Where to Cash a Cashier's Check

Banks and credit unions are your fastest option for cashing a cashier's check

A cashier's check is a check drawn on a bank's own account and signed by a bank employee, which makes it one of the safest forms of payment. You can cash it at the bank that issued it, at your own bank, or at many credit unions. The issuing bank will cash it when ready if you have an account there. If you don't have an account at that bank, you can still cash it there, though some banks charge a fee for non-customers — typically $5 to $10.

Your own bank or credit union can also cash a cashier's check even if another institution issued it. This usually takes one business day to clear, though some banks offer same-day cashing for customers with established accounts. Call ahead to confirm your bank's policy and ask whether they charge a fee for cashing checks drawn on other banks.

Key Takeaways

• The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it when ready, with or without an account, though non-customers may pay a fee.
• Your own bank or credit union can cash a cashier's check from another bank, usually within one business day.
• Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart accept cashier's checks but charge a percentage of the amount or a flat fee.
• Online banks cannot cash checks in person, so you will need to deposit the check into an account instead.
• A cashier's check cannot be cashed over the phone or through mail without first depositing it into a bank account.

Check-cashing stores and retail locations that accept cashier's checks

Check-cashing stores will cash a cashier's check for a fee, usually between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount, or a flat fee of $5 to $15 depending on the amount. These stores are open longer hours than banks and do not require you to have an account. However, the fee is higher than what a bank charges, and some stores may hold the check for a day or two before giving you the money.

Walmart and many grocery store chains also cash cashier's checks at their customer service desk. Walmart's fee is typically $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores vary by chain and location — some charge $2 to $5, while others may charge a percentage. Call your local store to ask about their fee before you go.

What happens if you deposit instead of cashing

If you have a bank account, depositing a cashier's check is often simpler than cashing it. You can deposit it at an ATM, through mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), or at a teller window. Mobile deposit is the fastest option — you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through your bank's app. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day.

Depositing avoids the fee you would pay at a check-cashing store or to a non-customer at another bank. If you need cash when ready, you can withdraw it from an ATM or teller window after the deposit clears. This route works well if you already have a bank account and do not need the money within the next few hours.

Online banks and remote cashing options

If your bank exists only online, you cannot walk into a branch to cash a check in person. However, you can deposit the cashier's check through mobile deposit or by mailing it to the bank's address. Mobile deposit is faster — most online banks credit the funds within one business day. Mailing takes longer, usually three to five business days depending on mail delivery and the bank's processing time.

Some online banks partner with ATM networks that allow you to withdraw cash after the deposit clears, so you can get physical money without visiting a branch. Check your bank's website or app to see which ATM networks it uses and whether there are any fees for out-of-network withdrawals.

Fees and timing across different locations

Location	Fee	Speed	Account Required
Issuing bank (customer)	None	when ready	Yes
Issuing bank (non-customer)	$5–$10	when ready	No
Your bank or credit union	None	1 business day	Yes
Check-cashing store	1–3% or $5–$15	Same day	No
Walmart	$3–$6	Same day	No
Grocery store	$2–$5 or percentage	Same day	No
Mobile deposit	None	1 business day	Yes

What to bring and how to prepare

When you cash a cashier's check in person, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. The teller or cashier will ask to see it before handing over the money. Some locations may also ask for a second form of ID or your Social Security number, especially if the check amount is large.

Sign the back of the check in the designated area before you hand it over. If you are depositing rather than cashing, sign it the same way. Do not sign it until you are at the location where you will cash or deposit it — a signed blank check can be cashed by anyone who has it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a cashier's check at a bank I don't have an account with?

Yes. The bank that issued the check will cash it when ready for anyone with a photo ID, though they may charge a non-customer fee of $5 to $10. Other banks may also cash it but will likely charge a fee and may take longer to process it.

What if the cashier's check is made out to someone else?

The person whose name is on the check must be present with a photo ID to cash or deposit it. If you need to cash a check made out to someone else, that person will need to endorse it by signing the back and may need to sign a form authorizing you to deposit it on their behalf.

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

A cashier's check clears faster than a personal check because it is drawn on the bank's own account. If you cash it at the issuing bank, you get the money when ready. If you deposit it at another bank, it typically clears within one business day, though some banks hold it for two business days.

Can I cash a cashier's check by mail?

No, you cannot cash a check by mail. You can deposit it by mailing it to your bank with a deposit slip, but you will not receive cash — the funds will go into your account. Mailing takes three to five business days. Mobile deposit is faster if your bank offers it.

What if the cashier's check is damaged or torn?

A slightly damaged check can usually still be cashed or deposited. If it is severely damaged or the amount is illegible, contact the bank that issued it and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and any documentation of the original transaction if you have it.