Banks and credit unions are your fastest option

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why it carries more weight than a personal check. You can cash it at the bank that issued it, at any branch of that bank, or at most other banks and credit unions if you have an account there. The issuing bank will cash it for anyone, account holder or not, though they may ask for identification.

If you don't have an account at the issuing bank, call ahead to confirm they'll cash it for a non-customer. Some banks have policies against this, though most will do it. Bring your ID and the check itself. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you'll walk out with cash or a deposit to your account at another bank.

Credit unions work the same way. If the check was issued by a credit union, you can cash it there. If you belong to a different credit union, ask whether they'll cash it for you — many will, especially if your credit union is part of a shared branching network.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it for anyone with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
  • Other banks and credit unions may cash it if you have an account with them, but policies vary — call first.
  • Grocery stores, check-cashing services, and Walmart can cash cashier's checks, though they may charge a fee or require an account.
  • Avoid cashing a cashier's check online or through an app unless you're depositing it into your own account.

Retail stores and check-cashing services

Walmart, grocery store chains, and dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash cashier's checks, but the terms vary. Walmart cashes them at the customer service desk during store hours, usually for a flat fee (typically $3 to $6, depending on your state). You'll need a valid ID and may need a Walmart account, though policies differ by location.

Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix offer check cashing at the customer service counter, often for free if you have a loyalty card or account. Call your local store to confirm they cash cashier's checks and what ID you'll need.

Check-cashing services are storefront businesses that specialize in cashing checks. They're convenient if you don't have a bank account or need cash outside banking hours, but fees are higher — often 2 to 5 percent of the check amount. A $1,000 check could cost $20 to $50 to cash. Use these only if other options aren't available.

What you need to bring

Every place that cashes a cashier's check will ask for a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Some places may ask a second question to verify your identity, especially if the check amount is large.

Bring the check itself, unsigned. Do not sign the back until you're at the place where you're cashing it, and only sign it in front of the person handling the transaction. If you sign it too early and lose it, someone else could cash it.

If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), both people typically need to be present with ID. If it's made out to a business, bring documentation showing you're authorized to cash checks on behalf of that business.

Banks that won't cash it for non-customers

Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks, have strict policies against cashing checks for people without accounts. If the issuing bank refuses, your next step is to open a temporary account at that bank, deposit the check, and withdraw the cash once it clears — usually one to two business days.

Alternatively, deposit the check into your own bank account at your own bank. This is free and takes the same one to two business days to clear. You can then withdraw the cash or use it as needed. This route avoids fees and is often the simplest if you're not in a hurry.

Timing and check clearing

A cashier's check clears faster than a personal check because the bank has already may provide the funds. If you deposit it into your account, most banks make the funds available within one business day, sometimes the same day. If you're cashing it for cash at the issuing bank, it's immediate.

At other banks, credit unions, or retail locations, the process is also usually immediate for cashier's checks because the risk is lower. However, if the check is very large or if there's any question about its authenticity, the cashing location may hold it for verification — this is rare but possible.

Red flags and fraud protection

Cashier's checks are harder to counterfeit than personal checks, but fraud still happens. Before you cash a cashier's check, verify that it came from a legitimate source. If someone you don't know well gave it to you, or if the circumstances seem unusual, contact the issuing bank directly to confirm the check is real.

Never cash a cashier's check and then wire the money to someone else, especially if you don't know them. This is a common scam: someone sends you a fake or stolen cashier's check, you cash it and wire the money, and then the check bounces weeks later. By then, your own money is gone and you're liable for the full amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a cashier's check at a bank where I don't have an account?

Yes, the bank that issued the check will cash it for anyone with a valid ID. Other banks may cash it only if you have an account with them. Call ahead to confirm their policy before you go in.

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

At the issuing bank or a bank where you have an account, it's immediate — usually a few minutes. At retail stores or check-cashing services, it's also immediate, though you may wait in line. If you deposit it into your account, it typically clears within one business day.

What if the cashier's check is made out to two people?

Both people need to be present with ID to cash it. If only one person's name is on the check, only that person can cash it. If the check says "and" between the names, both must sign and be present. If it says "or", either person can cash it alone.

Can I cash a cashier's check online?

No, you cannot cash a cashier's check for cash through an app or online. You can deposit it into your bank account through mobile deposit or online banking, but to get physical cash, you must go to a bank, credit union, or retail location in person.

Is there a fee to cash a cashier's check?

The issuing bank and most banks where you have an account will cash it for free. Walmart and check-cashing services charge fees, typically $3 to $6 at Walmart and 2 to 5 percent of the check amount at check-cashing services. Grocery stores may cash it free with a loyalty card.