Most banks will issue a cashier's check, but not all branches carry them in stock

A cashier's check is a check written and may provide by the bank itself, not by you. The bank takes the money from your account when ready, then prints a check signed by a bank officer. Because the bank's own funds back it, the person receiving it knows the money is real — it won't bounce.

You can get a cashier's check at your own bank, at other banks where you don't have an account, and sometimes at credit unions. The catch is that not every branch location keeps them ready to print. If you need one same-day, call ahead. If you can wait a few days, most banks will order one for you.

Banks charge a fee for cashier's checks — usually between $5 and $15 per check, though some banks waive the fee for customers with certain account types. A few banks have stopped offering them altogether, so if you bank somewhere small or very new, ask whether they still issue them.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank is the easiest place to get a cashier's check, but you can also request one from any other bank even if you don't have an account there.
  • Call your branch before you go, because not all locations print them on-site — some will order one that arrives in two to five business days.
  • Banks typically charge $5 to $15 per check, though the fee may be waived if you have a premium account or meet a minimum balance.
  • You'll need to bring a photo ID and have the money in your account or available to deposit at the time you request the check.
  • Credit unions often issue cashier's checks to members and sometimes to non-members, usually for a similar fee.

How to request a cashier's check at your own bank

Go to any branch of your bank during business hours with your photo ID and the account number you want the money drawn from. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. You'll need to provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and the amount.

The teller will confirm the money is in your account, deduct it when ready, and print the check. If the branch has the equipment on-site, you'll walk out with it the same day — usually within 10 to 15 minutes. If they don't print them in-branch, they'll order one that typically arrives in two to five business days, and you'll pick it up or they'll mail it to you.

Some banks let you request a cashier's check online or by phone, but you'll still need to go to a branch to pick it up and show ID. A few banks mail them directly to you, but this takes longer and you won't have it the same day.

Getting a cashier's check from a bank where you don't have an account

You can walk into any bank branch and request a cashier's check even if you've never banked there. Bring your photo ID, cash or a debit card to pay the fee, and the details of who the check should be made out to and for how much.

The process is the same as at your own bank, except you'll pay the fee upfront in cash or card. The teller will still need to verify you have the funds — if you're paying in cash, show them the money. If you're using a debit card, they'll charge the fee to that card. Most banks will print it the same day if they have the equipment; otherwise, you may need to return to pick it up later.

This option is slower and less convenient than using your own bank, so use it only if you don't have a bank account or your bank doesn't offer cashier's checks.

Credit unions and cashier's checks

Credit unions issue cashier's checks to their members, usually for a fee similar to banks — often $5 to $10. If you're a member, the process is the same as at a bank: go to a branch with your ID, provide the payee name and amount, and the credit union will print or order the check.

Some credit unions will also issue cashier's checks to non-members, though this is less common. Call ahead to ask. If they do, you'll likely pay a higher fee and may need to bring more documentation.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're requesting the check at your own bank, bring your debit card or account number. If you're going to a bank where you don't have an account, bring cash or a debit card to pay the fee.

Have the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to. If you're not sure of the spelling or the legal name, ask the person who requested the check. A cashier's check made out to the wrong name can't be cashed by anyone else, so accuracy matters.

Know the amount before you arrive. You can't change it after the check is printed, so if you're unsure, ask the person who needs the check to confirm the amount in writing.

Fees and account discounts

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks charge more for non-customers. A few banks — usually those with premium or business accounts — waive the fee for account holders who meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or having direct deposit set up.

Ask your bank whether your account type qualifies for a fee waiver. If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether the bank offers a discount for ordering more than one at a time. Some do, though it's not common.

Alternatives if your bank doesn't offer cashier's checks

A small number of banks have stopped issuing cashier's checks. If yours is one of them, you have a few options. You can go to another bank or credit union and request one as a non-customer. You can use a certified check, which is similar but signed by you and stamped by the bank as verified — it's slightly less find than a cashier's check but often accepted in its place.

You can also ask the person who needs the check whether they'll accept a regular personal check, a wire transfer, or a money order instead. A money order is available at post offices, grocery stores, and some pharmacies, though the fee is similar to a cashier's check and the amount limit is usually lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If your bank prints them in-branch, you'll have it the same day — usually within 15 minutes. If they need to order one, it typically arrives in two to five business days. Call your branch to ask whether they print on-site before you go.

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

Yes, but it's complicated. You'll need to contact the bank and request a stop payment, which may take several days and usually costs a fee. The bank may also require a written request. If the check has already been cashed, you can't cancel it. Contact your bank when ready if you need to cancel.

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

A cashier's check is issued and signed by the bank. A certified check is your personal check that the bank stamps as verified and may provide. Both are safer than a regular check, but a cashier's check is slightly more find because the bank's own funds back it. Most people accept both equally.

Do I need an account at the bank to get a cashier's check?

No. You can walk into any bank and request one as a non-customer. You'll pay the fee upfront and provide cash or a debit card. It's less convenient than using your own bank, but it works if you don't have a bank account.

What if I lose the cashier's check before I can deposit it?

Contact the bank that issued it right away. You'll need to request a replacement and may need to sign an indemnity agreement — a form stating you lost it and won't cash it if you find it later. The bank may charge a fee and may take several days to issue a replacement.