized signature, and guarantees the funds. This may provide is what makes a cashier's check different from a personal check — the bank is promising the money is there, not you.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks the same day in most cases, and you can often get one even if you don't have an account there.
• You'll pay a fee (typically $5 to $15) unless you have a premium account or the bank waives it for customers.
• Online banks generally cannot issue cashier's checks in person, so you'll need to visit a physical branch or use a partner bank's location.
• Some banks limit how many cashier's checks you can get per day or require advance notice for large amounts.
• If you lose a cashier's check, you'll need to file a stop payment and wait a holding period (often 90 days) before the bank will issue a replacement.

What to bring and what information you'll need

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask for the name of the person or business the check should be made out to (called the payee), and you'll need to spell it correctly. If you're paying from your account, bring your debit card or account number. If you're paying in cash, bring the exact amount or be prepared to receive change.

Have the payee's mailing address if you're sending the check by mail, though this is not always required on the check itself. If the check is for a business, ask whether they have a specific name format they prefer — for example, "ABC Construction LLC" versus "ABC Construction, LLC" — because some organizations are picky about how their name appears.

Fees and account requirements

Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some waive the fee for customers with certain account types — often premium checking accounts, business accounts, or accounts with a minimum balance. A few banks charge nothing for any customer. Call ahead or check your bank's website to learn what they charge.

Non-customers usually pay the full fee. Some banks will not issue cashier's checks to non-customers at all, so if you don't have an account, call first to confirm they'll do it. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than banks are, though policies vary widely.

Online banks and alternatives when you can't visit a branch

Online banks (those with no physical branches) cannot issue cashier's checks directly. If you bank with an online-only institution, you have a few options: some online banks partner with a network of physical locations where you can pick up a cashier's check, some will mail one to you, and some will not issue them at all. Check your bank's website or call customer service to see what they offer.

If you need a cashier's check and cannot get to a branch, you can visit any bank or credit union that issues them to non-customers. You'll pay their fee and provide the funds, but you'll walk out with the check the same day. This is often faster than waiting for a mailed check from your own bank.

Timing: same-day service and when you might need to wait

Most banks issue cashier's checks within minutes during business hours. If you arrive before 3 p.m. on a weekday, you can almost always leave with the check the same day. After 3 p.m., some branches may not process it until the next business day, so call ahead if you're cutting it close.

A few banks require advance notice for very large amounts (sometimes $10,000 or more), so if you need a large cashier's check, call the day before. Some banks also limit the number of cashier's checks you can get in a single day — this is rare, but worth asking about if you need multiple checks at once.

What happens if you lose the check or need to cancel it

If you lose a cashier's check before it's cashed, contact the bank when ready and ask to file a stop payment. The bank will put a hold on that check number so it cannot be cashed. You'll usually need to wait a holding period — often 90 days — before the bank will issue a replacement, because they need to be certain the original check won't show up and be cashed twice.

Some banks charge a stop payment fee (usually $15 to $30) on top of the fee for the replacement check. A few banks waive the replacement fee if you lost the check through no fault of your own, so ask. To avoid this hassle, write down the check number and amount as soon as you receive it, and keep that information separate from the check itself.

Cashier's checks from other countries and specialty situations

If you need a cashier's check in a currency other than U.S. dollars, most banks cannot issue one. You would need to contact a currency exchange service or international wire transfer provider instead. If you need a cashier's check from a bank in another country, you'll need to visit a branch of that bank or work with a correspondent bank in the United States.

Some situations — like needing a cashier's check made out to two people, or needing one that's not dated today — require special handling. Call the bank before you visit and explain what you need. Most can accommodate these requests, but it may take longer than a standard cashier's check.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers for a fee. You'll need to pay the amount of the check in cash or with a debit card from another bank. Call ahead to confirm the branch you plan to visit will do this, because policies vary.

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

A cashier's check usually clears within one to three business days because the bank has already may provide the funds. This is much faster than a personal check, which can take five to seven business days. The receiving bank may hold it longer if the amount is very large or if there's any question about the check's authenticity.

What if the bank made a mistake on the cashier's check?

Do not cash it. Go back to the bank when ready with the check and explain the error. They will cancel it and issue a corrected one at no extra charge. Common mistakes include misspelling the payee's name or writing the wrong amount.

Can I get a cashier's check on a weekend or holiday?

No. Banks are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so you cannot get a cashier's check those days. If you need one urgently, plan to visit on a weekday during business hours. Some banks have Saturday hours, so check your local branch's schedule.

Is there a limit to how much a cashier's check can be for?

Most banks have no official limit, but some require advance notice for checks over $10,000. A few banks may decline to issue very large cashier's checks without additional verification. Call ahead if you need a check for more than $25,000 to confirm the bank can handle it.