Where to get a cashier's check when you don't have a bank account

You can get a cashier's check from a credit union, a check-cashing store, or a money services business like MoneyGram or Western Union. You do not need a bank account to buy one. The issuer will take your cash or debit card, charge a fee (usually $5 to $15), and print a check drawn on their own account. The check is safer than cash because it's tied to a specific amount and payee, and the recipient can verify it before depositing.

The fastest route depends on what you have on hand and how soon you need the check. Credit unions are often cheapest if you can walk into one. Check-cashing stores are everywhere and take walk-ins. Money transfer services are slowest but work if you're sending money to someone out of state and want it in check form instead of a wire.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions typically charge $5 to $10 for a cashier's check and are the cheapest option if you have access to one.
  • Check-cashing stores charge $5 to $15 and are open longer hours than banks, making them convenient for evenings and weekends.
  • You will need to bring cash or a debit card, the exact amount you want the check for, and the name and address of the person or business receiving it.
  • The check is ready the same day in most cases, though some money transfer services may take one to three business days.
  • A cashier's check is safer than a personal check because the issuer guarantees the funds, so recipients are more likely to accept it.

Credit unions: the cheapest option

If you have access to a credit union—either because you work somewhere that has one, belong to a community group, or live in a state where membership is open—this is your best bet. Most credit unions charge $5 to $10 for a cashier's check, and some charge nothing if you're a member. You walk in with cash or a debit card, tell them the amount and the payee's name, and walk out with the check in minutes.

You do not need to have an account with the credit union. Some will issue one to non-members for a small fee; others will do it without membership. Call ahead to confirm their policy and their hours. Credit unions often close earlier than banks and may not be open on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Check-cashing stores: open late and widely available

Check-cashing stores exist specifically to serve people without bank accounts. They issue cashier's checks as part of their regular business. Fees run $5 to $15 depending on the amount and the store's location. You bring cash, tell them who the check is for, and they print it on the spot. Most are open until 7 or 8 p.m. and some are open on Saturdays, which makes them convenient if you work during bank hours.

The downside is that fees are higher than credit unions, and the store's reputation matters. Use a chain you recognize—ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or a local store with good reviews—rather than a one-off location. Bring your ID and the exact amount in cash. Some stores will take a debit card, but cash is faster and more straightforward.

Money transfer services: when you're sending money out of state

MoneyGram and Western Union both issue cashier's checks, though it's not their main business. You go to a location (often a grocery store, pharmacy, or dedicated office), hand over cash, and tell them you want a cashier's check instead of a wire transfer. They will charge a fee on top of the amount—typically $10 to $20—and the check takes one to three business days to arrive by mail.

This route makes sense only if you're sending money to someone in another state and want the safety of a check rather than a wire. For local transactions or when you need the check the same day, a credit union or check-cashing store is faster and cheaper.

What you need to bring and what it costs

Bring cash or a debit card in the exact amount you want the check for, plus the fee. You will also need the payee's full name and, in most cases, their address. Some issuers ask for your ID; others do not. Call ahead if you're unsure about the address requirement—if the payee is a business, you may need their street address rather than a P.O. box.

Fees vary by issuer and location. Credit unions charge $5 to $10. Check-cashing stores charge $5 to $15. Money transfer services charge $10 to $20. Some credit unions waive the fee for members. Ask about the exact fee before you hand over your money.

Why a cashier's check is safer than cash or a personal check

A cashier's check is drawn on the issuer's account, not yours, which means the funds are may provide. The recipient can call the issuer to verify the check is real before they cash it. This makes it much safer than cash (which can be lost or stolen) and more trustworthy than a personal check (which might bounce). Landlords, car dealers, and government agencies often require a cashier's check for this reason.

The check has a check number, the issuer's routing number, and the issuer's account number printed on it. If you lose it before the payee cashes it, you can contact the issuer and ask them to stop payment, then request a replacement. This protection is why cashier's checks cost money—you're paying for the may provide.

What to do if you can't find a credit union or check-cashing store nearby

If you live in a rural area or a place where check-cashing stores are scarce, your options narrow. Call local banks and ask if they will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer; some will for a higher fee ($15 to $25). Ask your employer if they have a credit union you can join. Check the CO-OP or Allpoint networks to find credit unions near you that accept non-members.

If none of those work, a money transfer service is your fallback, though you'll pay more and wait longer. Some online banks and fintech companies offer cashier's checks by mail, but they require you to have an account with them first, which defeats the purpose if you don't have a bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You tell the issuer whose name should be on the check (the payee), and they print it that way. You do not need to be the person receiving the money. This is how parents pay for their children's tuition, how employers pay contractors, and how anyone sends money to someone else safely.

What if I make a mistake on the payee's name?

Most issuers will not reprint a check if you give them the wrong name. You will have to ask the payee to sign the back and deposit it anyway, or contact the issuer and request a stop payment, then buy a new check. To avoid this, spell out the payee's name carefully before the issuer prints it.

How long does a cashier's check take to clear?

Most banks clear a cashier's check within one business day because the funds are may provide by the issuer. Some clear the same day. This is much faster than a personal check, which can take three to five business days. Ask the recipient's bank if you need to know the exact timeline.

Can I get a cashier's check for more than $10,000?

Yes, but the issuer will ask for your ID and may ask why you need it. This is not because of a legal limit on cashier's checks—there isn't one—but because banks report large cash transactions to the government as part of anti-money-laundering rules. Bring your ID and be prepared to answer straightforward questions about the purpose.

What if the check gets lost or stolen before the payee cashes it?

Contact the issuer when ready and ask them to stop payment on the check. They will put a hold on it so no one else can cash it. Then request a replacement check. You may have to pay a small fee for the stop payment, usually $15 to $25. Keep your receipt from when you bought the check so you have the check number.