Most banks will issue a cashier's check, but not all, and the rules vary by account type and relationship
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it as good as cash to the person receiving it. You can get one from your own bank if you have an account there. You can also get one from banks where you don't have an account — but they may charge a fee, require you to be a customer, or refuse outright. Credit unions typically issue them too, though usually only to members. The fastest way is to walk into a branch with cash or a debit card and ask; most banks can print one on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will almost always issue a cashier's check if you have a checking or savings account, usually for $5 to $15.
- Banks may refuse to issue a cashier's check to a non-customer, or charge $10 to $20 for the service.
- You need to bring the exact amount in cash or use your debit card, and know the payee's name spelled correctly.
- A cashier's check typically clears within one to three business days, faster than a personal check but slower than a wire transfer.
- If you lose a cashier's check, you will need to file a stop-payment request and wait 90 days before the bank will refund you.
What your own bank will charge and how long it takes
If you have a checking account at a bank, that bank will issue you a cashier's check. The fee is usually between $5 and $15, though some banks waive it for customers who meet certain balance or direct-deposit requirements. Call ahead or check your bank's website to confirm the fee before you go in.
You can get a cashier's check the same day you request it if you visit a branch in person during business hours. The teller will ask you for the payee's name (spelled exactly as it should appear), the amount, and your ID. If you pay with cash, bring the exact amount plus the fee. If you pay with your debit card, the bank will deduct the amount from your account. Most banks print the check on the spot, though some may take a few hours if the branch is busy.
Once issued, a cashier's check typically clears within one to three business days. The recipient's bank may hold it longer if the amount is large or if there are other red flags, but the check itself is may provide by the bank, so there is no risk of it bouncing.
Getting a cashier's check from a bank where you don't have an account
Banks are not required to issue a cashier's check to someone who is not a customer. Many large banks will do it, but they often charge $15 to $25 and may require you to bring a government-issued ID plus proof of address. Some banks have stopped offering this service entirely to non-customers because of fraud concerns.
Your best bet is to call the bank's main number and ask whether they issue cashier's checks to non-customers, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment. If they say no, ask if there is a branch manager or customer service line that handles exceptions. If the bank refuses, your alternatives are to open a checking account (which some banks let you do on the spot), use a credit union if you are a member, or consider a money order or certified check instead.
Credit unions and cashier's checks
Credit unions issue cashier's checks to members, usually for $5 to $10. If you are not a member, most credit unions will not issue one, though some will if you open a membership account first. Membership requirements vary — some credit unions are open to anyone in a geographic area, while others require you to work for a specific employer or belong to a specific organization.
If you are already a credit union member, the process is the same as at a bank: visit a branch, provide the payee's name and amount, and pay the fee. Credit unions often have shorter wait times than large banks, so this can be faster if you are a member.
Cashier's check versus certified check versus money order
A certified check is a personal check from your own account that the bank has verified and stamped as good. It costs less than a cashier's check (usually $0 to $5) but takes longer to clear and is less universally accepted. A money order is issued by the post office, grocery stores, or check-cashing services and costs $1 to $5, but there are limits on how much you can send (usually $500 to $1,000 per money order). A cashier's check is best when you need to send a large amount and want it to clear quickly.
| Type | Issued by | Cost | Clears in | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier's check | Bank or credit union | $5–$25 | 1–3 business days | Large payments, real estate, security deposits |
| Certified check | Your own bank | $0–$5 | 3–5 business days | Smaller amounts, when you want to use your account |
| Money order | Post office, grocery store, check-cashing service | $1–$5 | 1–3 business days | Amounts under $1,000, when you don't have a bank account |
What to do if you lose a cashier's check
If you lose a cashier's check before the recipient cashes it, contact the bank immediately. You will need to file a stop-payment request, which costs $15 to $30. The bank will put a hold on that check number so it cannot be cashed.
However, the bank will not refund you right away. You have to wait 90 days to make sure no one tries to cash the check. If no one does, the bank will refund the amount. If someone does cash it before the 90 days are up, you will not get your money back — the bank's may provide means the recipient got paid, not that you get a refund. This is why it is important to hand the check directly to the person you are paying, or to mail it in a way that you can track.
Cashier's checks and fraud
Cashier's checks are a common target for fraud because they look official and are hard to verify on the spot. If someone is asking you to send them a cashier's check — especially a stranger, someone online, or someone claiming to be from a government agency — be cautious. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not usually ask for payment by cashier's check.
If you are buying something in person, ask to meet at the bank so the seller can watch you get the check and you can watch them deposit it. Never send a cashier's check to someone you have not met or verified through an independent source. If a check you received seems suspicious, contact the issuing bank directly using the phone number on the back of the check — do not use a number the sender gave you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?
Most banks require you to visit a branch or call ahead to arrange one. Some banks may mail a cashier's check to you, but this takes several days and is not standard. A few banks offer them through online banking, but this is rare. Your fastest option is always to go in person.
What if the bank says they don't have enough cash on hand?
This is uncommon but can happen at small branches or on busy days. The teller will ask you to come back later or visit a different branch. If you need the check urgently, call ahead to confirm the branch has cash available before you go.
Do I need to have the money in my account before I request a cashier's check?
Yes. The bank will deduct the amount from your account when you request the check. If you don't have enough funds, the bank will refuse. You can bring cash instead and pay the teller directly, which avoids the account requirement.
Can a cashier's check be reversed or stopped after it's been cashed?
No. Once the recipient cashes it, the money is theirs. The bank's may provide means the check will not bounce, so there is no way to get the money back if you change your mind or if the transaction goes wrong. This is why you should only issue a cashier's check when you are certain about the payment.
How do I know if a cashier's check I received is real?
Call the bank that issued it using the phone number on the check itself — not a number the sender gave you. Ask the bank to confirm the check number, amount, and payee. Real cashier's checks have security features like watermarks and special paper, but the only way to be certain is to contact the bank directly.