Banks and credit unions are your main sources for cashier's checks

You can get a cashier's check from any bank or credit union where you have an account. Walk into a branch during business hours, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and provide the name of the person or business it should be made out to and the amount. The teller will prepare it on the spot — the whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If you don't have an account at a bank or credit union, some will still issue you a cashier's check, but policies vary. Call ahead to ask whether they'll do it for a non-customer and what fee they'll charge. Some banks refuse entirely; others charge a higher fee than they would for account holders.

Online banks and credit unions that don't have physical branches cannot issue cashier's checks in person. If your bank is online-only, you'll need to visit a branch-based institution or use a money order as an alternative.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and cheapest way to get a cashier's check, usually costing $5 to $15 per check.
  • You need the recipient's name and the exact amount before you arrive, and you'll pay the full amount upfront.
  • Non-customers can sometimes get cashier's checks from banks, but policies differ and fees are often higher.
  • If you don't have a bank account, a money order from a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office is a simpler alternative for smaller amounts.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring your account information (your debit card or account number) and a valid photo ID. You'll also need to know the exact amount and the full name of the person or business receiving the check. Double-check the recipient's name before you hand it to the teller — cashier's checks are difficult to change once issued.

Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per check, depending on your bank or credit union. Some institutions charge less for account holders than for non-customers. A few banks include a certain number of free cashier's checks per month as part of premium checking accounts, so ask if you may have access to.

You pay the full amount of the check upfront — if you're getting a $5,000 cashier's check, you need $5,000 in your account or available to deposit. The bank deducts the amount immediately and holds it until the check clears.

Getting a cashier's check without a bank account

If you don't have a bank account, your options are limited. Some banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer if you pay cash, but you'll typically face a higher fee and may need to call ahead to confirm they'll do it. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks, especially if you're a member of a credit union network.

For most situations, a money order is a simpler alternative. You can buy one at the post office, most grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks — they're prepaid and may provide — but they're faster to obtain, cost less (usually $1 to $5), and don't require a bank account. The main limitation is that most places cap money orders at $500 to $1,000 per order, so they don't work for large amounts.

If you need a cashier's check for a large amount and have no bank account, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union is often faster and cheaper than trying to convince a bank to issue one to a non-customer.

Timing: same-day vs. ordering ahead

If you visit a bank branch in person during business hours, you'll get your cashier's check the same day. There's no waiting period. This is one reason cashier's checks are preferred for time-sensitive transactions like real estate closings or large purchases.

Some banks allow you to order a cashier's check online or by phone and pick it up at a branch later that day or the next business day. Call your bank to ask whether this option is available and how long it takes.

If you need a cashier's check after hours or on a weekend, you're out of luck — you'll have to wait until the next business day. Plan ahead if you're closing on a house or have a deadline.

Cashier's checks vs. money orders vs. certified checks

A cashier's check is issued by the bank itself and drawn on the bank's account, which is why it's considered may provide. The bank guarantees the funds are there. A certified check is your personal check that the bank has verified and stamped as certified — the bank confirms the funds exist in your account at the moment of certification, but the check is still drawn on your account. Certified checks cost less (usually $5 to $10) but are less universally accepted than cashier's checks.

A money order is a prepaid instrument you buy at a post office, grocery store, or other retailer. It's may provide like a cashier's check but capped at a lower amount and costs much less. Money orders work well for paying bills, sending money to family, or making small purchases, but they're not accepted for real estate transactions or other formal purposes where a cashier's check is specifically required.

For real estate closings, security deposits, or any transaction where the recipient specifically asks for a cashier's check, use a cashier's check. For everyday payments and smaller amounts, a money order is usually sufficient and cheaper.

What happens if you lose or need to cancel a cashier's check

If you lose a cashier's check or need to cancel it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can put a stop payment on it, but you'll typically need to wait a set period (often 30 to 90 days) to confirm the check hasn't been cashed before they'll issue a replacement or refund. Some banks charge a stop-payment fee, usually $15 to $30.

This is why it's important to hand the cashier's check directly to the recipient or send it by tracked mail. Once someone else cashes it, you can't get the money back — the bank has already paid it out.

If the recipient says they never received it, ask them to check with their bank first. Cashier's checks sometimes take a few business days to clear, especially if deposited at a different bank. If it's truly lost in the mail, the recipient can contact your bank to verify the check was issued and request a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check same-day if I don't have an account?

Some banks will issue one same-day to non-customers for a higher fee, but you need to call ahead to confirm. Many banks refuse to do this entirely. Opening a basic checking account is often faster than negotiating with a bank that doesn't want your business.

What if I make a mistake on the cashier's check before I hand it over?

Tell the teller immediately. They can void it and issue a new one. Once you leave the bank with it, the bank won't change it. If you've already given it to the recipient and they haven't cashed it, ask them to return it so you can get a replacement.

Do I need the recipient's account number to get a cashier's check?

No. You only need their name and the amount. The recipient's bank will route the check based on the bank routing number printed on it, not on any account information you provide.

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

Most cashier's checks clear within one to three business days after the recipient deposits them. Because they're may provide by the bank, they clear faster than personal checks. Some banks clear them the same day.

Can I get a cashier's check for someone else?

Yes. You can get a cashier's check made out to anyone — a person, a business, a landlord, whoever. You just need their name spelled correctly. You don't need their permission or account information.