You can get a cashier's check from places other than your own bank

A cashier's check is a check drawn on a bank's own funds and signed by a bank officer, which makes it safer than a personal check because the money is may provide. You do not need to have an account at the bank to buy one. Most banks and credit unions will issue a cashier's check to anyone who walks in with cash or a debit card, though policies vary by institution and location.

The catch is that you will pay a fee—usually between $5 and $15 per check—and you need to know the exact amount in advance. You also cannot get one when ready; most banks issue them same-day if you arrive during business hours, but some require 24 hours' notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks to non-account holders for a fee, typically $5 to $15 per check.
  • You will need to provide the exact payee name and amount, and bring cash or a debit card to pay for the check plus the fee.
  • Most banks can issue a cashier's check same-day during business hours, but call ahead to confirm your bank's policy and whether they require an ID.
  • If you do not have a local bank branch, check-cashing services and some grocery stores also issue cashier's checks, though fees may be higher.
  • Money orders are a cheaper alternative if the amount is under $1,000, though they are not as widely accepted as cashier's checks for large transactions.

Banks and credit unions that issue cashier's checks to non-members

Most national and regional banks will issue a cashier's check to anyone, whether or not you have an account. Call the branch nearest you and ask whether they issue cashier's checks to non-account holders, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment. Some branches require 24 hours' notice; others can issue one same-day if you arrive before 2 or 3 p.m.

Credit unions are often stricter. Many will only issue cashier's checks to members, but some will issue them to non-members for a higher fee—sometimes $15 to $25. Call ahead. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the exact payee name and amount.

Bring cash or a debit card to cover both the check amount and the fee. Some banks will not accept a personal check from a non-account holder, even if you have the funds.

Check-cashing services and retail locations

Check-cashing stores and some grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway) issue cashier's checks, though fees are often higher than at banks—sometimes $10 to $30 per check. These locations are useful if you cannot reach a bank during business hours or do not have a branch nearby.

Call ahead to confirm they offer cashier's checks, as not all check-cashing locations do. Some only cash checks; they do not issue them. Bring your ID, the payee name, the exact amount, and cash or a debit card.

What you need to bring and what to expect

You will need:

  • A valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • The exact payee name (spelled correctly)
  • The exact dollar amount
  • Cash or a debit card to cover the check amount plus the fee

The teller will fill in the check with the payee name and amount, and a bank officer will sign it. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive the check when ready, though some banks hold it for 24 hours if you are a non-account holder (this is rare but possible).

Do not ask the bank to post-date a cashier's check (write a future date on it). Banks will refuse. The check is valid as written, and the payee can cash it when ready.

Fees and what they cover

Cashier's check fees range from $5 to $25 depending on the bank and whether you have an account. Non-account holders usually pay the higher end. Some banks charge the same fee regardless of the check amount; others charge per check. A few banks waive the fee if you have a checking account with them.

The fee covers the bank's cost to verify funds, print the check, and have an officer sign it. There are no hidden charges, but confirm the fee before you hand over your money.

Money orders as an alternative

If the amount is under $1,000, a money order is often cheaper and faster. Post offices, check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) issue money orders for $1 to $5 per order. You do not need an ID at most locations, though some ask for one.

Money orders are not as widely accepted as cashier's checks for large payments (like down payments on a house or car), but they work for rent, utilities, and most everyday transactions. The main drawback is that most money orders cap out at $1,000 per order, so you would need multiple orders for larger amounts.

What to do if you cannot reach a bank

If you need a cashier's check outside business hours or do not have a bank branch nearby, your options narrow. Check-cashing stores and Walmart are often open evenings and weekends. Some banks offer online cashier's check ordering, though this is rare and usually only for account holders.

If you are in a true bind—the payee needs the check urgently and you cannot get to a bank—ask the payee whether they will accept a money order or a personal check with ID. Some will. If not, a wire transfer through a bank or money transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram) is faster than waiting for a cashier's check, though fees are higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without an ID?

Most banks require a valid government-issued ID. Some check-cashing stores may issue a money order without ID, but for a cashier's check, expect to show a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Call ahead if you do not have one.

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

Same-day is standard if you arrive during business hours (usually before 2 or 3 p.m.). Some banks require 24 hours' notice, especially for non-account holders. Call the branch to confirm their timeline before you go in.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name?

Do not try to cross out or write over the name. Go back to the bank and ask them to issue a new check with the correct name. You will likely pay the fee again, though some banks will waive it if the error was theirs.

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

Yes, but it is not straightforward. You will need to go back to the bank that issued it, bring your ID, and explain why you want to cancel. The bank will put a stop on the check and refund your money minus the fee. This takes a few days to process.

Is a cashier's check safer than a personal check?

Yes. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, so the funds are may provide. A personal check depends on whether the account holder has the money. For large transactions, a cashier's check is much safer for the payee.