Most banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks, but availability and fees vary

Nearly every bank and credit union in the United States will issue a cashier's check if you have an account with them. The check is drawn on the bank's own funds rather than yours, which is why the recipient trusts it — the bank guarantees payment. You do not need to be a long-standing customer; some banks will issue one the same day you request it. However, not all institutions charge the same fee, and some have restrictions on how many you can order or how large the amount can be.

The fastest and most straightforward route is your own bank or credit union. If you do not have an account anywhere, you can open one at most institutions in under an hour, then request the check immediately. Some banks also issue them to non-customers for a higher fee, though this is becoming less common.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union is the easiest source; most issue cashier's checks same-day for account holders.
  • Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per check, though some banks charge more for non-customers or large amounts.
  • You will need the exact payee name, amount, and the recipient's account details if paying a business or landlord.
  • Some banks limit the number of checks you can order at once or cap the dollar amount per transaction.
  • Credit unions often charge lower fees than national banks and may issue checks faster.

National banks and their typical cashier's check policies

The largest U.S. banks — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — all issue cashier's checks to account holders. Bank of America charges around $8 to $10 per check for customers; Chase charges $8 to $12 depending on the branch and account type. Wells Fargo's fee is typically $10, and Citibank charges $8 to $15. These fees can be higher if you request expedited processing or if you are a non-customer.

Most national banks will issue a cashier's check within one business day if you visit a branch in person. Some branches can do it while you wait. If you request one online or by phone, it may take one to three business days, and the bank will mail it to you or hold it for pickup. Non-customers can usually obtain a cashier's check at these banks, but expect to pay $15 to $25 and may need to provide identification and proof of funds.

Credit unions often charge less and process faster

Credit unions typically charge $3 to $8 per cashier's check, making them cheaper than national banks. Many credit unions are part of shared branching networks, which means you can visit a different credit union branch and request a check even if it is not your home branch. Processing is often same-day for in-person requests.

If you do not belong to a credit union, you can join most of them if you meet basic membership requirements — often as simple as living in a certain county or working in a specific industry. Membership fees are usually $5 to $25 one-time, so if you need multiple cashier's checks, joining may save you money overall. The CO-OP Network and Alliant Credit Union's shared branching system give members access to thousands of locations nationwide.

Online banks and alternative sources

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not have physical branches, so they cannot issue cashier's checks in person. However, some will mail one to you within three to five business days at no charge or for a small fee. You will need to request it through your online account or by calling customer service, and you may need to provide the recipient's details in advance.

If you need a cashier's check urgently and do not have time to wait for mail delivery, an online bank is not the right choice. However, if you can plan ahead, the zero or low fee makes it worth considering. Verify with your specific bank whether they offer this service, as policies vary.

What you need to bring or provide

To request a cashier's check, have the following information ready: the exact name of the payee (spelled correctly), the dollar amount, and your account number if you are a customer. If the check is going to a business or landlord, ask them for the exact name they want on the check — many businesses have legal names that differ from their everyday name, and a mismatch can cause the recipient to reject it.

If you are requesting the check in person, bring a valid photo ID. If you are ordering by phone or online, the bank will verify your identity through your account. Some banks ask for the recipient's address or account number, particularly for large amounts or if the recipient is a business. Ask the bank what information they need before you visit or call.

Fees, limits, and timing

Cashier's check fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the bank and whether you are a customer. Most banks charge $5 to $12 for account holders. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account type. Non-customers pay significantly more — often $15 to $25 — and some banks refuse to issue them to non-customers entirely.

Many banks limit the number of cashier's checks you can order in a single transaction, typically three to five. If you need more, you may have to place multiple requests or visit on different days. Some banks also cap the dollar amount per check, though this is rare for personal transactions. Ask your bank about their limits before you request the check.

Timing depends on how you request it. In-person requests at a branch usually take 15 minutes to an hour. Phone or online requests take one to three business days. If you need it urgently, visit a branch in person and ask if they can issue it while you wait — most can, though some branches may ask you to return later the same day.

When you cannot get one from a bank

If you do not have a bank account and cannot open one quickly, some check-cashing services and money transfer businesses like MoneyGram or Western Union offer cashier's check-like products, though they are not true cashier's checks. These cost more — often $10 to $30 — and the recipient may not accept them in place of a bank cashier's check.

A certified check is another option if the recipient will accept it. Your bank certifies that funds are available in your account, but the check is drawn on your account, not the bank's. It costs less than a cashier's check (usually $2 to $5) and is faster to obtain, though it is not as secure because it depends on your account remaining funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?

Most banks will not issue one to non-customers, or will charge $15 to $25 if they do. Your fastest option is to open a checking account at a bank or credit union — many take 30 minutes to an hour — then request the check immediately. If you cannot open an account, ask the recipient whether they will accept a certified check or money order instead.

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

A cashier's check typically clears within one to three business days because the bank has already may provide the funds. It clears faster than a personal check but not instantly. The recipient's bank may hold it longer if the amount is very large or if there are other red flags, but this is uncommon.

What if I make a mistake on the cashier's check?

If the payee name, amount, or other details are wrong, the check cannot be corrected — you will need to request a new one and the bank will usually charge another fee. Some banks will reissue it at no charge if the error was theirs, but this is not may provide. Double-check all details before the bank issues the check.

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

Yes, but only if you have not given it to the recipient yet. Return to the bank with the check and your ID, and they will cancel it and refund your fee. If the recipient has already deposited it, you cannot cancel it — the funds are already transferred.

Do I need to tell the bank what the check is for?

No. Banks do not ask why you need a cashier's check, and you do not need to explain. They only need the payee name, amount, and your account information. However, if the amount is very large (typically over $10,000), the bank may file a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government — this is routine and not a sign of wrongdoing.