Where to find a cashier's check

You can get a cashier's check at any bank or credit union where you have an account. Walk into a branch during business hours, tell the teller you need one, and they will issue it on the spot — usually within minutes. You do not need an appointment. If you bank online-only, call the customer service number on your debit card or log into your account to find the nearest branch location or ask whether they can mail one to you.

Not all banks issue cashier's checks the same way. Some large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo issue them at any branch. Regional banks and credit unions may require you to visit your home branch or the branch where your account is held. A few online-only banks do not issue them at all, so if you use one, you will need to open a second account at a traditional bank or credit union that does.

If you do not have a bank account, you can get a cashier's check at some check-cashing services, but they charge a fee — often $5 to $15 — on top of the check amount. This is more expensive than getting one from your own bank, where the fee is usually $5 to $10 or sometimes free if you maintain a certain balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any branch of your bank or credit union during business hours with your ID and the amount you need; most cashier's checks are ready in minutes.
  • You will pay a fee of $5 to $10 at most banks, though some waive it for customers with high account balances or premium accounts.
  • If you do not have a bank account, check-cashing services can issue cashier's checks but charge higher fees and may require you to bring cash or a personal check.
  • Online-only banks often do not issue cashier's checks, so confirm with your bank before you need one, or open an account at a traditional bank as backup.
  • Bring your ID and know the exact amount and the payee name; the teller will fill in the rest and you will receive the check immediately.

What you need to bring

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your identity before issuing the check. You will also need to know the exact amount and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. Write this down before you go, because the teller will ask you to confirm it and you cannot change it once the check is printed.

If you are getting the check for someone else — for example, a landlord or a car seller — make sure you have their exact legal name. A check made out to "John Smith" cannot be cashed by "Jon Smith" or a business name that does not match exactly. If you are unsure of the spelling, ask the recipient before you go to the bank.

Fees and how much they cost

Most banks charge between $5 and $10 per cashier's check. Some credit unions charge less, and a few banks waive the fee for customers with certain account types or minimum balances. Call your bank before you go, or ask the teller when you arrive — the fee will be deducted from your account balance.

If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether the bank charges per check or offers a discount for ordering several at once. Some banks do not, but it is worth asking. Check-cashing services typically charge $10 to $15 per check, which is why using your own bank is almost always cheaper.

How long it takes

A cashier's check issued in person at a bank branch is ready immediately — usually within 5 to 15 minutes. The teller prints it, you sign it, and you walk out with it. There is no waiting period or processing time.

If you order a cashier's check by mail or through an online banking portal, it will take 5 to 10 business days to arrive. Some banks offer expedited mailing for an extra fee. If you need a cashier's check urgently, visiting a branch in person is the only way to get it the same day.

What happens if you lose it

If you lose a cashier's check before you give it to the recipient, contact your bank immediately. The bank can put a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will usually need to file a claim and may have to wait 30 to 90 days for the bank to confirm that the check has not been cashed before they issue a replacement. Some banks charge a fee for this service, typically $15 to $30.

Keep the receipt the teller gives you when you get the cashier's check. It has the check number and amount on it, which you will need if you have to report it lost. Do not give the check to the recipient until you are ready — do not mail it or leave it lying around.

Alternatives if your bank is closed

If you need a cashier's check outside of business hours, you have limited options. Some banks offer Saturday hours, so check your bank's website or call ahead. If your bank is closed and you need the check urgently, a check-cashing service is your only option, though they charge more and may have limits on the amount they will issue.

Another option is a money order, which you can buy at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices 24 hours a day. A money order is not the same as a cashier's check — it is not drawn on a bank account and some recipients will not accept it — but it is safer than cash and faster to get if you are in a hurry. Money orders typically cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount.

Finding a branch location

If you do not know where your bank's nearest branch is, go to the bank's website and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or city and it will show you all nearby locations, hours, and services. You can also call the customer service number on your debit card or bank statement.

If you use a credit union, the CO-OP or Allpoint networks allow you to visit other credit union branches to conduct business, including getting a cashier's check. Check your credit union's website to see which networks they belong to and find a participating branch near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?

Some banks will mail a cashier's check to you if you request it through online banking or by phone, but it takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need it the same day, you must visit a branch. A few banks offer mobile apps that let you order one, but you still have to pick it up at a branch or wait for it to arrive by mail.

What if I do not know the exact amount yet?

You can get a cashier's check for a round amount — like $5,000 — and the recipient can return it if they need a different amount. However, this wastes time and money. It is better to confirm the exact amount with the recipient before you go to the bank. If the amount changes, you can get a new check; most banks will not charge a second fee if you return the first one unused.

Can someone else pick up a cashier's check for me?

Most banks require the person whose account it is drawn from to pick it up in person and sign it. Some banks will release it to an authorized representative if you give written permission, but policies vary. Call your bank and ask before you count on someone else to get it for you.

Is a cashier's check safer than a personal check?

Yes. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, so the bank guarantees the funds are there. A personal check can bounce if you do not have enough money. This is why landlords, car dealers, and other recipients often ask for a cashier's check instead of a personal one.

What if the bank made a mistake on the check?

If the teller printed the wrong amount or spelled the payee's name wrong, tell them immediately before you leave the branch. They will void that check and issue a new one at no extra charge. If you do not notice the mistake until later, contact the bank and they can issue a replacement, though they may charge a fee.