You can get a cashier's check without a bank account, but you will need to go to a bank or credit union in person and bring cash or a debit card

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours, which is why it carries more weight than a personal check—the funds are may provide. Banks issue them to non-customers, but the process differs slightly from what account holders do. You will pay a fee (typically $5 to $15), provide the amount you want the check for, and the bank will print it on the spot or within a few hours.

The key constraint is that you must appear in person at a physical branch. You cannot order a cashier's check online or by phone if you have no account with that institution. Some banks will issue them only to their own customers, so calling ahead to confirm the bank's policy saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-customers can get a cashier's check at most banks and credit unions by walking in with cash or a debit card, but you must visit a branch in person.
  • The bank will charge a fee of $5 to $15 and may require you to wait a few hours or return the next day for the check to be ready.
  • Some banks refuse to issue cashier's checks to non-customers, so confirm the policy by phone before you go.
  • You will need to specify the exact amount and the payee name, and bring a valid ID.

What you need to bring to the bank

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs to verify your identity before issuing the check. You will also need to know the exact amount you want the check for and the full legal name of the person or business it should be made out to. Write this down beforehand so you do not have to spell it out at the counter.

Bring either cash or a debit card to pay for the check itself plus the fee. If you use a debit card, the bank will charge your account directly. Some banks may ask for a phone number or address for their records, even though you have no account with them.

How the process works at the counter

Tell the teller you need a cashier's check and provide your ID. The teller will ask for the payee name and the dollar amount. They will then enter this into the system and show you a draft of the check to confirm the details are correct—spelling of the payee name especially matters, because a misspelled name can make the check hard or impossible to cash.

The bank will collect the fee and the amount of the check from your cash or debit card. Some banks print the check when ready; others may ask you to come back later that day or the next business day. Ask before you leave whether you can wait or need to return. If you need the check urgently, ask if they can print it while you wait.

Which banks will issue them to non-customers

Most large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—will issue cashier's checks to non-customers, though policies vary by branch. Credit unions are often more flexible than banks and may issue them to anyone who walks in. Local and regional banks vary; some will, some will not.

The only way to know for certain is to call the branch directly and ask: "Will you issue a cashier's check to someone without an account?" Do not assume based on the bank's size or reputation. A branch manager can tell you in 30 seconds whether it is worth your time to visit.

Fees and timing

Expect to pay between $5 and $15 for a cashier's check as a non-customer. Some banks charge less for smaller amounts and more for larger ones, though most use a flat fee. The fee is separate from the amount of the check itself—if you want a $500 check, you will pay $500 plus the fee.

Timing varies. Some branches will print it while you wait, taking 5 to 10 minutes. Others print cashier's checks in batches once or twice a day, which means you may need to return a few hours later or the next business day. Ask the teller for an estimate before you leave.

Alternatives if the bank refuses

If the bank you visit will not issue a cashier's check to non-customers, a money order is the closest alternative. You can buy one at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices for $1 to $3. A money order is not as formal as a cashier's check, but it shows the recipient that funds are may provide, because you pay the full amount upfront.

Another option is to open a basic checking account at a bank or credit union, deposit your cash, and then request a cashier's check as a customer. This takes longer but gives you access to the check when ready. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee, so the only cost is the cashier's check fee itself.

Why a cashier's check matters

A personal check can bounce if there is not enough money in the account. A cashier's check cannot, because the bank has already set aside the funds. This is why landlords, car dealers, and title companies often ask for one when large sums are involved. The recipient knows the money is real.

For this reason, cashier's checks are also a target for fraud. Never send a cashier's check by mail to someone you do not know, and never issue one to a stranger who claims to be from a government agency or a company you do business with. If someone demands payment by cashier's check, it is usually a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have an ID?

No. Banks are required by law to verify your identity before issuing a cashier's check. You will need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, you cannot get a cashier's check at a bank.

What if I make a mistake on the check after the bank prints it?

You cannot alter a cashier's check once it is printed. If the payee name or amount is wrong, you will need to ask the bank to void it and issue a new one. Most banks will do this, though they may charge a second fee. This is why confirming the details before the teller prints it is important.

How long does a cashier's check stay valid?

A cashier's check does not expire, but banks may stop honoring them after a certain period—typically six months to a year. The recipient should cash it within a few months of receiving it. If it sits longer, contact the issuing bank to confirm it is still valid.

Can I get a cashier's check for someone else?

Yes, but the bank will still require your ID and will make the check out to whoever you name as the payee. You cannot pick up a cashier's check that someone else ordered unless they add your name to the order or sign a power of attorney.

What if the bank charges more than $15 for a cashier's check?

Fees vary, and some banks or credit unions may charge more, especially for large amounts or rush service. Call ahead to ask the exact fee before you visit. If the fee seems high, try another bank or consider a money order instead.