Banks and credit unions are your main options for a cashier's check

You can get a cashier's check from any bank or credit union where you have an account. Walk into a branch, tell the teller you need one, and they will prepare it on the spot — usually within minutes. You do not need to be a long-time customer; new account holders can request one the same day they open an account at most institutions.

If you bank online only, call your bank's customer service line or visit a physical branch location. Some online banks partner with local branches or ATM networks, so ask whether you can pick up a cashier's check in person or if they mail it to you instead. Mailing takes several business days, which matters if you need it quickly.

Credit unions work the same way. If you are a member, you can request a cashier's check during business hours. Non-members cannot get one from a credit union unless they join first, which usually takes less than an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have an account at the bank or credit union to get a cashier's check; the teller will draw the funds directly from your account.
  • Bring a valid ID and know the exact amount and payee name, because the check cannot be changed once it is printed.
  • Fees range from nothing to around $15 per check depending on your bank and account type; some accounts include a few free checks per year.
  • The check is ready in minutes at a branch, but mailed checks take three to five business days to arrive.
  • If your bank is closed or you need one outside business hours, a money order from a grocery store or post office works for smaller amounts, though it is not the same as a cashier's check.

What information you need before you go

Have the payee's name spelled correctly before you arrive. A cashier's check cannot be issued to "cash" or left blank — it must be made out to a specific person or business. If you get the name wrong, the check is worthless and you will need to request a new one.

Know the exact dollar amount. The teller will print it on the check, and you cannot alter it afterward. If you are unsure of the final amount (for example, at a real estate closing), ask the other party to confirm it in writing before you go to the bank.

Bring a valid photo ID. The teller needs to verify your identity before they can access your account and issue the check.

Fees and what they depend on

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some charge nothing. The fee depends on your bank, your account type, and whether you have a premium account that waives certain fees.

Ask your bank what they charge before you request the check. Some accounts include a certain number of free cashier's checks per year — typically two to four — so you may not pay anything. If you need multiple checks, it is worth asking whether bundling them saves money or whether each one carries the same fee.

Online banks and smaller regional banks sometimes charge less than large national banks. If you do not have an account anywhere yet and you need a cashier's check, comparing fees across a few banks is worth a few minutes of phone calls.

How long it takes to get one

At a branch in person, a cashier's check is usually ready in five to ten minutes. The teller verifies your account has the funds, prints the check, and you walk out with it. This is the fastest route.

If you request one by phone or online, the bank will either mail it to you or ask you to pick it up at a branch. Mailed checks typically arrive in three to five business days. Some banks offer next-business-day delivery for an extra fee.

Plan ahead. If you need the check by a specific date, request it at least a week early if it is being mailed, or visit a branch in person if you need it within a day or two.

What to do if your bank is closed or you cannot get to a branch

If you need a check outside your bank's hours or you do not have time to visit a branch, a money order is a common alternative for amounts under $1,000. You can buy one at most grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and check-cashing services. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks — they are prepaid and may provide — but they are not the same thing legally, and some recipients (like title companies or courts) will not accept them.

Ask the recipient whether a money order will work before you buy one. If they specifically need a cashier's check, a money order will not solve the problem, and you will need to wait for your bank to open or visit a branch.

Some banks offer Saturday hours or have branches in grocery stores, which can help if weekday hours do not work for you. Call ahead to confirm the branch is open and has staff available to issue checks.

What happens after you get the check

A cashier's check is a bank's promise to pay, so the recipient can deposit it or cash it with confidence. You do not need to do anything else — the check is valid as soon as the teller hands it to you.

Keep the receipt the teller gives you. If the check is lost or stolen, you will need the receipt to request a replacement. The bank can put a stop payment on the original check and issue a new one, but this process takes time and may involve a fee.

Do not sign the back of the check unless the recipient asks you to. Cashier's checks are already may provide by the bank, so your signature is not required for them to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must have an account at the bank or credit union issuing the check, because the teller draws the funds from your account. If you do not have an account, you can open one at most banks in under an hour, then request the check immediately.

What if I lose the cashier's check?

Contact your bank with the receipt. They can place a stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement. This usually takes a few business days and may cost $15 to $30. Keep your receipt in a safe place until the recipient confirms they have received and deposited the check.

Can the recipient refuse a cashier's check?

Legally, no — a cashier's check is as good as cash. However, some recipients may ask for a different form of payment for their own reasons. Always confirm the payment method is acceptable before you go to the bank.

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

Yes. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank because the bank itself is the payer, not you. A personal check can bounce if your account does not have enough money. For large transactions, recipients almost always prefer a cashier's check.

How long is a cashier's check valid?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may stop honoring very old checks — typically after six months to a year. If you need to use a check you received months ago, contact the issuing bank to confirm it is still valid before you deposit it.