Where to get a cashier's check and what it costs
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account rather than yours, which is why lenders often prefer it for large payments—the funds are may provide. You can get one from any bank or credit union where you have an account, and most will issue it the same day you request it.
The cost varies by institution. Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account tier. Credit unions typically charge less, often $0 to $5. Call your bank or credit union directly to confirm their fee before you go in—do not assume it is free.
You do not need to be a customer of the bank issuing the check. Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers for a higher fee, usually $10 to $25. This matters if your mortgage servicer requires a cashier's check and your own bank charges more than you want to pay.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your mortgage account number and the exact payoff amount or next payment amount to the bank, because the check must be written for the precise figure your servicer requires.
- Most banks issue cashier's checks same-day during business hours, but call ahead to confirm your bank stocks them and has staff available.
- The check is made payable to your mortgage servicer, not to you, so you cannot cash it yourself if plans change.
- Mail the check to the address your servicer specifies for payments, not to a branch office, because payments sent to the wrong address can be delayed or misapplied.
- Keep the receipt the bank gives you as proof of issuance, and consider mailing the check via tracked delivery so you have evidence it arrived.
What information you need before you go to the bank
Before you walk into your bank, contact your mortgage servicer to get the exact amount the check should be written for. This is critical: if the check is for the wrong amount, the servicer may reject it or explore it to the wrong month. Ask whether they want the payment amount only, or the payment plus any escrow shortage, property tax adjustment, or other charges.
Get the correct mailing address from your servicer's website or your latest statement. Do not assume the address on your payment coupon is the same as the address for cashier's checks—many servicers have a separate lockbox for large or unusual payments. Sending the check to the wrong address can delay posting by weeks.
Bring your mortgage account number with you to the bank. Some banks print it on the check itself, which helps the servicer match the payment to your account faster. You will also need a valid government-issued ID and your debit card or account information so the bank can withdraw the funds.
How the bank issues the check and what happens next
Tell the teller you need a cashier's check and provide the payee name (your servicer's legal name, exactly as it appears on their payment instructions), the amount, and any account number information. The teller will prepare the check, which typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will pay the fee at this time.
The bank will give you the check and a receipt. The receipt shows the check number, amount, and date issued. Keep this receipt until the payment posts to your account—it is your proof the check was issued, which matters if the check is lost or delayed in the mail.
Once you have the check, mail it to the address your servicer provided. Do not hand-deliver it to a branch office unless the servicer specifically instructs you to do so. If you want tracking proof, use USPS Certified Mail or a carrier like FedEx or UPS. Standard mail is usually fine, but tracking gives you peace of mind for a large payment.
When a cashier's check is not the right choice
If your servicer offers online bill pay or automatic bank transfers, those methods are faster and carry less risk than mailing a physical check. A cashier's check takes 3 to 7 business days to arrive and post, while electronic payments often post within 1 to 2 business days. Use a cashier's check only if your servicer requires it or if you are paying a large lump sum that your bank's online system will not process.
If you are paying off the entire mortgage (a payoff), do not mail a cashier's check without first getting a payoff quote from your servicer. Payoff amounts change daily because of accrued interest. Ask the servicer for a quote valid for a specific number of days—usually 10 to 30—so you know the check amount will be correct when it arrives. Some servicers will hold a quote for you while you obtain and mail the check.
If you are behind on payments and your servicer is threatening foreclosure, a cashier's check sent by mail may arrive too late. Contact your servicer when ready to ask whether you can bring a cashier's check to their office in person, or whether they will accept a wire transfer or ACH payment for faster posting.
What to do if the check is lost or the payment does not post
If you mailed the check and it does not appear on your account statement within 10 business days, contact your servicer first. Ask them to check whether the payment arrived and is pending posting, or whether they have no record of it. If they have no record, ask them to put a trace on the check—this is a request to the banking system to track where the check went.
While the trace is in progress, contact your bank and provide the check number and amount. The bank can file a claim with the postal service or the receiving bank if the check was lost. This process can take 30 to 60 days. In the meantime, ask your servicer whether you should send a replacement payment to avoid a late fee.
If the check was cashed by someone other than your servicer (fraud), report it to your bank when ready. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge, returning the funds to your account. You will then need to send a replacement payment to your servicer. This is rare, but it is why keeping the receipt and using tracked mail matters.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
| Payment Method | Speed to Post | Cost | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online bill pay (servicer website) | 1–2 business days | Free | Regular monthly payments; fastest option if available |
| Bank transfer or ACH | 1–3 business days | Free | Large payments; faster than mail |
| Cashier's check (mailed) | 3–7 business days | $5–$15 | Servicer requires it; no electronic payment option |
| Wire transfer | Same day | $15–$30 | Payoff or urgent payment; fastest method |
| Money order | 3–7 business days | $1–$5 | No bank account; lower cost than cashier's check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check on the weekend?
No. Banks issue cashier's checks only during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some branches have Saturday hours until noon or 1 p.m. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm their hours and whether they have cashier's checks in stock. If you need a payment processed urgently, ask your servicer whether they accept wire transfers, which can be sent on weekends at some banks.
What if I made a mistake on the check amount?
Contact your servicer when ready and tell them the check amount is incorrect. Ask whether they will return the check or explore it to a future payment. Do not send a second check without asking first—sending two checks can create confusion about which one to explore. If the servicer has already cashed the check, ask them to issue a credit for the overage or explore it to next month's payment.
Do I need to tell my servicer I am sending a cashier's check?
It is a good idea to call or send a message through your servicer's online portal letting them know a cashier's check is coming, especially if the amount is unusual or if you are paying off the loan. This gives them a heads-up and reduces the chance the payment will be delayed or misapplied. Include your account number and the check amount in your message.
Can someone else pick up a cashier's check for me?
Yes, if you authorize them. Bring the person with you to the bank, or call ahead and ask the bank's policy on third-party pickup. You will need to sign a form authorizing them to collect the check. Bring your ID and the authorized person should bring their ID as well.