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, and most will issue one the same day you request it. Walk into a branch during business hours, tell the teller you need a cashier's check, and provide the name of the payee (the person or business the check is written to) and the amount. The bank draws the funds from your account immediately and prints the check, which is may provide by the bank itself rather than your personal promise to pay.

If you don't have an account at a bank, you can still get a cashier's check — many banks will issue one to non-customers, though some charge a higher fee. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy and what identification you'll need to bring. Credit unions typically require membership, so you'd need to join first, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs nothing or a small deposit.

Some banks limit the number of cashier's checks you can request in a single visit or charge extra for rush orders, so ask about any restrictions when you call. Most banks do not require advance notice for a standard cashier's check, but calling first saves you a trip if the branch is temporarily out of stock or has unusual hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks the same day in most cases, with the bank guaranteeing payment rather than relying on your personal account.
  • You need to provide the payee's name, the amount, and valid identification; the bank pulls the funds from your account immediately.
  • Non-account holders can get cashier's checks from many banks for a fee, though credit unions usually require membership first.
  • Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per check, depending on the institution, so calling ahead lets you compare costs.
  • Some banks have limits on how many checks you can order at once or charge more for same-day service, so confirm details before you go.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and your debit card or account number if you're an account holder. The teller will verify your identity and confirm you have enough money in your account to cover the check amount. If you're a non-account holder, you'll typically need to pay the full amount in cash or with a debit card at the time of request.

Fees for cashier's checks vary by bank. Most charge between $5 and $15 per check, though some waive the fee for account holders or customers who maintain a minimum balance. A few banks charge nothing at all. Call your bank or check their website to find the exact fee before you go — it's one of the few things that differs meaningfully between institutions.

Getting a cashier's check without a bank account

If you don't have a bank account, you have two options: open one at a bank that will then issue the check, or use a check-cashing service. Opening an account takes 15 to 30 minutes and usually requires only an ID and a small deposit (sometimes as little as $25). Many banks offer basic checking accounts with no monthly fee, so this is often the simpler path if you need a cashier's check urgently.

Check-cashing services and money transfer businesses like MoneyGram or Western Union sometimes issue cashier's checks, though not all locations do. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service. Fees at these businesses are typically higher than at banks — often $10 to $25 or more — and the process may take longer because they verify funds differently.

How long a cashier's check takes and when it clears

A cashier's check issued in person at a bank branch is ready within minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the branch is. You walk out with the check the same day in nearly all cases. If you need one urgently, call the branch first to confirm they have stock and can issue it immediately; very rarely, a branch may be temporarily out of blank cashier's checks.

Once the payee deposits or cashes the check, it typically clears within one to three business days. Because the bank guarantees the funds, the receiving bank usually processes it faster than a personal check. The payee's bank may place a temporary hold on the funds while verifying the check, but this hold is usually shorter than for personal checks.

Ordering a cashier's check by mail or online

Some banks allow you to request a cashier's check online or by phone and have it mailed to you, though this defeats the purpose if you need it quickly. The check typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. This option works if you're paying a bill by mail and don't need the check immediately, but most people who want a cashier's check need it now, so in-person is more practical.

If you use online banking, log into your account and look for a "request cashier's check" option in the services menu. Not all banks offer this, and those that do usually still require you to pick it up in person or have it mailed. Call your bank's customer service line to ask whether this option is available and what the timeline is.

What to do if your bank won't issue one

If your bank declines to issue a cashier's check — which is rare but can happen if your account is new, flagged for fraud, or overdrawn — try a different bank. Many banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-account holder for a fee, so you can walk into any branch and request one. You'll pay cash or use a debit card, and the fee will be higher than for account holders, but you'll get the check.

If you're in a rural area with limited banking options, a credit union in your region may be more flexible. Some credit unions have reciprocal agreements that let you use services at other credit unions' branches, so calling your credit union to ask about this can open more locations to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check on a weekend or after hours?

No, you need to visit a bank branch during business hours. Most branches are open Monday through Friday until 5 or 6 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. If you need a check urgently and your bank is closed, plan to go first thing the next business day, as most banks issue them within minutes.

What if I don't know the exact amount the payee needs?

Call the payee and ask for the exact amount before you go to the bank. Cashier's checks are written for a specific amount and cannot be altered. If the amount changes after you get the check, you'll need to request a new one, which means another fee.

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

Yes. A cashier's check is may provide by the bank, so the payee knows the funds are there. A personal check depends on your account having enough money, and the payee has to wait for it to clear. For large payments or situations where the payee needs certainty, a cashier's check is the safer choice.

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

Yes, but it's complicated. You need to contact the bank that issued it, provide the check number and amount, and request a stop payment. The bank will charge a fee (usually $15 to $30) and may require you to wait a set period to ensure the check hasn't been deposited. If the check has already been cashed, you cannot cancel it.

Do I need a cashier's check or can I use a money order instead?

A money order works for smaller amounts and is available at more locations, including post offices and grocery stores. A cashier's check is better for large amounts because it's may provide by a bank and carries more weight with formal payees like real estate agents or government offices. For amounts over $1,000, a cashier's check is usually the expected method.