Cashier's check fees typically range from $5 to $15 per check at most banks, though some banks charge nothing if you maintain a high account balance or have a premium account type
The cost depends on your bank and your relationship with them. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase usually charge between $7 and $15. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often charge $5 to $10, and some charge nothing at all. A few banks waive the fee entirely if you keep a minimum balance—often $1,500 to $2,500—or hold a checking account with direct deposit.
The fee covers the bank's cost to issue the check, verify funds, and may provide payment. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check is backed by the bank itself, which is why the recipient trusts it and why the bank charges for it.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks charge $7 to $15 per cashier's check, though credit unions and online banks often charge less.
- Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account.
- The fee is usually charged at the time you request the check, not when you cash it.
- If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether your bank offers a discount for ordering more than one.
- Online banks and some credit unions may mail checks to you rather than issuing them in person, which can take several business days.
How bank type affects what you pay
National banks tend to charge more because they have higher overhead and standardized fee schedules. Bank of America charges $10 per cashier's check. Wells Fargo charges $10. Chase charges $10 to $15 depending on the account type. These fees are consistent across most of their branches.
Credit unions typically charge $5 to $8 and sometimes nothing. If you're a member of a credit union, check your account documents or call your branch—many credit unions list this fee on their website or will tell you over the phone. Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab often charge $0 to $5, though some don't issue cashier's checks at all and will refer you to a partner bank.
Regional and community banks fall in the middle, usually $5 to $10. Your best move is to call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch and ask directly. The fee structure is simple enough that they can tell you in one sentence.
When the bank waives the fee
Many banks waive cashier's check fees for customers who meet certain conditions. The most common is maintaining a minimum balance in a checking or savings account—typically $1,500 to $2,500, though some banks set it higher. If you already keep that balance for other reasons, the fee is effectively free.
Premium account tiers also waive the fee. If you have a "Gold" or "Platinum" checking account, or if you're a private banking customer, cashier's checks are often included. Some banks waive the fee if you have direct deposit set up, or if you maintain a combined balance across multiple accounts.
The catch is that maintaining a high balance to avoid a $10 fee doesn't make financial sense unless you were keeping that money there anyway. If you'd otherwise earn interest in a savings account or investment, the opportunity cost outweighs the fee.
Fees at different types of financial institutions
| Institution Type | Typical Fee Range | When It's Waived |
|---|---|---|
| Large national bank | $10–$15 | Premium account, minimum balance ($2,000+) |
| Regional or community bank | $5–$10 | Minimum balance ($1,500+), direct deposit |
| Credit union | $0–$8 | Often free for members |
| Online bank | $0–$5 | Varies; some don't issue them |
What happens if you don't bank where you need the check
If you need a cashier's check but don't have an account at a bank, you have two options: open an account or pay a non-customer fee. Most banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, but they charge extra—usually $15 to $25. This is more expensive than the standard fee and is meant to discourage the practice.
Opening a checking account specifically to get a cashier's check is rarely worth it. The account itself may have a monthly fee, and you'd need to fund it with at least the amount of the check plus the fee. If you need a cashier's check as a one-time thing, ask a friend or family member who banks there to request it on your behalf, or use a money order instead (which typically costs $1 to $5 at grocery stores, pharmacies, or post offices).
Ordering multiple checks and timing
If you need more than one cashier's check, ask your bank whether they offer a discount. Some banks charge the full fee for each check, while others charge a reduced rate for the second and subsequent checks—for example, $10 for the first and $5 for each additional one. This varies by bank, so it's worth asking before you order.
Cashier's checks issued in person at a branch are usually ready immediately or within a few minutes. If you order by phone or online, the bank may mail it to you, which takes three to five business days. Some banks allow you to pick up a mailed check at a branch if you're in a hurry. Plan ahead if you have a deadline—don't wait until the day before you need it.
Comparing cashier's checks to other payment methods
A cashier's check costs more than a personal check (free) or a money order ($1 to $5), but less than a wire transfer ($15 to $50). The choice depends on what the recipient needs and how much money you're sending. For large amounts or situations where the recipient needs may provide funds, a cashier's check is worth the fee. For small amounts or casual transactions, a money order is cheaper.
Wire transfers are faster (often same-day) but cost more and are harder to reverse if something goes wrong. Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers through your bank are free and take one to three business days. If the recipient accepts ACH and you're not in a rush, that's the cheapest option. If they specifically ask for a cashier's check, the fee is non-negotiable—it's the cost of the may provide they're paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without paying a fee?
Yes, if your bank waives the fee for your account type or if you maintain a minimum balance. Credit unions often waive it for members. If your bank charges a fee and you don't meet the waiver conditions, the fee is standard and unavoidable at that institution.
Do I pay the fee when I order the check or when someone cashes it?
You pay the fee when you order it, at the time you request the check from the bank. The recipient does not pay anything—they simply cash or deposit the check like any other check.
What if I order a cashier's check and then don't use it?
Most banks do not refund the fee once the check is issued. If you don't use it, you've paid for it. Some banks will cancel the check and issue a new one for free if you catch the mistake quickly, but this varies. Ask your bank about their policy before you leave.
Is there a limit to how much a cashier's check can be for?
No legal limit exists, but individual banks may set their own limits. Most banks will issue a cashier's check for any amount up to several hundred thousand dollars. If you need an unusually large cashier's check, call your bank ahead of time to confirm they can issue it and whether they need advance notice.
Can I get a cashier's check from an ATM?
No. Cashier's checks must be issued by a bank employee, either in person at a branch or by phone or online with verification. ATMs cannot issue them.