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

You get a cashier's check from a bank or credit union where you have an account. Most banks issue them same-day if you visit in person during business hours, though some require a day's notice. Credit unions typically offer the same service at no charge or for a small fee — usually $5 to $15 — and the process works the same way.

You do not need to be a long-standing customer. If you have an account with funds to cover the check amount, you can walk in and request one. The teller will verify your identity, confirm the payee name and amount, and issue the check from the bank's own account rather than yours. This is what makes it may provide — the bank's reputation backs it, not your balance.

Some banks charge less or nothing if you maintain a certain account balance or have direct deposit set up. Online banks that do not have physical branches typically cannot issue cashier's checks in person, though a few partner with other banks' ATM networks to offer them. Call your bank first if you are unsure whether they issue them or what the fee is.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit your bank or credit union in person with a valid ID and the funds to cover the check amount; most issue them same-day.
  • You will need to provide the exact name of the payee and the amount, and the bank will draw the check from its own account.
  • Fees range from nothing to $15, depending on your bank and account type; ask before you request one.
  • If you do not have a bank account, some banks will issue a cashier's check for a higher fee, though this is less common.
  • Online-only banks usually cannot issue cashier's checks in person, but may offer them through partner networks or by mail.

What to bring and what information you will need

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to know the exact name of the person or business the check is payable to. Misspelling a name or using an abbreviation the recipient does not recognize can cause problems when they try to deposit it, so verify the payee name before you go to the bank.

Have the dollar amount ready, and know whether it should be written to one person or multiple people. If the check is for a business, use the legal business name as it appears on their invoices or contracts, not a shortened version. The bank will ask you to confirm all of this before issuing the check, so there is a chance to catch mistakes.

If you are paying a mortgage, property tax bill, or court judgment, the payee instructions may specify a particular name or account number to use. Read those instructions carefully and bring them with you, or call the bank ahead of time if you are unsure how to fill in the payee line.

How long it takes and whether you can get one same-day

Most banks issue cashier's checks on the spot if you visit during business hours and have an account in good standing. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You walk in, tell the teller what you need, provide the payee information, hand over the funds, and walk out with the check.

Some banks require 24 hours' notice for larger amounts — typically $10,000 or more — as a fraud prevention measure. A few will only issue them on certain days or during certain hours. Call ahead if you need one urgently or if the amount is large, so you know whether you can get it the same day or need to plan for a delay.

If your bank is closed or you need a check outside normal hours, a few banks offer them through ATMs or mobile apps, though this is still uncommon. Credit unions sometimes have extended hours on certain days. If you are in a time crunch, call your bank to ask what options exist before you assume you have to wait.

Alternatives if you do not have a bank account

If you do not have an account anywhere, some banks will issue a cashier's check for a non-customer fee, usually $25 to $50. You will need to bring cash or a debit card to cover the check amount plus the fee. Not all banks do this, so call ahead to confirm.

Money transfer services like Western Union and MoneyGram do not issue cashier's checks, but they can send funds to a recipient in other ways. If you need a may provide payment method and do not have a bank account, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union is usually faster and cheaper than paying a non-customer fee.

Some employers, payroll services, and government agencies can issue checks directly to a third party on your behalf if you need a may provide payment. Ask whether this option exists for your situation before you pay a fee to a bank.

What happens after you receive the cashier's check

Once you have the check, keep it safe. A cashier's check is as good as cash to whoever holds it — if it is lost or stolen, the person who finds it can deposit it. Do not sign the back until you are ready to hand it to the recipient or deposit it yourself. If you need to mail it, use a tracked delivery service so you have proof it arrived.

The recipient deposits or cashes it like any other check. The bank that issued it will honor it as long as the check number is valid and has not been reported lost or stolen. If the recipient loses it before depositing, they can ask the issuing bank for a replacement, though this usually requires a signed affidavit and may take several weeks.

If you issued the check and then need to cancel it — for example, because the deal fell through — contact the bank that issued it right away. You may be able to stop payment, though some banks charge a fee and require proof that the check has not been cashed. The sooner you act, the better your chances.

Fees and whether you can avoid them

Cashier's check fees vary widely. Many banks charge nothing if you have a checking account with direct deposit or a minimum balance. Others charge a flat fee of $5 to $15 per check. A few charge more for larger amounts or for non-customers.

Ask your bank what the fee is before you request the check. If the fee seems high, ask whether you may have access to for a waiver based on your account type or balance. Some banks will waive the fee if you maintain a certain minimum or have your paycheck deposited automatically.

If you use cashier's checks regularly — for example, because you buy rental properties or pay contractors — ask your bank whether they offer a discount for multiple checks or a monthly package. Some do, and it can save money over time.

When a cashier's check is the right choice versus other payment methods

A cashier's check is useful when the recipient needs a may provide payment and will not accept a personal check or electronic transfer. Real estate closings, large purchases from private sellers, and court-ordered payments often require them. They are also useful when you do not want the recipient to have your personal bank account number, which appears on a personal check.

For everyday bills and payments to businesses, electronic transfers, automatic bill pay, or a personal check are usually faster and cheaper. For payments to people you do not know well or in situations where fraud is a concern, a cashier's check provides proof of payment and reduces the risk that a personal check will bounce.

If you are sending money to someone out of state or internationally, a wire transfer or money order may be faster or safer than mailing a check. Ask the recipient what payment methods they accept before you decide on a cashier's check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have enough money in my account?

No. The bank will only issue a cashier's check if you have the funds available to cover it. The bank draws the money from your account immediately, even though the check is drawn on the bank's account. If you do not have the money yet, wait until the funds clear before you request the check.

How do I know if a cashier's check is real?

Cashier's checks have security features like watermarks, special paper, and a bank routing number printed on them. If you receive one and are unsure whether it is real, call the bank that issued it using the phone number on the check or from the bank's website — never use a number the sender provided. Ask them to verify the check number and amount.

What if the cashier's check is lost or stolen before I can deposit it?

Contact the bank that issued it immediately and report it lost. You will likely need to sign an affidavit and may have to wait 30 to 90 days to make sure no one tries to cash it. After that waiting period, the bank can issue a replacement. Keep the receipt from when you bought the check so you have proof of the transaction.

Can I get a cashier's check made out to two people?

Yes. Tell the teller you want it payable to both names, and they will print both names on the check. Both people will usually need to sign the back when they deposit it, though some banks allow either person to deposit it. Ask the bank what their policy is before you request it.

How long is a cashier's check good for?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may refuse to honor very old checks — typically those more than six months old — because they assume they were lost or the transaction was cancelled. If you have a cashier's check that is older than six months, contact the issuing bank to confirm it is still valid before you try to deposit it.