Banks and credit unions are your main options

You can get a cashier's check from almost 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 amount and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. Most banks issue them the same day, though some may charge a fee between $5 and $15 per check.

You do not need to be a long-time customer. Even if you opened your account last week, you can request a cashier's check. The bank verifies you have sufficient funds in your account to cover the check amount, then draws the money and issues the check in their name as the guarantor.

If you bank online-only with a digital bank like Ally or Charles Schwab, you may not be able to walk into a physical branch. Check your bank's website or call their customer service line to ask whether they issue cashier's checks and how to request one—some mail them to you, which takes several business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank or credit union is the fastest and most straightforward place to get a cashier's check, usually issued the same day for a small fee.
  • You need an account at the institution and enough money in it to cover the check amount, but you do not need to be an established customer.
  • Online-only banks may mail cashier's checks instead of issuing them in person, adding several business days to the process.
  • If you do not have a bank account, some check-cashing services and money transfer companies offer cashier's checks, though fees are typically higher.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid photo ID and know the exact amount you need and who the check should be made payable to. The teller will ask you to sign the request form and will deduct the funds from your account immediately. You walk out with the check in hand, ready to use.

Some banks require you to fill out a written request form; others handle it entirely at the teller window. If you are requesting a large cashier's check—typically over $10,000—the bank may ask additional questions or require you to wait while they verify the transaction, but this is routine and does not mean anything is wrong.

Check-cashing services and alternative sources

If you do not have a bank account, some check-cashing services and money transfer businesses like MoneyGram or Western Union offer cashier's checks. Fees are usually higher than at a bank—often $10 to $30 or more—and availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service before you visit.

Walmart and other retailers with money services centers sometimes issue money orders, which serve a similar purpose to cashier's checks for smaller amounts, but they are not the same thing. A money order is not a bank-issued may provide and carries different weight in certain transactions. If you specifically need a cashier's check, a bank or credit union is your better choice.

Timing and fees

Same-day issuance is standard at banks and credit unions during normal business hours. If you need a cashier's check after hours or on a weekend, you will have to wait until the next business day. Some banks allow you to request one online or by phone and pick it up later that day, but confirm this with your specific branch.

Fees range from free (some banks waive them for premium account holders) to $15 at most traditional banks. Credit unions often charge less or nothing at all. If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether the fee applies per check or as a flat rate for the transaction.

When you need a cashier's check but do not have an account

Opening a bank account takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires a photo ID and usually a small deposit. If you need a cashier's check urgently and do not have an account anywhere, opening one at a bank that day and requesting the check immediately is often faster than hunting for a check-cashing service.

If you are in a rural area or have limited access to banks, call ahead to confirm a location near you offers cashier's checks. Some very small branches or credit union locations may not issue them on-site and may need to order them from a central office, which adds a day or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?

Some banks allow you to request one by phone or online and pick it up the same day or next business day. A few will mail it to you, but that takes several business days. Call your bank to ask what options they offer—it depends on the institution.

What if I need a cashier's check for more than the balance in my account?

The bank will not issue it. You must have the full amount available in your account. If you are short, deposit the money first, wait for it to clear (usually one business day for transfers from another account), then request the cashier's check.

Is a cashier's check the same as a certified check?

No. A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account and may provide by the bank. A certified check is your personal check that the bank stamps as verified and may provide. Both carry the bank's may provide, but they are different documents. Ask the recipient which one they need.

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

Yes, but it is complicated. You will need to contact the bank that issued it, provide proof you are the purchaser, and wait while they verify the check has not been cashed. If it has been cashed, you cannot cancel it. Fees may apply. Do not request a cashier's check until you are certain you need it.

How long is a cashier's check valid?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may stop honoring them after a certain period—typically six months to a year. If you are holding one for a long time, contact the issuing bank to confirm it is still valid before you try to deposit or cash it.