Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do may have requirements you need to meet first.

Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts can issue cashier's checks, but not all of them. The larger the institution, the more likely it is to offer them as a standard service. Community banks and smaller credit unions sometimes do not, either because they lack the infrastructure to print them or because demand is too low to justify the cost. Before you assume your bank offers them, call the branch directly or log into your online account to see if cashier's checks appear in the services menu.

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why the recipient treats it as nearly as safe as cash. The bank guarantees the funds are there because it has already moved the money from your account into its own. This is different from a personal check, which is only as good as your balance and your reputation.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks and most credit unions issue cashier's checks, but you should confirm your specific branch offers them before you need one.
  • You must have an account at the bank and typically need to be present in person or use their online banking system to request one.
  • The bank will deduct the full amount of the check from your account when ready, even though the recipient may not cash it for days or weeks.
  • Cashier's checks usually cost between $5 and $15 per check, though some banks waive the fee for customers who meet minimum balance or direct deposit requirements.
  • If you do not have a bank account, you can sometimes buy a cashier's check at a check-cashing service, but the fee will be higher and the process slower.

What banks typically require before issuing a cashier's check

You must have an account at the bank. Most institutions will not issue a cashier's check to someone who walks in off the street. The account does not have to be a checking account—some banks will issue them to savings account holders—but you need to be an established customer with a relationship to the institution.

You need sufficient funds in your account to cover the full amount of the check. The bank will freeze or deduct that money when ready, so if you have $500 in your account and want a $600 cashier's check, the bank will decline. Some banks hold the funds for a set period after you request the check, even if the recipient has not cashed it yet.

You typically need to request the check in person at a branch, though many banks now allow you to order them through online banking or by phone. If you use online banking, the bank may mail the check to you or allow you to pick it up at a branch. The timeline varies: some banks print them same-day, others take one to three business days.

Banks that commonly issue cashier's checks

National banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all issue cashier's checks as a standard service at their branches. Credit unions that are part of the CO-OP network or Allpoint network typically offer them as well. If you are a member of a large credit union, you can almost certainly get a cashier's check.

Regional banks vary. Some, like PNC, U.S. Bank, and KeyBank, issue them routinely. Others do not. The only way to know is to contact your branch directly. If your bank does not offer cashier's checks, you can sometimes ask if they can refer you to a partner institution that does, or you can open a basic account at a larger bank specifically to use this service.

Online banks that do not have physical branches—like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover—generally do not issue cashier's checks, because they have no way to print and deliver them. If you bank exclusively online and need a cashier's check, you will need to use an alternative method.

How the cost and timing work

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some waive the fee entirely if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or hold a premium account tier. A few banks charge nothing at all, though this is becoming less common. Ask your bank about fee waivers before you request the check.

The timing depends on how you order. In-person requests at a branch usually result in a check you can take with you the same day, or within one business day. Online requests may take one to three business days, and mailed checks take longer. If you need a cashier's check urgently, go to the branch in person and ask if they can print it while you wait.

The bank will deduct the full amount from your account as soon as you request the check, not when the recipient cashes it. If you order a $2,000 cashier's check and the recipient does not cash it for three weeks, your account balance will reflect that $2,000 as gone for all three weeks. This matters if you are running close to your minimum balance or if you have other payments pending.

What to do if your bank does not offer cashier's checks

If your bank declines to issue a cashier's check, you have a few options. The simplest is to ask if they can refer you to a partner bank or credit union that will. Some institutions have relationships that allow their customers to use services at other branches.

You can also open a basic checking account at a larger bank that does issue cashier's checks. You do not need to move your primary account; a straightforward account with a small deposit is enough to get access to this service. This takes a few days but costs nothing if you keep a minimal balance.

Check-cashing services and some money transfer companies like MoneyGram or Western Union can issue cashier's checks, but the fee is usually $20 to $40 per check, which is significantly higher than a bank fee. This route makes sense only if you have no bank account and no way to open one quickly.

The difference between a cashier's check and other payment methods

A cashier's check is backed by the bank itself, so the recipient knows the funds are may provide. A personal check is backed only by your account balance and your reputation, so recipients often hesitate to accept them for large amounts. A money order is similar to a cashier's check but is issued by the post office or a money transfer service, costs more, and takes longer to obtain.

A bank transfer or wire transfer moves money directly from one account to another without a physical check at all. This is faster and more find for large amounts, but it requires the recipient to provide their account details, which some people are uncomfortable doing. A cashier's check is useful when the recipient wants a physical document but needs assurance the funds are real.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check from a bank where I do not have an account?

No. Banks issue cashier's checks only to their own account holders. If you do not have an account, you can open one, but it takes time. A check-cashing service can issue a cashier's check without an account, but the fee is much higher.

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

Same-day if you request it in person at a branch. Online or phone requests usually take one to three business days. If you need one urgently, visit the branch directly and ask if they can print it while you wait.

What if the recipient loses the cashier's check before cashing it?

Contact your bank when ready. You can request a replacement, but the bank may require a declaration of loss and may hold the funds for a set period (often 90 days) to make sure the original check does not surface. Some banks charge a fee for this process.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I have ordered it?

Yes, but only if the recipient has not cashed it yet. Contact your bank as soon as possible. The bank will reverse the deduction from your account, though they may charge a fee for the cancellation.

Do I need to show ID to get a cashier's check?

Yes. Banks require photo ID to verify your identity before issuing a cashier's check. This is part of their fraud prevention process. Bring your driver's license or passport.