You can get a cashier's check without a bank account, but you'll need to go through a bank or credit union that offers the service to non-customers

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own funds and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more secure than a personal check. Banks issue them to customers for free or a small fee, but most will also issue them to people who don't have an account—you just pay a fee and provide the funds upfront. The fee typically ranges from $5 to $15 per check, depending on the bank.

The catch is that not every bank will do this. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase generally will issue cashier's checks to non-customers, but policies vary by branch and location. Credit unions are often more flexible, especially if you're a member of a shared branching network. Your best move is to call ahead and confirm the bank will issue one to you before you show up with cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Most large banks will issue a cashier's check to a non-customer for a fee of $5 to $15, but you must bring the full amount in cash or a debit card.
  • You'll need to provide the payee's name, the amount, and a reason for the check—the bank will verify this information before issuing it.
  • Call your local branch first to confirm they issue cashier's checks to non-customers, because policies differ by location and some branches may refuse.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks may have different fees and policies, so comparing options can save you money if you need multiple checks.
  • The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your information ready and the bank has no backlog.

What you need to bring to get a cashier's check

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank needs this to verify your identity and comply with anti-money-laundering rules. Without it, they won't issue the check, no matter how much cash you have.

Bring the full amount of the check in cash, a debit card, or a combination of both. Some banks will accept a personal check from you, but most non-customers cannot do this. If you're paying with a debit card, the bank will run it like a normal transaction and deduct the amount plus the fee from your account. If you're paying in cash, bring it in bills and coins—no loose change dumps.

Know the payee's name exactly as it should appear on the check. If you're paying a company, use the legal business name, not a shortened version. If you're paying a person, spell their name correctly. The bank will write this on the check, and if it's wrong, the payee may not be able to cash it. You should also be prepared to explain what the check is for, though the bank won't require a detailed reason—"rent payment" or "vehicle purchase" is enough.

Which banks will issue cashier's checks to non-customers

Large national banks almost always issue cashier's checks to non-customers, but call first. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all do this at most branches, though some urban branches may have policies against it or require an appointment. Regional banks like PNC, US Bank, and SunTrust typically offer the service as well.

Credit unions are often easier to work with. If you belong to any credit union, you can usually walk into any branch in the CO-OP or Allpoint network and request a cashier's check, even if you don't have an account at that specific branch. Non-members can sometimes get a cashier's check at a credit union, but policies vary widely—some will do it for a higher fee, and others will refuse entirely. Call ahead.

Smaller regional and community banks vary. Some will issue cashier's checks to non-customers as a matter of course; others treat it as a service only for account holders. The only way to know is to call the branch directly and ask. If the first bank says no, try another one in your area.

What happens during the transaction

Walk in during business hours and tell the teller you want a cashier's check. They'll ask for your ID and the details: payee name, amount, and what it's for. They'll enter this into the system and show you a preview of the check to confirm everything is correct. This is your chance to catch spelling errors or wrong amounts before the check is printed.

Pay the fee and the check amount. If you're using cash, hand it over and the teller will count it. If you're using a debit card, they'll swipe it and you'll sign a receipt. The bank will then print the cashier's check, which the teller will sign and hand to you. The whole process takes 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

You'll receive one check. If you need multiple cashier's checks, you'll have to pay a separate fee for each one. Some banks will issue them all at once if you ask; others require you to request each one individually. Ask the teller before you start if you need more than one.

Alternatives if a bank won't issue one to you

If the banks in your area refuse to issue a cashier's check to non-customers, try a check-cashing store. These businesses will issue cashier's checks or money orders, though the fee is usually higher—$10 to $25 depending on the amount. The payee name and amount rules are the same, and you'll still need a photo ID. The advantage is that they're often open longer hours and have fewer policies against non-customers.

A money order is another option if the payee will accept it. Money orders work similarly to cashier's checks—they're backed by the issuer's funds rather than your personal account—but they have lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000 per order) and are issued by post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing businesses. The fee is lower, typically $1 to $5, but if you need to send a large amount, you'll have to buy multiple money orders.

If you need a check urgently and can't get to a bank, some online payment services like PayPal, Venmo, or your employer's payroll system can send money directly to another person's bank account. This doesn't give you a physical check, but it accomplishes the same goal—moving money from you to someone else—and it's often faster and cheaper than a cashier's check.

Why a cashier's check costs money when you don't have an account

Banks charge non-customers a fee because issuing a cashier's check requires staff time and creates a liability for the bank. The bank is essentially guaranteeing the check will clear, which means they're taking on the risk that something goes wrong. For account holders, this fee is often waived because the bank makes money from the account itself through overdraft fees, interest on deposits, or other services.

The fee also discourages casual use. If cashier's checks were free to non-customers, banks would be flooded with requests from people who could just use a personal check or a wire transfer instead. The $5 to $15 fee keeps demand manageable and ensures that people who really need a cashier's check—because the payee won't accept anything else—are the ones getting them.

What to do if the bank refuses or makes a mistake

If a bank refuses to issue a cashier's check to you, ask why. Some branches have strict policies against non-customers; others may have had a bad experience with fraud. If the reason is a policy, ask if another branch in the same bank system will do it. If the reason is fraud concerns, you can offer to provide additional ID or documentation, but the bank is under no obligation to issue the check if they don't want to.

If the bank issues the check but makes a mistake—wrong payee name, wrong amount, or wrong date—go back to the branch immediately and ask for a replacement. Most banks will reissue a cashier's check at no extra charge if the error was theirs. Keep the original check in case the bank asks for it. Do not try to alter a cashier's check yourself; it won't work and could be considered fraud.

If you've already given the check to the payee and they say it won't cash, contact the bank that issued it. The bank can investigate why the check was rejected and may be able to issue a replacement or refund your money. This process can take several days to a week, so don't rely on a cashier's check if you need the money to move immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a bank account to get a cashier's check?

No. Most banks will issue a cashier's check to anyone with a valid photo ID and the funds to cover the check amount plus the fee. You do not need to be a customer of that bank.

Can I get a cashier's check with a credit card instead of cash?

Most banks will not issue a cashier's check if you pay with a credit card, because they treat it as a cash advance and the fees would be too high. Debit cards and cash are the standard payment methods. Call ahead to confirm your bank's policy.

How long does a cashier's check take to clear?

A cashier's check typically clears within one to three business days, depending on the payee's bank. Because it's drawn on the bank's own account, it's treated as a may provide payment and clears faster than a personal check.

What if I lose the cashier's check before I can cash it?

Contact the bank that issued it immediately. You'll need to file a claim and may have to wait 30 to 90 days while the bank investigates whether the check has been cashed. If it hasn't, the bank will issue a replacement. If it has, you'll need to pursue the person who cashed it.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after it's been issued?

Yes, but only if you haven't given it to the payee yet. Return to the bank with the check and your ID, and they'll cancel it and refund your money minus the fee. Once the check is in someone else's hands, you cannot cancel it—you can only file a claim if it's lost or stolen.