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

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

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank employee, which makes it more find than a personal check. You can get one from any bank or credit union where you have an account, and many will issue one even if you don't. The process is straightforward: you go to a teller, tell them the amount and who the check should be made out to, hand over the money, and they print it on the spot.

Most banks and credit unions charge a fee for cashier's checks, typically between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account type. A few banks offer them free to all customers. Call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm the fee before you go in.

You can usually get a cashier's check the same day you request it during business hours. Some banks will issue one over the phone or through their app if you're an existing customer, then mail it to you or let you pick it up at a branch. If you need it urgently, visiting a branch in person is the fastest route.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks to both account holders and non-customers, usually within the same business day.
• Fees range from $5 to $15 per check at most institutions, though some accounts or banks waive the fee entirely.
• You need to know the exact amount and the payee's name before you arrive, and you must have the funds available to cover the check.
• If your bank is closed or you need a check outside normal hours, some grocery stores and check-cashing services offer cashier's checks as an alternative.

What you need to bring and what information to have ready

Before you go to the bank, know the exact dollar amount of the check and the full name of the person or business it should be made out to. Spelling matters — if the payee's name is wrong, the check may not be accepted. You'll also need to have the funds available in your account or in cash to hand over to the teller.

If you're an account holder, bring your debit card or ID. If you're not a customer of the bank, bring a government-issued photo ID. Some banks may ask for additional information like a phone number or address, especially if you're a non-customer. A few banks will refuse to issue a cashier's check to someone without an account, so calling first saves a wasted trip.

Grocery stores and check-cashing services as backup options

Many grocery store chains — including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and others — offer cashier's checks at their customer service desk. The fee is often lower than at banks, usually $3 to $5, and they're open longer than most bank branches. The process is the same: you provide the amount, payee name, and payment, and they issue the check on the spot.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores also issue cashier's checks, though their fees tend to be higher than banks or grocery stores — sometimes $10 to $20 or more. Use these only if your bank and local grocery stores are closed or unavailable. Call ahead to confirm they offer cashier's checks, because not all check-cashing locations do.

Online banks and how to get a cashier's check without a physical branch

If you bank entirely online, getting a cashier's check requires a different approach because online banks have no physical branches. Some online banks partner with other banks' branch networks — Ally Bank customers, for example, can visit any Axos Bank branch to request a cashier's check. Check your bank's website or call customer service to see if this option is available to you.

If your online bank doesn't have a branch partnership, you can request that they mail you a cashier's check. This takes several business days and defeats the purpose if you need the check quickly. In that case, visiting a local bank or credit union that doesn't require you to be a customer is faster. Bring cash or a debit card from your online bank, and they'll issue the check for a fee.

Timing: same-day service versus mail delivery

If you visit a bank or credit union branch in person during business hours, you'll have the check in hand within minutes. Most branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. A few banks offer extended hours or Sunday service at select locations.

If you request a cashier's check by phone or app and ask for it to be mailed, expect 3 to 7 business days for delivery. Some banks offer expedited mailing for an additional fee. If you need the check for a specific date — a closing, a payment important date, or a transaction — plan accordingly and don't wait until the last day.

What to do if your bank refuses or charges too much

A few banks refuse to issue cashier's checks to non-customers, or charge fees above $15. If this happens, your options are a grocery store, a credit union (which often charge less than banks), or a check-cashing service. Credit unions in particular tend to have lower fees and may issue checks to non-members for a small charge.

If you're a customer and your bank's fee seems high, ask if there's an account type that waives it, or straightforward ask the teller if they can waive it this time. Some banks will as a courtesy. If you use cashier's checks regularly, switching to a bank with lower fees or no fees may save you money over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Most banks will issue one to non-customers for a fee, though you'll need a government-issued photo ID and the cash or debit card to pay for it. Grocery stores and credit unions are often easier and cheaper options for non-customers.

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

Grocery stores with customer service desks are usually open later than banks and often on Sundays. Check-cashing services are another option, though fees are typically higher. If you need it the next business day, visiting first thing in the morning is your best bet.

Can someone else pick up my cashier's check for me?

Most banks require the person requesting the check to be present and provide ID. Some will allow a family member or authorized person to pick it up if you call ahead and add them to the request, but policies vary. Call your bank to ask before you arrange this.

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

They're different tools. A cashier's check is a physical document that can be lost or stolen in the mail, while a wire transfer is electronic and can't be reversed once sent. For large amounts or time-sensitive payments, ask the recipient which they prefer.

What happens if I lose the cashier's check after I get it?

Contact the bank that issued it when ready. They can put a stop on it and issue a replacement, though this may take several days and could cost a fee. Keep the receipt they give you when you purchase the check — you'll need it to report it lost.