Getting a cashier's check takes 15 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you walk into a branch or order online

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why the recipient trusts it more than a personal check. To get one, you go to your bank, give them the amount and the payee's name, and they print it on the spot — or you order it online and pick it up later. You'll need to have the money in your account (or bring cash), and you'll pay a fee, usually between $5 and $15.

The exact process depends on your bank and whether you're a customer there. Most banks let their account holders order cashier's checks in person at any branch, by phone, or through online banking. If you don't have an account at the bank, you can still get one, but you'll need to bring cash or a money order and may face a higher fee or longer wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can get a cashier's check the same day by visiting a bank branch in person with your account information and the payee's name.
  • The bank will deduct the check amount from your account immediately, so you need the funds available before you order.
  • Fees typically range from $5 to $15, though some banks waive the fee for account holders or those who maintain a minimum balance.
  • If you order online or by phone, pickup usually takes one to three business days, but in-person orders are ready within minutes.
  • You'll need the exact name of the payee and the amount; the bank fills in the date and their own routing number.

What you need to bring or provide

If you're getting the check in person at a branch where you have an account, bring your ID and debit card or account number. You don't need anything else — the teller will look up your balance on the spot. If you're ordering by phone or online, you'll enter your account number and the amount during the process.

For the check itself, you need to tell the bank the payee's name exactly as it should appear — this is the person or business the check is written to. You also need the amount in dollars and cents. The bank fills in everything else: the date, the bank's routing number, and the check number. If you're unsure of the payee's exact legal name, ask them before you order — a check made out to "John Smith" won't work if the account is registered under "John Michael Smith."

If you don't have an account at the bank, you can still get a cashier's check, but bring cash or a money order to pay for it. Some banks will let non-customers order one, but policies vary. Call ahead to confirm.

How to order in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. They'll ask for the payee's name, the amount, and your ID. If you have your account number memorized or on your card, that speeds things up, but they can look it up by your ID alone.

The teller will confirm your account has enough money to cover the check plus the fee. If it does, they'll print the check, you'll sign it (or they may sign it on behalf of the bank), and you'll walk out with it. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The fee is charged to your account immediately.

Some banks have a daily limit on cashier's checks — often $5,000 to $10,000 — so if you need a larger amount, ask the teller whether you can get multiple checks or if you need to call ahead. A few banks require advance notice for checks over a certain amount.

Ordering online or by phone

Log into your online banking portal and look for "Cashier's Check" or "Special Checks" in the services menu. You'll enter the payee's name, the amount, and choose a pickup location. Some banks let you select the date you want to pick it up; others have a standard processing time of one to three business days.

If you order by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement. A representative will walk you through the same information and confirm your account has the funds. They'll tell you when and where to pick it up.

When you pick up the check, bring your ID. The bank will hand you the check, and the fee will have already been deducted from your account. You don't sign the check at pickup — you sign it when you give it to the payee, just like a personal check.

Understanding cashier's check fees

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee entirely for customers who maintain a minimum balance, have a premium account type, or meet other conditions. A few banks charge nothing for cashier's checks as part of their standard service.

If you need multiple checks, you'll pay the fee for each one. Some banks offer a small discount if you order several at once, so it's worth asking. Non-customers typically pay the higher end of the fee range or may be charged extra.

The fee is non-refundable once the check is printed, even if you don't use it. If you change your mind after ordering, contact the bank immediately — some will cancel it and refund the fee if it hasn't been picked up yet, but this varies by bank and isn't may provide.

What happens after you receive the check

Once you have the cashier's check, you own it. You can hold it, mail it, or hand it to the payee whenever you're ready. There's no expiration date, though some banks or businesses may refuse a check that's more than six months old — it's safest to use it within that window.

Sign the back of the check only when you hand it to the payee or deposit it. Don't sign it blank. If you lose the check before giving it away, contact your bank immediately — they can put a stop on it, though this process varies by bank and may take several days.

The payee deposits or cashes the check like any other check. Because it's drawn on the bank's account, not yours, it clears faster than a personal check — usually one to two business days instead of three to five. The money leaves your account when you order the check, not when the payee deposits it.

Alternatives if you can't get to a branch

If your bank doesn't offer online ordering or you need the check urgently, some banks partner with third-party check printing services that can mail a cashier's check to you. This usually takes five to seven business days and may cost more. Ask your bank whether this option is available.

If you need the money to reach someone quickly but don't have time for a cashier's check, consider a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or money order instead. A wire transfer moves money the same day but costs $15 to $30. A money order is cheaper (usually $1 to $5) but takes longer to clear and has a lower limit per check. Ask the payee which method they prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring cash to any bank branch and ask for a cashier's check. You'll pay the fee in cash along with the check amount. Some banks require non-customers to order in advance or may charge a higher fee, so call ahead to confirm their policy.

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

One to two business days, much faster than a personal check. Because the bank guarantees the funds, the payee's bank doesn't hold it for verification. The money leaves your account when you order the check, not when the payee deposits it.

What if I make a mistake on the payee's name?

Contact your bank immediately and ask them to cancel it. If it hasn't been picked up yet, they may be able to void it and issue a new one. If you've already picked it up, you'll need to contact the bank to put a stop on it, though this isn't always successful if the check has already been cashed.

Can I post-date a cashier's check?

You can write a future date on it, but the payee can deposit it immediately regardless of the date. The bank won't enforce the date the way they do with personal checks. If you need the money to arrive on a specific date, use a wire transfer or ACH instead.

Is there a limit to how much I can get in one cashier's check?

Most banks don't have a hard limit, but some require advance notice for checks over $5,000 to $10,000. Call your bank to ask about their policy. If you need a very large amount, you can order multiple checks, though you'll pay a fee for each one.