What a cashier's check is and why Chase issues them
A cashier's check is a check drawn on Chase's own account, not yours. Chase guarantees the funds are there because the bank itself is the payer. You hand over the money upfront, Chase prints the check, and the recipient deposits it knowing the bank stands behind it. This makes cashier's checks useful for large purchases—real estate closings, car sales, security deposits—where the seller wants certainty the check won't bounce.
Chase issues cashier's checks at most of its branches. The process is straightforward: you go in, tell the teller what you need, provide the payee's name and the amount, and walk out with the check. You pay a fee, which varies by your account type and location but typically ranges from $5 to $15 per check.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Chase branch in person or call ahead to order by phone; cashier's checks cannot be ordered online.
- Bring a photo ID, your Chase debit card or account number, and enough money to cover the check amount plus the fee.
- The payee's name must be exact—misspellings or wrong names will cause problems when the recipient tries to deposit it.
- Chase typically issues cashier's checks the same day if you arrive during business hours, though some branches may take one business day.
- If you lose the check before it's deposited, you'll need to file a stop-payment request and wait 90 days before Chase will issue a replacement.
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask for it before processing your request. You'll also need either your Chase debit card or your account number so the teller can pull up your account and confirm you have the funds available.
Bring the exact amount of money needed: the check amount plus the fee. If you're getting a $5,000 cashier's check and the fee is $10, you need $5,010 available in your account. Chase will deduct this from your checking or savings account immediately. If you don't have enough funds, the teller will tell you and you can deposit money first or reduce the check amount.
Know the payee's name exactly as it should appear on the check. If you're unsure—for example, whether a business name includes "Inc." or "LLC"—ask the person receiving the check before you go to the branch. A misspelled or incomplete payee name can make the check difficult or impossible for the recipient to deposit.
How to order a cashier's check at Chase
Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your ID and account information. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. The teller will ask for the payee's name, the amount, and whether you want the check mailed to you or if you'll pick it up in person. Most branches issue cashier's checks same-day if you arrive before mid-afternoon, though some may need one business day.
If you prefer not to visit a branch, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask about ordering a cashier's check by phone. Not all branches offer this, so the representative will tell you whether your branch does and what the process is. If your branch does accept phone orders, the teller will still need to verify your identity and may ask you to come in to sign the check or confirm details in person.
Do not attempt to order a cashier's check through Chase's online banking portal or mobile app. These channels do not offer cashier's checks. You must go to a branch or call.
Fees and what they depend on
Chase charges a fee for each cashier's check, but the amount varies. Customers with certain account types—such as Chase Premier Plus or Chase Sapphire Banking—may have the fee waived or reduced. Standard checking account holders typically pay $5 to $15 per check. Call your local branch or check your account terms to confirm what you'll be charged.
The fee is deducted from your account at the time the check is issued. There is no separate invoice or bill; it comes out of your balance along with the check amount itself.
Timeline: when you'll have the check
If you visit a Chase branch in person during business hours, you will usually receive the cashier's check the same day. The teller prints it while you wait, and you leave with it in hand. Arrive early in the day to avoid any possibility of delays.
If you order by phone and the branch mails it to you, expect it to arrive within 3 to 5 business days. If you request it be held for pickup, you can collect it the next business day or sometimes the same day, depending on when you called and the branch's procedures.
Do not assume a cashier's check is instant. Some branches are slower than others, and if you need the check for a specific deadline—a closing date, a payment due date—call ahead to confirm the branch can meet your timeline.
What to do if you lose the check or it's not deposited
If you lose a cashier's check before the recipient deposits it, contact Chase immediately. You'll need to file a stop-payment request. Chase will place a hold on that check number so it cannot be cashed or deposited. There is usually a fee for this service, typically $25 to $35.
After you file the stop-payment request, you must wait 90 days. During this time, Chase monitors to see if anyone tries to cash the check. If no one does after 90 days, Chase will issue you a replacement cashier's check at no additional charge (though you'll have paid the stop-payment fee). If someone does try to cash it, Chase will deny the payment and you'll know the check is in the wrong hands.
If the recipient says they never received the check you mailed, ask them to wait a few days—mail can be slow. If it doesn't arrive within a week, file the stop-payment request and have Chase issue a replacement. You can request that the replacement be mailed to the recipient directly instead of to you.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
A wire transfer moves money electronically and arrives within hours, but it's irreversible once sent. A cashier's check is reversible (via stop-payment) and doesn't require the recipient's bank account details, making it safer if you don't fully trust the payee's information. Wire transfers also cost more—typically $15 to $30—and some recipients don't accept them.
A personal check from your account is free but carries no may provide; the recipient knows the funds might not be there when they deposit it. A cashier's check is may provide by Chase, so it's preferred for large transactions where the seller needs certainty.
A money order is similar to a cashier's check but issued by the post office or other vendors, not your bank. Money orders are cheaper (usually $1 to $5) but capped at lower amounts—typically $500 to $1,000 per order. For amounts over $1,000, a cashier's check is more practical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check if I don't have a Chase account?
No. You must be a Chase customer with an account in good standing. Chase will not issue a cashier's check to a non-customer. If you don't bank at Chase, you can get a cashier's check from your own bank or from a money services business like Western Union or MoneyGram, though those options may have different fees and limits.
What if the payee's name is spelled wrong on the check?
A misspelled name can prevent the recipient from depositing the check. If you catch the error before you leave the branch, ask the teller to void it and issue a new one with the correct spelling. If you discover the error later, contact Chase and ask if they can issue a replacement. You may be charged another fee.
How long is a cashier's check good for?
Technically, a cashier's check does not expire, but many banks will not honor one older than 6 months. If your check is more than 6 months old and the recipient tries to deposit it, the bank may reject it. Ask the recipient to deposit it promptly, and if there's a long delay before the recipient needs it, wait to order the check until closer to when they'll use it.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I've picked it up?
Yes, by filing a stop-payment request with Chase. You'll pay a fee (typically $25 to $35) and wait 90 days for Chase to confirm no one has cashed it before issuing a replacement. If you haven't given the check to the recipient yet, this is the way to reverse the transaction.
What if Chase won't issue a cashier's check because my account doesn't have enough funds?
Deposit money into your account first, then return to the branch. Chase will not issue a cashier's check if the funds aren't available. You can also ask the teller if you can use funds from a linked savings account or if there are other options, but the bank must confirm the money is there before printing the check.