Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do have different rules about who can get one.

Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts will issue a cashier's check to their own customers. Some will issue one to non-customers, but they charge more and may require you to come in person. A few institutions—mainly online banks without physical branches—do not issue them at all. The fastest way to find out what your bank offers is to call the branch directly or log into your online account and search for "cashier's check" in the help section.

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. The bank guarantees the funds are there because it has already moved the money from your account to its own. This is why businesses and landlords trust them more than personal checks. The bank's name and routing number appear on the check, not yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union will almost always issue you a cashier's check if you have a deposit account with them.
  • Non-customers can sometimes get a cashier's check from a bank, but the fee is usually higher and you may need to visit a branch in person.
  • Online banks without branches typically do not issue cashier's checks, so you will need to use a different institution if that is your primary bank.
  • The process takes minutes to hours at a branch, but some banks can mail one to you if you request it by phone or online.
  • You will need to know the exact payee name and amount before you request the check, because the bank cannot issue a blank one.

How to get one from your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can request a cashier's check in person at a branch, by phone, or sometimes online. You will need to tell the bank the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to, the amount, and the date you need it. The bank will deduct the amount from your account when ready, even though you are not receiving the check right away.

At a physical branch, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. A teller will verify your identity, confirm you have enough money in your account, and print the check. You can walk out with it the same day. If you call or use online banking, the bank may mail it to you (usually 3 to 5 business days) or ask you to pick it up at a branch. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check; others include a few free ones per month for account holders.

Getting one from a bank where you don't have an account

Banks will sometimes issue a cashier's check to someone without an account, but the terms are stricter. You will almost always need to visit a branch in person with cash or a debit card to pay for it. The bank will not draw the check on your account—it will take your payment directly and issue the check from its own account. The fee is typically higher than for account holders, often $10 to $20 or more.

Call ahead before you go. Many branches require you to make an appointment or will turn you away if you do not have an account and the branch is busy. Some banks have stopped offering this service entirely, so it is worth confirming they will do it before you travel to the branch.

Banks and credit unions that do not issue cashier's checks

Most online banks—including Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank—do not issue cashier's checks because they have no physical branches. If your primary account is with an online bank, you have two options: use a different bank or credit union to get the check, or ask your online bank whether they can mail you one (a few do, though it is rare).

If you need a cashier's check and your bank cannot issue one, you can open a basic checking account at a local bank or credit union, deposit enough money to cover the check, and request it the same day. Some credit unions will issue a cashier's check to non-members for a fee, so calling around to local branches may save you the step of opening an account.

What information you need before you request one

Have the following details ready before you contact your bank or visit a branch: the exact legal name of the payee (the person or business receiving the check), the dollar amount, and the date you need it. Banks cannot issue a blank cashier's check or one made out to "cash" or "bearer"—the payee name must be specific. If you are unsure of the exact name, ask the recipient to confirm it in writing or email.

You will also need to confirm you have enough money in your account to cover the amount plus any fee. The bank will place a hold on the funds as soon as you request the check, so the money will not be available for other transactions until the check is issued or the request is cancelled.

Timing: when you will have the check in hand

If you visit a branch in person, you will have the check within minutes to an hour. If you request it by phone or online, the bank will either mail it to you (3 to 5 business days) or ask you to pick it up at a branch within a few days. Some banks offer next-business-day delivery if you request it early in the day, but this is not standard.

Plan ahead if you have a important date. If you need a cashier's check by a specific date and your bank cannot mail it in time, visiting a branch in person is the fastest option. If the branch is closed when you need it (evenings, weekends, holidays), you will have to wait until it reopens or use a different bank.

Fees and what they cover

Cashier's check fees vary widely. Account holders at most banks pay $5 to $10 per check, though some banks include one or two free per month or per year. Non-account holders typically pay $10 to $20. Credit unions often charge less than banks, sometimes $3 to $5 for members.

The fee covers the bank's cost to verify funds, print the check, and may provide it. There are no additional charges if the check is lost or stolen—the bank will issue a replacement, though it may take a few days and require you to sign an indemnity agreement (a form stating you will repay the bank if the original check is cashed).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check made out to myself?

Yes. You can request a cashier's check made out to your own name. This is sometimes done to move money between accounts or institutions, or to have a may provide form of payment for your own use. The process is the same as requesting one made out to anyone else.

What if I do not know the exact spelling of the payee's name?

Ask the person or business to confirm the exact legal name in writing. If the name on the check does not match the name on the recipient's account or ID, they may not be able to deposit it. It is worth taking 30 seconds to verify before the bank prints it.

Can the bank issue a cashier's check for more money than I have in my account?

No. The bank will only issue a cashier's check if you have enough money to cover the amount plus any fee. If you do not have enough, you will need to deposit more money first or request a smaller amount.

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

Contact your bank when ready. You will need to sign an indemnity agreement stating you will repay the bank if the original check is cashed. The bank will then issue a replacement, usually within a few business days. Some banks charge a small fee for this service.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I request it?

Yes, but only before the bank issues it. Once the check is printed and in your hands, you cannot cancel it through the bank. If you have not picked it up yet, call the bank and ask them to cancel the request. The funds will be returned to your account, minus any non-refundable fee.