Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do have different rules about who can get one.
Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts will issue a cashier's check to their own customers. Some will issue one to non-customers, but they may charge a higher fee or require you to come in person during business hours. A few banks—mainly online-only institutions—do not issue cashier's checks at all because they have no physical branches. The fastest way to find out whether your bank offers them is to call the branch directly or log into your online account and look for the option in the transfer or payment menu.
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why the recipient treats it as nearly as safe as cash. The bank guarantees the funds are there. This matters when you are paying for something large—a car, a down payment on a house, a security deposit—where the seller or landlord wants proof the money is real before they hand over the keys or sign the lease.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks to their account holders, but online-only banks often do not because they have no branches.
- Non-customers can sometimes get a cashier's check from a bank, but fees are usually higher and you may need to visit in person with a government ID.
- The bank will deduct the check amount from your account immediately, even though the recipient may not cash it for days or weeks.
- If you lose a cashier's check or it is stolen, you will need to file a claim with the bank and may have to wait 30 to 90 days before the bank replaces it or refunds your money.
How to get a cashier's check from your own bank
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, you can usually request a cashier's check in person at a branch, by phone, or through online banking. Tell the teller or customer service representative the amount you need, who the check should be made out to, and when you need it. Most banks issue them the same day or within one business day. Bring a government-issued ID.
The bank will charge a fee, usually between $5 and $15 per check, though some banks waive the fee for customers who meet certain balance or account requirements. The bank deducts both the check amount and the fee from your account right away, so make sure you have enough money available. If the recipient does not cash the check for weeks, that money is still gone from your account—you cannot spend it again.
Some banks let you request a cashier's check online through their website or app. You will enter the payee name, amount, and delivery method (in-person pickup or mailed to you). Others require you to call or visit a branch. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your debit card to find out which method works for your bank.
Getting a cashier's check as a non-customer
If you do not have an account at the bank, many will still issue you a cashier's check, but with conditions. You will almost always have to visit a branch in person with a government-issued ID and cash or a debit card to pay for the check. The fee is typically higher—$10 to $20 or more—because the bank has no record of you and cannot verify your identity as easily.
Some banks refuse to issue cashier's checks to non-customers altogether, especially smaller regional banks or credit unions that limit services to members. Call ahead before you go to the branch. If the bank you want to use will not help, try a different bank in the same area or ask the person you are paying whether they will accept a different form of may provide payment, such as a money order or a certified check.
Cashier's checks from online banks
Banks that operate only online—such as Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, or Discover Bank—typically do not issue cashier's checks because they have no physical branches where you can pick one up or where a teller can process the request. If you need a cashier's check and your bank is online-only, you have two options: open an account at a traditional bank that has branches near you, or use a money order instead.
A money order is not quite the same as a cashier's check—it is smaller (usually capped at $1,000), and some recipients are less confident in it—but it serves a similar purpose: it is a may provide payment that does not draw on your personal account. You can buy a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, post offices, and check-cashing services for $1 to $5.
What happens if you lose a cashier's check or it is stolen
If a cashier's check is lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it, contact your bank immediately. The bank will put a stop on the check so it cannot be cashed by anyone else. You will need to file a claim, and the bank will ask you to sign an affidavit swearing that you did not receive the funds and did not authorize anyone else to cash it.
The bank will not refund your money or issue a replacement check right away. Most banks require you to wait 30 to 90 days to make sure the original check does not show up and get cashed. If no one cashes it during that time, the bank will either refund your money or issue a new cashier's check. This delay is frustrating when you need to make a payment quickly, so keep cashier's checks in a safe place and consider having the recipient pick it up from the bank in person if the amount is very large.
Cashier's checks versus certified checks and money orders
A certified check is a check from your own account that the bank has verified and stamped as good. The bank sets aside the funds so they cannot be spent before the check clears. Certified checks cost less than cashier's checks (often $2 to $5) and work just as well for most purposes. The downside is that the check still comes from your account, so if you dispute the transaction later, the process is more complicated than with a cashier's check.
A money order is a prepaid order for a specific amount of money, issued by the post office, a bank, or a check-cashing service. You pay the amount upfront plus a small fee, and the money order is may provide like a cashier's check. Money orders are useful for smaller amounts (usually up to $1,000) and are widely accepted, but some businesses and landlords prefer cashier's checks for large transactions because they are issued directly by a bank.
| Payment Type | Issued By | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier's Check | Bank's account | $5–$20 | Large payments, real estate, car purchases |
| Certified Check | Your account (verified) | $2–$5 | Medium payments when you want lower cost |
| Money Order | Post office or retailer | $1–$5 | Small to medium payments, widely available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check the same day?
Most banks issue cashier's checks the same day if you request it before the branch closes, usually by 3 or 4 p.m. Some banks can issue one within an hour. Call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm the timeline. If you need it urgently and your bank cannot help, a money order from a post office or grocery store is usually available within minutes.
What if the bank I want to use does not have a branch near me?
If your bank is online-only or has no nearby branches, you can open a basic checking account at a traditional bank just to get cashier's checks. Many banks waive the account opening fee and do not require a minimum balance. Alternatively, ask the recipient whether they will accept a certified check or money order instead.
Do I need the recipient's account number to get a cashier's check?
No. You only need the recipient's name spelled correctly. The bank will print the name on the check, and the recipient will sign the back when they cash it. You do not need their account number, address, or any other information.
Can someone else pick up my cashier's check if I cannot go to the bank?
Most banks require the person requesting the check to pick it up in person and show a government ID. Some banks may allow a family member or authorized representative to pick it up if you sign a power of attorney or written authorization, but policies vary. Call your bank to ask what they require.
What if the recipient says they never got the cashier's check I sent?
If you mailed a cashier's check and the recipient says it never arrived, contact your bank immediately to put a stop on it. Ask the recipient to file a claim with you or provide a written statement that they did not receive it. Once the stop is in place and the waiting period passes, the bank will refund or replace it. In the future, consider having the recipient pick up the check in person or using a payment method with tracking, like a wire transfer.