Not every bank offers cashier's checks, and the ones that do may have restrictions based on your account type or relationship with them

Most large national banks issue cashier's checks for customers with checking or savings accounts. Regional banks and credit unions typically do as well, though some smaller institutions have stopped offering them due to fraud concerns. If you have an account at your bank, you can usually walk in and request one the same day — many banks issue them within an hour. If you don't have an account there, most banks will refuse, though a few will issue one if you pay a fee or meet other conditions.

The catch is that cashier's checks have become less common as digital payments have grown. Some banks now require advance notice, charge higher fees, or limit how many you can get. A few have discontinued them entirely. Before you count on getting one, call your bank directly and ask whether they issue them, what the fee is, and whether you need an account.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks with checking or savings accounts almost always issue cashier's checks to their own customers, usually the same day you request one.
  • Non-customers can sometimes get a cashier's check from a bank, but most will refuse or charge a premium fee.
  • Credit unions typically issue cashier's checks to members, and some will issue them to non-members for a fee.
  • A few banks have stopped offering cashier's checks altogether, so confirm your bank still issues them before you need one.
  • Fees range from free to $15 or more depending on the bank and whether you have an account.

What banks will issue a cashier's check to their own customers

If you have a checking or savings account at a major bank, you can get a cashier's check. This includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks. The process is straightforward: go to a branch, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, provide the payee name and amount, and the bank prints it on the spot. Most banks do this within an hour, though some may ask you to come back later if you arrive near closing time.

The fee for customers is usually $0 to $10, depending on the bank and your account type. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account. A few banks charge $15 or more. Call your bank's customer service line or check their website to find out what they charge.

You'll need to know the exact payee name and the amount. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number so the teller can verify your account. The bank will deduct the amount from your account immediately, just as if you'd written a check.

Getting a cashier's check as a non-customer

Most banks will not issue a cashier's check to someone without an account. Their reasoning is that they have no way to verify your identity in their system and no existing relationship to fall back on. A few large banks will make exceptions if you pay a higher fee — typically $15 to $25 — but this is not may provide and varies by branch.

Your best option as a non-customer is to call ahead and ask. Explain that you need a cashier's check and don't have an account. Some branches will say yes; others will direct you to a credit union or suggest you open an account. If the bank agrees, bring two forms of ID and be prepared to pay the higher fee.

If the bank refuses, consider whether you can open a basic checking account instead. Many banks offer free checking with no minimum balance, and you could get the cashier's check immediately after opening the account. This takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing.

Credit unions and cashier's checks

Credit unions typically issue cashier's checks to their members at little or no cost. If you belong to a credit union, this is usually your fastest and cheapest option. Many credit unions charge $0 to $5 per cashier's check, compared to $10 or more at banks.

Some credit unions will issue a cashier's check to non-members, but it's less common than at banks. Call your local credit union and ask. If they agree, expect to pay a fee of $10 to $20 and bring two forms of ID.

Banks that have stopped issuing cashier's checks

A small number of banks have discontinued cashier's checks entirely, usually citing fraud and operational costs. This is rare among large national banks but more common among smaller regional institutions. If your bank is one of them, you'll need to find an alternative.

Before you assume your bank has stopped, call and ask directly. Don't rely on outdated information online. Banks change their policies, and what was true two years ago may not be true now. If your bank has stopped, ask whether they can refer you to a partner bank or credit union that will issue one for you.

Alternatives if you can't get a cashier's check

If no bank or credit union will issue you a cashier's check, you have other options. A money order from the post office or a grocery store works for smaller amounts and requires no bank account. A certified check from your own bank is similar to a cashier's check but drawn on your account rather than the bank's — it's slightly less secure but often accepted in place of a cashier's check. A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to the recipient's, though it costs more and is harder to reverse if something goes wrong.

For very large amounts or high-stakes transactions, ask the recipient what they'll accept. Many sellers who ask for a cashier's check will also take a wire transfer or certified check. Understanding what the recipient actually needs — proof of funds, security against a bad check, or something else — can open up alternatives you hadn't considered.

What to do if your bank charges too much or requires advance notice

If your bank charges a high fee or requires you to order a cashier's check days in advance, shop around. Call other banks in your area and ask their fees and turnaround time. Credit unions almost always charge less and issue them faster. If you have a choice of banks, switching to one that offers free or low-cost cashier's checks might be worth it, especially if you need them regularly.

Some banks require advance notice because they don't keep blank cashier's checks on hand. If your bank does this, plan ahead. Call the branch and ask how much notice they need, then place your order by phone. Most banks that require advance notice will still issue the check within one business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check online or by mail?

Most banks require you to go to a branch in person to request a cashier's check. A few banks will mail one to you if you call and request it, but this takes several business days. If you need one urgently, visiting a branch is your only option.

What if I don't know the exact payee name?

You need the exact name as it appears on the recipient's account or ID. If you're unsure, ask the recipient to confirm it in writing before you go to the bank. The bank won't issue a check with a blank payee line or a generic name like "Cash" — it defeats the purpose of a cashier's check.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after the bank issues it?

Yes, but it's complicated. You'll need to go back to the bank and ask them to stop payment, which usually costs $15 to $30. The bank will hold the funds for a set period (often 90 days) while they wait to see if the check is cashed. If it is, the stop payment fails and you lose the fee.

Do I need an account at the bank to cash a cashier's check?

No. Anyone can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, and most banks will cash it for free even if you're not a customer. Some banks charge a small fee to non-customers. You'll need to bring ID.

What's the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?

A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, so the bank guarantees the funds. A certified check is drawn on your account but stamped by the bank to confirm the funds are there. Cashier's checks are considered more secure, but certified checks are often accepted as a substitute and cost less.