Where to find a cashier's check in your area

You can get a cashier's check at any bank or credit union where you hold an account, and most will issue one the same day you request it. Walk into a branch during business hours with your ID and the funds to cover the check amount, plus any fee. The teller will write the check from the bank's own account, sign it, and hand it to you — the whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you don't have an account at a bank, some will still issue a cashier's check for a higher fee, though policies vary. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than large banks are. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts non-account holders and ask what their fee will be.

Online banks and some fintech companies do not issue cashier's checks in person because they have no physical branches. If your bank is online-only, you'll need to use a different institution or ask if they can mail you a cashier's check (which takes several days).

Key Takeaways

  • Any bank or credit union where you have an account will issue a cashier's check same-day for a small fee, usually $5 to $15.
  • Bring your ID, the amount you need the check for, and be ready to pay the fee out of pocket at the time of issue.
  • Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-account holders for a higher fee, but you must call first to confirm they offer this.
  • Online-only banks cannot issue cashier's checks in person; ask whether they can mail one or use a different bank instead.
  • Cashier's checks are safer than personal checks for large transactions because the bank guarantees the funds, so many sellers and landlords require them.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and enough money to cover both the check amount and the fee. Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check, though some credit unions charge less or waive the fee for members. A few banks charge more if the check is for an unusually large amount, so ask the fee upfront.

You do not need to bring the check to a specific payee or have the payee's information ready — you can fill in the recipient's name yourself after you receive it, or leave it blank if you're not sure yet. The bank will not let you do this; they will ask who the check is for and write the name themselves. Once the payee name is printed, you cannot change it.

If you're ordering a cashier's check by mail (because you bank online or live far from a branch), expect to pay a mailing fee on top of the check fee and wait 5 to 10 business days for delivery. Some banks require you to mail them a signed request form; others let you order through their website.

How long it takes and timing for different situations

Same-day issuance is standard at any bank branch during business hours. If you walk in on a Tuesday morning, you walk out with the check that same day. Weekend and holiday closures mean you cannot get a cashier's check on Saturday, Sunday, or federal holidays, so plan ahead if you need one for a Monday closing or weekend transaction.

If you order by mail, add 5 to 10 business days for processing and delivery, plus 1 to 2 days for the check to clear once the recipient deposits it. For a real estate closing or other time-sensitive transaction, always get the cashier's check in person at a branch rather than ordering by mail.

Some banks offer expedited processing for an extra fee if you need the check faster than their standard mail timeline. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether this option exists and what it costs.

Using a different bank if yours won't issue one

If your bank refuses to issue a cashier's check (rare, but it happens with online-only banks), you have two options: open a basic checking account at a local bank just to get the check, or use a different bank's branch directly.

Many banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-account holder if you pay a higher fee — often $20 to $30 instead of $5 to $15. Call ahead and ask. Bring the same ID and funds you would bring as an account holder. Some large banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase will do this; smaller regional banks and credit unions vary.

If no bank in your area will issue one to a non-account holder, opening a basic checking account takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing. You can close it after you get the check. This is slower than a single trip to a bank where you already have an account, but it's still faster and more reliable than waiting for a mailed check.

Alternatives if you cannot get a cashier's check

A money order is similar to a cashier's check but smaller — most are capped at $1,000. You can buy one at the post office, grocery store, Walmart, or Western Union location. They cost $1 to $5 and are may provide by the issuer, so they're nearly as safe as a cashier's check. For amounts under $1,000, a money order is often faster and cheaper.

A certified check is a personal check from your own account that your bank stamps and guarantees. It costs less than a cashier's check (usually $0 to $5) but takes longer — some banks need 24 hours to certify one. The recipient sees your name on the check, whereas a cashier's check shows the bank's name, so some sellers prefer cashier's checks for that reason.

A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to the recipient's account and clears within hours. There's no physical check, so it's useful for online transactions or when the recipient has a bank account. Wire transfer fees range from $15 to $50 depending on whether it's domestic or international.

For a real estate closing or large purchase, ask the seller or closing agent which payment method they accept. Many will take a cashier's check, certified check, or wire transfer. Do not assume — confirm before you commit to one method.

What happens after you receive the cashier's check

Once you have the check, keep it in a safe place until you hand it to the recipient. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check cannot be stopped or reversed once it's issued, so if you lose it or it's stolen, the bank cannot cancel it. Some banks will issue a replacement if you sign an affidavit swearing the original was lost, but this takes time and may not be possible if the original has already been deposited.

The recipient deposits or cashes the check like any other check. It clears within 1 to 2 business days at most banks, sometimes faster. Because the bank has already verified the funds, there's no risk the check will bounce.

Keep your receipt from the bank showing the check number, amount, and date issued. If there's ever a dispute about whether you paid, the receipt proves you obtained the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, some banks will issue one to non-account holders for a higher fee, usually $20 to $30. Call your local bank branch first to confirm they offer this. If they don't, you can open a basic checking account (takes 15 to 30 minutes) just to get the check, then close it afterward.

What if I don't know the payee's name yet?

Tell the bank you'll fill in the name yourself, but most banks will not allow this — they require the payee name at the time of issue and print it on the check. If you're unsure, ask the bank whether you can leave it blank or post-date it. Some will; most won't.

How much does a cashier's check cost?

Most banks charge $5 to $15 per check for account holders. Non-account holders typically pay $20 to $30. Credit unions often charge less or waive the fee for members. Call your bank to confirm the exact fee before you go in.

Can I stop payment on a cashier's check?

No. Once issued, a cashier's check cannot be stopped or reversed. If you lose it or need to cancel the transaction, contact the bank immediately to report it, but they may not be able to help. This is why cashier's checks are safer for the recipient — the bank guarantees the funds.

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

Usually 1 to 2 business days. Because the bank has already verified the funds before issuing the check, it clears faster than a personal check. Some banks clear it same-day, especially if the recipient banks at the same institution.