Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do may charge a fee or require you to be a customer
Most banks and credit unions that offer checking accounts can issue a cashier's check, but some do not. The largest national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—all issue them. Regional banks and credit unions usually do as well, though you should call ahead to confirm. Online-only banks typically do not, because they have no physical branch where you can pick up the check or verify your identity in person.
Many banks charge a fee to issue a cashier's check, usually between $5 and $15 per check. Some waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account tier. A few banks issue one or two cashier's checks per year for free to all customers. If you are not a customer of the bank, most will refuse to issue one at all, though some will do it for a higher fee if you bring cash or a valid ID.
The fastest way to find out whether your bank issues cashier's checks and what it costs is to call the branch directly or log into your online banking portal and look for the option. Do not assume based on the bank's name or size—call first.
Key Takeaways
- Most traditional banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks for a fee between $5 and $15, but online-only banks typically do not.
- You usually must be a customer of the bank to get a cashier's check, and you will need to visit a physical branch in person.
- Some banks waive the fee if you meet account requirements or have a premium membership.
- The only way to know for certain is to call your bank's branch or check your online banking portal, because policies vary widely.
What you need to bring to get a cashier's check
Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your identity before issuing the check. You will also need to know the exact amount and the name of the person or business the check should be made out to. Write down both of these before you go to the branch, because the teller will ask you to confirm them and you cannot change them once the check is issued.
If you are paying from a checking account, the teller will deduct the amount plus the fee from your account on the spot. If you are paying with cash, bring the exact amount or slightly more. Some banks will not issue a cashier's check for cash at all if you are not a customer, so call ahead to ask.
How long it takes to get a cashier's check
If you go to a branch in person during business hours, you can usually walk out with the check the same day. The teller will print it, you will sign it, and you will leave. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Some branches may take longer if they are busy, so arriving early in the day or mid-week can speed things up.
If you order a cashier's check by mail or phone, it will take longer. Some banks will mail it to you, which adds 3 to 7 business days. Others require you to come to the branch in person and will not issue one remotely. Ask your bank which option they offer before you decide how to order.
Why a cashier's check costs money when a personal check does not
A personal check is a promise from you to pay, backed by your account balance. A cashier's check is a promise from the bank to pay, backed by the bank's own funds. The bank guarantees the money is there, which is why recipients trust it more than a personal check. The fee covers the cost of the bank's may provide, the teller's time, and the bank's liability if something goes wrong.
Because the bank is on the hook for the money, it also means a cashier's check is much harder to reverse or dispute than a personal check. Once it is issued and signed, the bank cannot stop payment on it the way you can stop payment on a personal check. This may provide is what makes it valuable to the person receiving it.
Alternatives if your bank will not issue a cashier's check
If your bank does not issue cashier's checks or charges too much, you have other options. A money order from the post office, a grocery store, or a check-cashing service works similarly—it is a may provide payment from a third party, not from you. Money orders cost $1 to $5 and are available at most locations. They work for smaller amounts, usually up to $1,000 per order.
A certified check is another alternative. Your bank certifies that the funds are in your account and sets them aside, then you sign the check. It costs less than a cashier's check (usually $0 to $5) and is nearly as trusted, though not quite as may provide. Some recipients will accept a certified check when they will not accept a personal check.
A wire transfer moves money directly from your bank account to another bank account, with no physical check involved. It is faster and more secure than a check, but it costs more (usually $15 to $30) and requires you to know the recipient's bank account number and routing number. Wire transfers are best for large amounts or time-sensitive payments.
What happens if a cashier's check is lost or stolen
If you lose a cashier's check before you give it to the recipient, contact your bank immediately. The bank can put a stop on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will need to file a lost check claim with the bank, and they may charge a fee ($15 to $30) to research and replace it. The replacement usually takes 30 to 90 days because the bank has to wait to make sure the original check does not show up.
If someone steals the check and cashes it, the recipient's bank will verify the signature. If the signature does not match yours, the check will be rejected and the money returned. If the signature does match—because the thief forged it—you can dispute it with your bank as fraud. The bank will investigate and may reverse the payment, though this can take weeks.
To protect yourself, do not sign a cashier's check until you are ready to hand it to the recipient. Keep it in a safe place until then. If you must mail it, use a tracking service so you know when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check from a bank where I do not have an account?
Some banks will issue one if you bring cash and a valid ID, but most refuse. Call the branch first to ask. If they will do it, expect to pay a higher fee than account holders pay, usually $15 to $25.
What if I need a cashier's check but the bank is closed?
You will have to wait until the branch reopens. Some banks offer Saturday hours, so check your branch's schedule. If you need it urgently, a money order from the post office or a grocery store is available 24/7 at some locations and costs much less.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I get it?
Not easily. Once issued, a cashier's check is treated as cash. You cannot stop payment on it the way you can with a personal check. Your only option is to contact the bank and file a lost check claim, which takes 30 to 90 days and may cost a fee.
Do credit unions issue cashier's checks?
Most do, and usually for the same fee as banks or less. Call your credit union to confirm they offer them and what the cost is. You must be a member to get one.
Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?
They are different kinds of safe. A cashier's check is a physical document that can be lost or stolen. A wire transfer is electronic and cannot be lost, but it is harder to reverse if you send it to the wrong account. For large amounts, a wire transfer is usually safer because there is no physical object to misplace.