Not every bank will cash a cashier's check from another bank, and the ones that do often charge a fee or require you to be a customer
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more secure than a personal check. But that security doesn't mean any teller will hand you cash for it. Banks treat cashier's checks like any other third-party check: they can refuse to cash it, charge you a fee, or put a hold on the funds. The bank that issued the check will always cash it for free. Any other bank may cash it, but the terms depend on whether you have an account there, how much the check is for, and the bank's own policy.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it for free, even if you are not a customer.
- Banks you do not have an account with may refuse to cash it, charge a fee (typically $5 to $15), or require you to open an account.
- If you are a customer at the bank, you have a better chance of cashing it for free, though some banks still charge a fee for third-party checks.
- Credit unions often have stricter policies than banks and may refuse to cash cashier's checks from other institutions entirely.
- If a bank refuses, you can deposit the check into an account instead, which usually has no fee and no hold beyond standard processing time.
The issuing bank will always cash it
The bank that issued the cashier's check is legally responsible for it and will cash it at any of their branches during business hours. You do not need to be a customer. Bring the check and a government-issued ID. If the check is large or you are cashing it at a branch where you do not have an account, the teller may ask where the funds came from, but they cannot refuse based on that alone.
If you do not know which bank issued the check, look at the top left corner of the check. The bank name and routing number are printed there. Call that bank's customer service line or visit their website to find a branch near you.
Banks where you do not have an account
A bank that did not issue the check can refuse to cash it. Many large banks have stopped cashing third-party checks altogether, including cashier's checks from other banks. If they do cash it, expect a fee of $5 to $15 and a hold of one to five business days. Some banks will only cash it if you open an account or if the check is under a certain amount.
Call the bank's main line or visit a branch to ask their policy before you go. Tell them you have a cashier's check from another bank and ask whether they will cash it, what the fee is, and how long the hold will be. This saves you a trip if they refuse.
Banks where you are a customer
If you have a checking or savings account at the bank, your odds of cashing a cashier's check improve. Many banks will cash it for free or for a smaller fee than non-customers pay. However, some banks treat all third-party checks the same way, regardless of whether you are a customer, and will still charge a fee or refuse.
Your best move is to deposit the check into your own account instead of asking the teller to cash it. Deposits are free and usually clear within one to three business days. If you need the cash immediately, ask the teller whether they can waive the hold for a customer, though they are not required to do so.
Credit unions and smaller institutions
Credit unions often have stricter policies than banks. Many will not cash cashier's checks from other institutions at all, even for members. Some will cash checks only from banks they have a relationship with. Call your credit union before you go.
Smaller regional banks and community banks vary widely. Some will cash a cashier's check for a small fee; others refuse. The only way to know is to call or visit in person. If you are a member, ask whether they will waive the fee.
What to do if a bank refuses
If the bank will not cash the check, deposit it into an account instead. This is almost always free and takes one to three business days. If you do not have an account at that bank, open one. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee.
If you need cash the same day and cannot deposit, go to the bank that issued the check. That is your may provide option. If the issuing bank is far away or closed, you can also try a check-cashing store, though they charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent) and may require ID and proof of address.
Holds and verification
Even when a bank agrees to cash a cashier's check, they may put a hold on the funds. A hold means the bank verifies the check is real before giving you the cash. For a cashier's check, a hold is usually one to three business days, though it can be longer if the check is large or if the bank suspects fraud.
The bank may also ask you to verify information: your name, address, phone number, and sometimes where the funds came from. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the check. Answer honestly. If the bank cannot reach the issuing bank to verify the check, they may refuse to cash it until verification is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cashier's check at an ATM?
No. ATMs only accept deposits, not cash-outs for third-party checks. You must go to a teller inside the bank during business hours. If you want to avoid the teller line, deposit the check at the ATM instead and wait for it to clear.
What if the cashier's check is damaged or torn?
The bank may refuse to cash it or may require you to get a replacement from the issuing bank. If the damage is minor and does not affect the routing number or amount, the teller may cash it anyway. Ask first before you assume it is unusable.
Do I need to endorse a cashier's check before cashing it?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area, usually marked with a line. Write your name as it appears on your ID. Some banks also require you to write your account number or ID number on the back.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear if I deposit it?
One to three business days is standard. The first $225 of any check deposit is usually available the next business day under federal rules, but the rest may take longer. Ask your bank for their specific timeline.
Can a bank refuse to cash a cashier's check if it is old?
Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may refuse to cash one that is very old (six months or older) without verification from the issuing bank. If your check is old, contact the bank that issued it and ask them to verify it is still valid.