Where to Get a Cashier's Check

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

You get a cashier's check from a bank or credit union where you have an account. Walk into a branch, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and provide the payee name (the person or business the check is written to), the amount, and the reason if asked. The bank withdraws the money from your account when ready and issues the check from its own account, which is why the recipient trusts it more than a personal check.

Most banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks the same day you request them, though some may need a few hours if you arrive late in the afternoon. You'll pay a fee — typically $5 to $15 per check, though this varies by institution. Some banks waive the fee for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have certain account types.

You do not need to be a long-standing customer. If you have any account at the bank — even a new one opened that morning — you can request a cashier's check. Some banks will issue one to non-customers, but they may require you to pay in cash or have the funds available in another way, and the fee may be higher.

Key Takeaways

• You request a cashier's check in person at a bank or credit union branch where you have an account, providing the payee name and amount.
• The bank withdraws money from your account and issues the check from its own account, making it more trustworthy than a personal check.
• Most cashier's checks are ready the same day, though fees range from $5 to $15 depending on your bank.
• Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers, but may charge a higher fee or require cash payment.

What to bring to the bank

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller needs to verify your identity before issuing the check. You do not need to bring anything else unless you're a non-customer, in which case the bank may ask for proof of funds or require you to pay the full amount in cash at the time of request.

If you're ordering a cashier's check for someone else (for example, a family member or business partner), you'll still need your own ID. The bank is issuing the check on your account, so the teller verifies your identity, not the payee's.

Getting a cashier's check without visiting a branch

Some banks let you request a cashier's check online or by phone, but you still have to pick it up in person at a branch or have it mailed to you. Online and phone requests can save time if you're busy, but the check won't be ready until you complete the request and the bank processes it — usually within one business day.

If the bank mails the check to you, factor in mail delivery time, which typically takes three to five business days. This method is slower than walking in and leaving with the check the same day, so use it only if you don't need the check urgently or if the payee is willing to wait.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a cashier's check comes out of your account along with the check amount. If you request a $5,000 cashier's check and the fee is $10, the bank withdraws $5,010 from your account. Some banks charge the same fee regardless of the check amount; others charge more for larger checks.

A few banks waive cashier's check fees for customers with premium accounts, high balances, or direct deposit set up. Ask your bank whether any of these conditions explore to you before paying the fee. If you use cashier's checks regularly, switching to a bank with fee waivers can save money over time.

Alternatives if your bank won't issue one

If you don't have a bank account or your bank refuses to issue a cashier's check, try a different bank or credit union. Credit unions often have lower fees and may be more flexible with non-members. Some credit unions issue cashier's checks to non-members for a higher fee, usually $15 to $25.

A certified check is another option. Your bank certifies a personal check you write by verifying that the funds are in your account and setting them aside. It costs less than a cashier's check (often $2 to $5) and works for many transactions, though some recipients prefer a cashier's check because the bank itself is the guarantor, not just a certifier of your personal check.

Money orders are a third alternative if the amount is small. Most money orders cap out at $1,000, so they don't work for large payments. You can buy them at post offices, grocery stores, and convenience stores for $1 to $5 each, but they're slower to process than cashier's checks and some businesses don't accept them.

How long a cashier's check is valid

A cashier's check doesn't expire in the legal sense, but banks and some recipients treat checks older than six months as stale. If you hold a cashier's check for longer than six months before depositing or cashing it, the recipient's bank may refuse it or require you to verify it with the issuing bank first.

If your cashier's check is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the bank that issued it. You'll need to provide the check number, amount, and payee name. The bank can issue a replacement, though it may require you to sign an indemnity agreement (a promise that you'll repay the bank if the original check surfaces and is cashed). This process usually takes a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You request it from your own account, provide the other person's name as the payee, and give them the check. The bank verifies your identity, not theirs. You're responsible for the funds, so only do this if you trust the person or have a business reason to pay them this way.

What if I need a cashier's check after the bank closes?

You'll have to wait until the next business day. Some banks offer Saturday hours, so check your branch's schedule. If you need a check urgently and your bank is closed, a certified check from another bank or a money order from a 24-hour location may work, depending on what the payee will accept.

Do I need the payee's account number or routing number?

No. You only need the payee's name spelled correctly. The bank writes the check to that name, and the payee deposits or cashes it. You don't need any of their banking information.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I've received it?

Not easily. Once the bank issues the check, the money is out of your account. If you haven't given it to the payee yet, you can ask the bank to issue a replacement and void the original, but this takes time and may involve fees. If the payee already has it, you'd need their permission to cancel.

What's the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?

A cashier's check is issued from the bank's own account, so the bank guarantees it. A certified check is your personal check that the bank verifies and sets aside funds for. Cashier's checks are more trusted and cost more; certified checks are cheaper but some recipients prefer the bank's direct may provide.