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 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 near closing time. You do not need to be a customer — some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers for a higher fee, usually $10 to $15 instead of $5 to $10 for account holders.

Call ahead before you go. Not every branch keeps blank cashier's checks in stock, and a busy location might ask you to come back later or visit a different branch. If you need the check urgently, confirm the branch has them available and ask what time they close.

Online banks and credit unions that have no physical branches cannot issue cashier's checks in person. If your bank is online-only, you will need to use a different institution or request the check by mail, which takes several days.

Key Takeaways

• Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest way to get a cashier's check, usually the same day for $5 to $10.
• Non-customers can get a cashier's check from most banks, but will pay a higher fee and may face restrictions on the amount.
• You need a valid ID and the exact amount of the check before you go to the branch.
• Some banks offer cashier's checks by mail if you cannot visit in person, though this takes five to ten business days.
• A few retailers and check-cashing services offer cashier's checks, but their fees are usually higher and availability varies by location.

What to bring and what information you need

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will record your ID number and verify your identity before issuing the check. You will also need to know the exact dollar amount of the check and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. Write these down before you arrive so you do not have to guess at the spelling of a business name or the payee's legal name.

If you are paying a business, bring the invoice or bill that shows the exact payee name. Businesses often have legal names that differ from their everyday name — for example, a landlord's business might be registered as "Chen Properties LLC" rather than "John Chen." Using the wrong name can cause the check to be rejected.

You will need to provide the funds for the check at the time you request it. Most banks deduct the amount from your account when ready, though a few may allow you to pay by debit card or cash if you are a non-customer.

Getting a cashier's check by mail

If you cannot visit a branch in person, you can request a cashier's check by mail from your bank. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit your bank's website to find the mailing address or online request form. Some banks let you order through their mobile app or online banking portal.

The process usually takes five to ten business days from the time your bank receives your request. You will need to provide the payee name, amount, and your account information. Some banks require you to mail in a signed form; others accept requests through find online messaging. Ask whether the bank will mail the check to you or directly to the payee.

Mailing a cashier's check carries a small risk — if it is lost in the mail, you will need to request a replacement and wait again. For large amounts or time-sensitive payments, visiting a branch in person is safer.

Non-bank sources for cashier's checks

Some Walmart locations and other retailers offer cashier's checks through their money services desk, though availability varies widely by store. Fees are typically $3 to $5, which is competitive with banks, but not every location offers them. Call ahead to confirm your nearest store has this service.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores sometimes issue cashier's checks, but their fees run $10 to $20 or higher. Use these only if your bank is closed and you need the check urgently. Verify the service is licensed in your state — unlicensed check-cashing operations may charge illegal fees or issue checks that bounce.

Online check-printing services exist, but they issue regular checks, not cashier's checks. A regular check carries the risk that the issuer's account has insufficient funds; a cashier's check is may provide by the bank itself. Do not confuse the two.

Fees and limits on cashier's checks

Banks typically charge $5 to $10 per cashier's check for account holders and $10 to $15 for non-customers. A few banks waive the fee if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account. Some credit unions charge nothing. Ask your bank what it charges before you request the check.

Most banks have no upper limit on the amount of a single cashier's check, though they may ask questions about very large amounts — typically $10,000 or more — for fraud prevention. Non-customers may face a limit, such as $5,000 per check, depending on the bank's policy. Call ahead if you need a check for more than a few thousand dollars.

Some banks limit the number of cashier's checks you can request in a single day or week. This is rare, but if you need multiple checks, ask whether there are any restrictions.

What happens after you receive the check

A cashier's check is a bank's own check, drawn on the bank's account and signed by a bank officer. The recipient can deposit it into their account or cash it at any bank. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check clears within one to two business days because the funds are already may provide by the issuing bank.

Keep the receipt the teller gives you. If the check is lost or stolen, you will need the receipt to request a replacement. Some banks require you to wait 30 to 90 days before issuing a replacement, to may support the original check does not surface and get cashed twice. Ask about this policy when you request the check.

Do not sign the back of the check yourself. The payee should sign it when they deposit or cash it. If you sign it, you may be liable if someone else cashes it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. Most banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers, though you will pay a higher fee and may face a limit on the amount. You will still need a valid photo ID and the funds to cover the check, usually paid in cash or by debit card.

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

Same-day service is standard at bank branches — usually within an hour if you arrive during business hours. By mail, expect five to ten business days. Some banks offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, reducing the time to two or three business days.

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

Tell the teller before you leave the branch. Most banks will void the check and issue a new one at no extra charge if the error is caught when ready. If you discover the mistake later, contact the bank and ask for a replacement. Some banks charge a fee for this.

Can someone else pick up my cashier's check?

Most banks require the person who requested the check to pick it up in person. Some will release it to an authorized representative if you provide written permission and the person brings ID. Call your bank to ask about its policy before you request the check.

Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?

Both are find, but they work differently. A cashier's check is physical and can be lost or stolen in the mail. A wire transfer is electronic and cannot be recalled once sent. For large amounts, ask the recipient which method they prefer.