How To Cash a Cashier's Check at a Bank or Check-Cashing Service

You can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, at your own bank, or at a check-cashing service

A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees, using its own funds rather than your account. Because the bank has already verified the money exists, cashing one is straightforward — you do not have to wait for funds to clear the way you would with a personal check. Most banks cash them the same day, and some check-cashing services will too.

The fastest route is usually the bank that issued the check. If you do not have an account there, your own bank can cash it, though some charge a small fee to non-customers. Check-cashing services and some retailers also cash cashier's checks, but fees vary widely and hours may be limited.

Key Takeaways

• The issuing bank will cash a cashier's check for free on the same day, whether or not you have an account there.
• Your own bank can cash a cashier's check issued by another bank, though some charge a fee to non-customers.
• You will need to sign the back of the check and bring a photo ID; some places also ask for a second form of ID.
• Check-cashing services and some retailers cash cashier's checks but charge fees ranging from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount.

Cashing at the bank that issued the check

The issuing bank is your best option. Look at the front of the check — the name at the top left is the bank that issued it. Walk into any branch of that bank with the check and a photo ID, sign the back of the check if you have not already, and hand it to a teller. They will verify the check and give you cash or deposit the funds into an account on the spot.

You do not need an account at that bank. Most banks cash their own cashier's checks for free within one business day, often when ready. If the check is very large, the bank may ask you to wait while they verify it or may ask additional questions about where the check came from, but this is routine and does not delay the process much.

If you cannot visit a branch in person, some banks allow you to deposit a cashier's check through mobile banking or ATM, though this is less common than for personal checks. Call the bank's customer service line to ask whether this option is available.

Cashing at your own bank

If you have an account at a different bank, you can deposit the cashier's check into your account there. This is free and takes one business day or less. You can also ask the teller to cash it instead of depositing it — some banks do this for free for account holders, while others charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15) to cash a check issued by another bank.

Ask before you hand over the check. If the fee seems high, you can always go to the issuing bank instead. Some banks also allow you to deposit cashier's checks through their mobile app or ATM, which is faster than visiting a branch.

Using a check-cashing service or retailer

Check-cashing services and some retailers (grocery stores, pharmacies, and payday lenders) cash cashier's checks, but fees vary. A typical fee is $5 to $10 for a check under $1,000, or a percentage of the check amount (often 1 to 3 percent) for larger checks. Some places charge flat fees; others charge a percentage. Always ask the fee before you hand over the check.

The advantage of a check-cashing service is speed and convenience — many are open evenings and weekends, and some cash checks in minutes. The disadvantage is cost. If the check is small, the fee might be a significant percentage of what you receive. If you have a bank account or can reach the issuing bank, you will save money by using one of those routes instead.

Not all retailers cash cashier's checks. Call ahead to confirm the service is available and ask about the fee. Some Walmart and Target locations cash checks, but policies vary by store and location.

What you need to bring

Bring the cashier's check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks and check-cashing services ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or recent bank statement with your name and address on it. Call ahead if you are unsure what the place accepts.

Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here" before you hand it to the teller or cashier. If you have already signed it, do not sign it again. If you have not signed it, sign it in front of the person cashing it — they may ask you to do this to confirm the signature matches your ID.

If someone else wrote the check to you and you are cashing it on their behalf, you will need their signature on the back as well as yours, plus written permission. This is called a third-party check, and many banks and check-cashing services no longer accept them due to fraud risk. Call ahead to ask whether this is an option.

Timing and hold periods

Cashier's checks clear faster than personal checks because the bank has already verified the funds. When you cash a cashier's check at the issuing bank, you usually get the money the same day. When you deposit one at your own bank, it typically clears within one business day, though some banks clear them the same day.

Check-cashing services usually give you the cash when ready. If you are depositing the check into an account rather than cashing it, ask the teller whether there is a hold period. Most banks do not hold cashier's checks, but some may hold them for a day if the amount is very large or if you are a new customer.

What to do if the check is lost or damaged

If you lose a cashier's check before cashing it, contact the issuing bank right away. Provide the check number, amount, and date. The bank can place a stop payment on the check and issue a replacement. You may have to wait a few days and may be charged a small fee, though many banks waive this for cashier's checks.

If the check is damaged but still readable, most banks and check-cashing services will still accept it. If it is torn, faded, or marked up so badly that the amount or routing number is unclear, the bank may ask you to contact the issuer for a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a cashier's check at any bank?

You can cash it at the bank that issued it for free. Other banks can cash it too, but may charge a fee if you do not have an account there. Check-cashing services and some retailers also cash them, usually for a fee.

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

At the issuing bank or a check-cashing service, you usually get the money the same day, often within minutes. At your own bank, it typically clears within one business day. Some banks clear cashier's checks the same day.

Do I need an account to cash a cashier's check?

No. The issuing bank will cash it for free whether or not you have an account there. Your own bank may charge a fee to non-customers. Check-cashing services do not require an account but charge a fee.

What if I lost the cashier's check?

Contact the issuing bank when ready with the check number, amount, and date. The bank can stop payment and issue a replacement, though this may take a few days and may cost a small fee.

Can someone else cash my cashier's check?

Only if they have your signature on the back and written permission. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them. Call the bank or check-cashing service first to ask whether they will cash it.