Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will issue a cashier's check if you have an account there, usually within the same business day at a branch or by phone.
- Some banks issue cashier's checks to non-customers, but charge higher fees and may require you to come in person with cash or a personal check.
- A few large national banks have stopped issuing cashier's checks to anyone, so call ahead before making a trip.
- Credit unions typically issue cashier's checks to members and sometimes to non-members, often at lower fees than banks.
- If your bank refuses, a money order or certified check may work for the same purpose, depending on what the recipient needs.
Getting a Cashier's Check From Your Own Bank
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, that bank will issue you a cashier's check. Go to any branch during business hours with your ID and the amount you need, or call customer service and request one by phone. Most banks can issue it the same day, though some require 24 hours' notice for large amounts.
You will need to tell the bank the payee's name (the person or business the check is written to) and the amount. The bank will deduct the funds from your account immediately, so you must have the money available. Fees range from $5 to $15 per check at most banks, though some waive the fee for account holders who meet minimum balance or direct deposit requirements.
Getting a Cashier's Check as a Non-Customer
Some banks and most credit unions will issue a cashier's check to someone without an account, but the process is slower and more expensive. You typically have to go in person, bring a government-issued ID, and pay a higher fee — often $15 to $25. The bank may also require you to pay with cash or a personal check drawn on another bank, and they may put a hold on the funds while they verify the check clears.
Call ahead before you go. Ask whether they issue cashier's checks to non-customers, what the fee is, what payment methods they accept, and whether you need an appointment. Some banks have stopped this service entirely because of fraud concerns, so you may hear no.
Banks That Have Stopped Issuing Cashier's Checks
Several large national banks, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase, have reduced or eliminated cashier's check services in recent years. Bank of America stopped issuing them to non-customers and charges customers a higher fee. Wells Fargo stopped issuing them to non-customers. Chase still issues them to customers but has limited availability at some branches.
These policies change, so do not assume a bank's current policy based on what you heard last year. Call the specific branch where you plan to go, or use the bank's website to check. If your bank has stopped issuing them, you have other options.
Credit Unions as an Alternative
Credit unions are often more willing to issue cashier's checks than banks, and they typically charge lower fees. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they issue them — most do. If you do not belong to one, some credit unions will issue a cashier's check to non-members for a fee, though you will need to bring cash or a personal check to pay for it.
To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Shared Branch locator on the Credit Union Service Centers website. Call ahead to confirm they issue cashier's checks to non-members and what their fee is.
When a Cashier's Check Is Not Your Only Option
If you cannot get a cashier's check, ask the recipient what they actually need. A certified check — a personal check that your bank stamps to may provide the funds are there — works for many purposes and is easier to get. A money order from the post office, Walmart, or a grocery store works for smaller amounts and requires no bank account at all. A wire transfer or ACH transfer moves money directly from your bank account to theirs and is often faster, though not all recipients accept it.
Each option has trade-offs. A certified check costs less than a cashier's check but does not may provide the funds the way a cashier's check does — the bank only guarantees that the account existed and had funds at the moment of certification. A money order is quick and requires no account, but most places cap them at $1,000 per order. A wire transfer is fast but costs $15 to $30 and is irreversible if you send it to the wrong account.
What to Do if You Cannot Find a Cashier's Check
If multiple banks and credit unions have turned you down, start with money orders for amounts under $1,000. The post office, Walmart, and most grocery stores issue them without requiring an account or a credit check. For larger amounts, ask your bank whether they offer certified checks or wire transfers instead.
If the recipient insists on a cashier's check and you have no bank account, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union is often faster than you think. Many banks open accounts online in minutes, and you can request a cashier's check the same day or the next day. Some banks waive the account opening fee if you set up direct deposit, though you do not have to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?
Yes, if you are a customer. Call your bank's customer service line and request one by phone. They will deduct the funds from your account and mail the check to you, or you can pick it up at a branch. Non-customers almost always have to go in person.
How long does it take to get a cashier's check?
For account holders, usually the same day if you go to a branch, or within one to two business days if you order by phone. For non-customers, it may take longer because the bank verifies the funds first. Some banks require 24 hours' notice for large amounts.
What if the bank says they cannot issue one because the amount is too large?
Some banks cap cashier's checks at $10,000 or $25,000 per day for fraud prevention. Ask whether you can split it into multiple checks, or whether a wire transfer or certified check would work instead. Wire transfers have no upper limit at most banks.
Do I need the recipient's account number to get a cashier's check?
No. You only need the payee's name (the person or business the check is written to) and the amount. The recipient will deposit or cash it on their end.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I get it?
Yes, but it is difficult and may cost you a fee. You will need to go back to the bank with the check and a government ID, and the bank will verify that it has not been cashed. If it has been cashed, you cannot cancel it. If it has not, the bank will issue a refund, usually minus a $15 to $30 cancellation fee.