Yes, you can get a cashier's check from your bank, and it usually takes less than an hour
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. The bank guarantees the funds are there because it pulls the money from your account at the moment you request it. This makes it safer than a personal check for large transactions—the recipient knows the payment will not bounce.
Most banks issue cashier's checks in person at a branch. You walk in, tell the teller how much you need, provide the payee name (the person or business the check goes to), and the bank prints it on the spot. You pay a fee—usually $5 to $15—and walk out with the check. Some banks let you order them online or by phone, but you still pick them up in person or have them mailed to you.
The speed and ease depend on your bank. If you have an account there and the amount is reasonable, most tellers can hand you a cashier's check within minutes. If you do not have an account, some banks will still issue one, but you may need to pay in cash or bring a government ID, and the process takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- A cashier's check is may provide by your bank because the bank withdraws the money from your account immediately, making it safer than a personal check for the recipient.
- You can get a cashier's check in person at a branch in minutes by providing the payee name and the amount you need.
- Banks charge a fee for cashier's checks, typically between $5 and $15, though some accounts or membership levels waive the fee.
- If you do not have an account at the bank, you can still get a cashier's check but may need to pay in cash and provide ID.
- Some banks let you order cashier's checks online or by phone, but you must still pick them up in person or wait for mail delivery.
What you need to bring to the bank
Bring a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller needs to verify who you are before issuing the check.
Have the exact name of the payee. If the check is for a business, use the legal business name, not a nickname. If it is for a person, spell their name correctly. A misspelled name can cause problems when the recipient tries to deposit it.
Know the exact amount. The bank will print that amount on the check, and you cannot change it after it is issued. If you need $5,000, say $5,000—not "around five grand."
If you do not have an account at the bank, bring cash or a debit card to pay the check amount plus the fee. Some banks will not issue a cashier's check to a non-customer unless you pay in cash.
How the bank processes your request
When you hand the teller your information, they enter it into the bank's system. The system pulls the funds from your account and holds them. The bank then prints the cashier's check with the bank's routing number, the check number, the payee name, the amount, and the date.
You sign the back of the check in front of the teller—this is different from a personal check, where you sign the front. The teller may also ask you to sign a receipt or a form confirming the transaction.
The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if the bank is not busy. If the branch is crowded, you may wait longer. Some banks have a separate window for cashier's checks to speed things up.
Fees and which banks waive them
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. A few charge more—up to $20—depending on the bank and the region. Some banks charge the same fee regardless of the check amount; others charge more for larger checks.
Many banks waive the fee if you meet certain conditions: maintaining a minimum balance, having a premium checking account, or being a long-term customer. Some credit unions do not charge for cashier's checks at all. Ask your bank whether you may have access to for a waived fee before you pay.
If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether the bank charges per check or offers a discount for ordering several at once. Some do; most do not.
What happens if you lose or damage the check
If you lose a cashier's check before the recipient cashes it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can issue a replacement, but it will likely charge another fee and may require you to sign an indemnity bond—a document stating that you lost the check and will notify the bank if it turns up later.
The bank will also place a stop payment on the original check so it cannot be cashed by someone else. This process can take a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
If the check is damaged—torn, water-damaged, or marked up—most banks will replace it for free or for a small fee. Bring the damaged check to the branch and ask for a replacement.
Alternatives if your bank cannot issue one quickly
If your bank does not have a branch nearby or cannot issue a cashier's check in time, consider a money order. You can buy one at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices for $1 to $5. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks—they are may provide by the issuer—but they have lower limits, usually $500 to $1,000 per order.
A certified check is another option. Your bank certifies that the funds are in your account and sets them aside. It is less secure than a cashier's check because it is still drawn on your account, not the bank's, but it is faster and sometimes cheaper.
For very large amounts or time-sensitive transfers, a wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to the recipient's bank account. Wire transfers are faster than checks but cost more—typically $15 to $30—and cannot be reversed once sent.
When to use a cashier's check instead of other payment methods
Use a cashier's check when the recipient needs proof that the money is may provide and does not want to wait for a personal check to clear. This is common for real estate closings, large purchases, security deposits, and legal settlements.
Cashier's checks are also useful when you do not want the recipient to see your personal bank account number, which appears on a personal check. A cashier's check shows only the bank's routing number.
Do not use a cashier's check for online payments or bills paid through your bank's bill pay system—those require ACH transfers or electronic payments. Do not use one for small amounts under $100, where the fee eats into the value. And do not use one if you need the money to move instantly; even though the check is issued quickly, the recipient still needs time to deposit and clear it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the recipient to cash a cashier's check?
The recipient can deposit or cash it immediately at their bank. Most banks clear cashier's checks within one business day because the funds are may provide by the issuing bank. Personal checks often take three to five business days to clear.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I get it?
Yes, but only if the recipient has not cashed it yet. Contact your bank and ask them to place a stop payment. You will likely pay a fee—usually $15 to $30—and the bank may require proof that you requested the cancellation. Once the check is cashed, you cannot cancel it.
What if I need a cashier's check but do not have an account at the bank?
Most banks will issue one to a non-customer, but you must pay the full check amount in cash plus the fee. Bring a government ID. Some banks refuse to issue cashier's checks to non-customers, so call ahead to confirm.
Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?
They are safe in different ways. A cashier's check can be lost or stolen before it is cashed, and you can cancel it. A wire transfer cannot be reversed once sent, but it moves directly to the recipient's bank account and cannot be intercepted. For large amounts, wire transfers are often safer.
Can I get a cashier's check mailed to me instead of picking it up?
Some banks mail cashier's checks, but most require you to pick them up in person. If your bank offers mailing, it usually takes three to seven business days. Mailing adds risk because the check can be lost in transit, so most people pick them up in person.