Walk into your bank with your ID and the amount you need

Getting a cashier's check is straightforward: you go to your bank, tell them the amount and who it should be made out to, and they print one on the spot. Most banks issue them the same day for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15. You need a valid ID and enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus the fee.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you're already a customer. If you're not, some banks will still issue one, but you may need to open an account first or they may refuse entirely — policies vary by bank. Call ahead if you're not sure whether your bank will issue one to a non-customer.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid ID, the payee's name, and enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus the bank's fee.
  • Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check and issue them the same day during business hours.
  • If you don't have a bank account, credit unions often issue cashier's checks to non-members, and some banks will too — call first.
  • Online banks and some credit unions mail cashier's checks instead of issuing them in person, which takes 3 to 5 business days.
  • The payee's name must be exact; you cannot leave it blank or make it out to "cash."

What you need to bring to the bank

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will check it against your account if you're a customer, or just verify your identity if you're not.

You also need to know the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to. Spell it the way they want it — if it's a business, use their legal name, not a nickname. You cannot make a cashier's check out to "cash" or leave the payee line blank; the bank will refuse.

Have the amount ready in your head or written down. The bank will verify you have enough money in your account to cover both the check and their fee before they issue it.

Fees and timing at different bank types

Traditional banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and local banks) charge $5 to $15 per check and issue them immediately during business hours. If you're a customer, you can usually walk out with it in 15 minutes. Non-customers may be turned away or charged a higher fee.

Credit unions often charge less — sometimes $2 to $5 — and many will issue cashier's checks to non-members. Call your local credit union first; they're often more flexible than big banks.

Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) do not have branches, so they mail cashier's checks to you. This takes 3 to 5 business days. Some online banks charge nothing; others charge $10 to $15. If you need a check today, an online bank will not work.

When you cannot get one the same day

If your bank is closed (evenings, weekends, holidays), you cannot get a cashier's check until they reopen. Some banks offer Saturday hours; check yours online or call ahead.

If you do not have an account at any bank and need a check urgently, try a credit union in your area — they are more likely to issue one to a non-member than a traditional bank. You can search for credit unions near you at CO-OP.org or Alliant.org.

If you need the check mailed to you (because you cannot visit in person), ask your bank whether they offer that service. Some do; some do not. If your bank does not, you may be able to have the check mailed to the payee directly, though this requires the payee to trust you and the bank to cooperate.

What happens after you get the check

A cashier's check is a bank's own check, backed by the bank's account, so it is treated as may provide money. The recipient can deposit it or cash it immediately without waiting for it to clear — it clears the same day in most cases.

Do not lose the check or give it to the wrong person. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check is harder to stop once it is issued. If you lose it, contact your bank right away; they can put a stop on it, but the process takes time and may cost a fee. If you give it to the wrong payee by mistake, you cannot get it back — the bank will not reverse it.

Keep your receipt. It shows the check number, amount, and payee. If there is a dispute later, the receipt proves you issued the check.

Alternatives if you cannot get to a bank

If you need a may provide payment but cannot visit a bank branch, wire transfer is faster but more expensive (usually $15 to $30). The money reaches the recipient's bank account within hours, sometimes minutes.

Money order is cheaper (usually $1 to $5) but not may provide the way a cashier's check is. The recipient has to deposit it and wait for it to clear, which takes 1 to 3 business days. You can buy money orders at post offices, grocery stores, and Walmart.

If the payee trusts you, a personal check costs nothing but takes 5 to 10 business days to clear and is not may provide. The recipient bears the risk if the check bounces.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Some banks and most credit unions will issue one to non-members, but policies vary. Call ahead. If you are turned down, try a local credit union — they are more likely to help. You will still need a valid ID and enough cash to cover the amount plus the fee.

What if I make a mistake on the check?

Once a cashier's check is issued, you cannot change it. If you wrote down the wrong payee name or amount, contact your bank immediately. They may be able to stop it and issue a new one, but this takes time and may cost an extra fee. It is easier to get it right the first time.

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

It clears the same day in most cases because it is backed by the bank's own account, not yours. The recipient can deposit it and the funds are usually available immediately or within one business day. This is why cashier's checks are used for large purchases like real estate.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after I get it?

Yes, but it is complicated. Contact your bank and ask them to put a stop on it. They will need the check number and amount. There is usually a fee ($15 to $30), and the stop may take several business days to process. If the check has already been cashed, the bank cannot reverse it.

What if the payee's name is a business with a long legal name?

Use the exact legal name as it appears on their business license or tax documents. Ask the business how they want it spelled if you are not sure. The name on the check must match the name on their account, or they may have trouble depositing it.