You can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, at some check-cashing stores, and at a few retail locations—but each route has different requirements and fees

A cashier's check is a check drawn on a bank's own account and signed by a bank employee, which makes it safer than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds. If you don't have a bank account, you still have options to turn it into cash, but your choices depend on where the check came from and what you're willing to pay in fees.

The fastest and cheapest route is usually the bank that issued the check. Most banks will cash their own cashier's checks for free, even if you're not a customer—you just need to show a photo ID. If that bank isn't convenient or you can't get there during business hours, check-cashing stores and some retailers like Walmart and Target will cash cashier's checks, but they charge a fee that typically ranges from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and the location.

Key Takeaways

  • The issuing bank will cash its own cashier's check for free if you show a valid photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores and retailers like Walmart and Target will cash cashier's checks but charge fees that vary by location and check amount.
  • You need a photo ID to cash a cashier's check at any location—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work.
  • If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it unless that person is present or has signed it over to you.

Cashing at the bank that issued the check

This is your best option if you can reach the bank during its hours. Walk in with the cashier's check and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want to cash it. The teller will verify the check is genuine, confirm the funds are available, and hand you cash. This takes about five to ten minutes and costs nothing.

You do not need to be a customer of that bank. The bank issued the check, so it's responsible for honoring it. If the check is from a bank with multiple branches, you can go to any branch of that bank, not just the one that issued it. If you're out of state or the bank has no nearby branches, you can call the bank's customer service line to ask if they can cash it by mail or direct deposit to a temporary account, though this is less common and may take longer.

Using check-cashing stores

Check-cashing stores are independent businesses that cash checks for a fee. They're often open longer hours than banks and on weekends, which makes them convenient if you can't get to the issuing bank. Bring the cashier's check and a photo ID. The store will verify the check, charge you a fee (usually $2 to $10, depending on the check amount), and give you the remaining cash.

The fee varies widely by location and by the store's policy. Some stores charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check amount. Call ahead or ask when you walk in so you know what to expect. Fees are higher at check-cashing stores than at banks, so use this option only if the issuing bank is truly unavailable to you.

Cashing at retail locations like Walmart and Target

Many Walmart and Target stores have a money center or customer service desk that cashes checks, including cashier's checks. Bring the check and a photo ID. The fee is typically $3 to $6, though it varies by store and location. This option works well if you're already shopping or if a money center is more convenient than a bank or check-cashing store.

Not every Walmart or Target location offers check-cashing services, so call ahead to confirm. Some stores limit the number of checks you can cash per day or per week. Hours at the money center may also be shorter than store hours, so check before you go.

What ID you need and what to bring

You must have a valid photo ID to cash a cashier's check at any location. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID does not have to match the state where the check was issued or where you're cashing it.

Bring only the check and your ID. You don't need a bank account, a second form of ID, or proof of address. If the check is damaged, torn, or illegible, the teller may refuse to cash it or ask you to contact the issuing bank first.

If the check is made out to someone else

If the cashier's check has someone else's name on it, you cannot cash it yourself at most locations. The person whose name is on the check must be present with their ID, or they must sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" to transfer it to you. This is called a third-party endorsement, and many banks and check-cashing stores no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk.

Your safest bet is to ask the person whose name is on the check to cash it themselves and give you the cash, or to contact the issuing bank and ask if they can reissue the check in your name instead. Reissuing takes longer but avoids the third-party endorsement problem entirely.

What happens if the check bounces or is fraudulent

If you cash a cashier's check and it later turns out to be fraudulent or the funds aren't actually available, the location where you cashed it may ask you to return the money. This is rare with cashier's checks because the bank guarantees them, but it can happen if the check was altered or if there was an error in the bank's processing.

If you cashed it at the issuing bank and it bounces, contact that bank immediately. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store or retailer and it bounces, contact that location first, then the issuing bank. Keep your receipt and the check stub so you have proof of the transaction. The issuing bank is ultimately responsible for making the check good, but the process of recovering your money can take weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks do not cash cashier's checks by mail or through mobile deposit. Your best option is to visit the issuing bank in person or call their customer service line to ask if they offer alternatives. Some banks may deposit it into a temporary account and then send you the funds, but this is uncommon and takes longer than walking in with your ID.

What if I lost my photo ID?

You cannot cash a cashier's check without a valid photo ID at any location. If your ID is lost or expired, get a replacement from your state's DMV or the issuing agency before you try to cash the check. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.

Do I need the receipt or stub from the person who gave me the check?

No. The cashier's check itself is all you need. The receipt or stub is for the person who purchased the check, not for the person cashing it. Just bring the check and your photo ID.

Will a check-cashing store cash a post-dated cashier's check?

Most check-cashing stores and banks will not cash a post-dated check (one with a future date) before that date arrives. Wait until the date on the check or contact the issuing bank to ask if they can cash it early. Cashier's checks are less common as post-dated checks, so this situation is rare.

What if the cashier's check amount is very large?

Banks and check-cashing stores may place limits on how much cash they can hand over in a single transaction, especially if you don't have an account. Call ahead and ask about the limit. If the check exceeds it, you may need to deposit it into a temporary account or split the transaction across multiple days, though this is uncommon with cashier's checks.