Where to cash a cashier's check

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why businesses and landlords often ask for them. You can cash one at any bank or credit union, whether or not you have an account there. Most check cashing services will also cash them, though they may charge a fee.

The fastest route is usually your own bank or credit union if you have one — they can process it immediately and deposit the funds to your account, or hand you cash on the spot. If you don't have a bank account, a check cashing service will do the same thing, but expect to pay between $5 and $15 depending on the check amount and the service's fee structure.

Some grocery stores and retailers with check cashing counters will also cash cashier's checks, though policies vary by location. Call ahead if you're unsure whether a particular store offers this service.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cash a cashier's check at any bank or credit union, even if you don't have an account there.
  • Bring the check itself, a valid government-issued photo ID, and your signature — the teller will compare it to the one on the check.
  • Most banks process cashier's checks immediately, either depositing funds to your account or giving you cash the same day.
  • Check cashing services charge a fee (typically $5 to $15) but don't require you to have a bank account.
  • If the check is made out to someone else, you'll need their endorsement and ID, or you won't be able to cash it.

What you need to bring

Bring the cashier's check itself and a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check and will compare that signature to the one on your ID to confirm you are who you say you are.

If the check is made out to you by name, that's all you need. If it's made out to "Cash" or to a business you own, bring documentation showing you're authorized to receive it — a business license, articles of incorporation, or a letter from the business owner, depending on the situation.

If someone else wrote the check but made it out to you, and you want to give the money to a third party, you'll need that third party to be present with their own ID. The bank will require both of you to sign and verify your identities before cashing it.

How the cashing process works

Walk up to the teller window and hand over the check and your ID. Tell them you want to cash it. The teller will examine the check to make sure it's not damaged, that the signature line is signed, and that the amount is written the same way in both numbers and words. They'll run it through their system to confirm the issuing bank has the funds.

Once verified, they'll ask how you want the money — as cash, deposited to your account, or split between the two. If you choose cash, they'll count it out in front of you. If you choose deposit, the funds typically appear in your account the same day or the next business day, depending on the bank's processing schedule.

The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. If something looks wrong with the check — a missing signature, a mismatch between the written and numeric amounts, or damage to the document — the teller will tell you and you won't be able to cash it that day.

Cashing at a check cashing service instead of a bank

If you don't have a bank account or prefer not to use one, a check cashing service will cash your cashier's check for a fee. The process is nearly identical: you bring the check and your ID, they verify the check, and they give you cash or deposit it to a prepaid card they issue.

Fees vary widely. Some services charge a flat rate ($5 to $10), while others charge a percentage of the check amount (usually 1 to 3 percent). A $1,000 check might cost you $10 to $30 to cash, depending on the service. Ask about the fee before you hand over the check.

Check cashing services are often open longer hours than banks and on weekends, which can be useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours. However, they typically don't offer the same protections as banks, so keep your receipt and verify the amount you received before you leave.

What to do if the check is damaged or has problems

If the check is torn, stained, or otherwise damaged, the bank may still cash it if the damage doesn't affect the key information — the amount, the date, the signature, or the routing numbers. If the damage is significant, the bank will refuse to cash it and you'll need to contact the issuer (usually the business or bank that wrote it) and ask for a replacement.

If the amount written in words doesn't match the amount in numbers, the bank will refuse to cash it. For example, if it says "One Hundred Dollars" but the number box says "$200," the bank won't process it. You'll need to contact the issuer and ask for a corrected check.

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most banks will still cash it immediately, though some may hold it until the date on the check. Ask the teller before you hand it over if you're unsure.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have a bank account, depositing the check is often easier than cashing it. You can deposit a cashier's check at an ATM using mobile deposit (if your bank offers it), at a teller window, or through your bank's app. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day.

Depositing also gives you a paper trail — your bank statement will show the deposit, which is useful if you need proof of the transaction later. If you need cash, you can withdraw it from an ATM after the deposit clears, which usually takes less time than waiting in line to cash the check in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a cashier's check that's made out to someone else?

Only if that person endorses it (signs the back) and is present with their ID. The bank will require both of you to verify your identities. If the person isn't available, they can sign the back and you can bring it in, but the bank may still ask to see them or may refuse to process it without both parties present.

How long does it take to cash a cashier's check?

At a bank or credit union, usually 5 to 15 minutes. At a check cashing service, typically 10 to 20 minutes. If you deposit it instead of cashing it, the funds appear in your account the same day or the next business day, depending on your bank's schedule.

What if I lost the cashier's check?

Contact the bank or business that issued it immediately. They can place a stop payment on it and issue a replacement. You'll likely need to provide proof of the original check amount and date, and may have to sign an affidavit stating it was lost. The replacement usually takes a few business days.

Do I need an account at the bank to cash a cashier's check there?

No. Any bank will cash a cashier's check for anyone with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account there. Some banks may ask a few extra questions if you're not a customer, but they cannot refuse to cash it.

Can I cash a cashier's check online or by mail?

No. You must present the physical check in person with a valid ID. Some banks offer mobile deposit for personal checks, but cashier's checks typically require an in-person visit or a trip to an ATM that accepts mobile deposits.