Most banks charge $5 to $15 for a cashier's check, though some waive the fee if you meet account requirements
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more secure than a personal check. Because the bank guarantees the funds, many sellers and landlords accept them when they won't take a personal check. The fee you pay covers the bank's cost to verify the funds, print the check, and take on the risk if something goes wrong.
The amount varies by bank and by the check itself. Chase charges $10 per cashier's check. Bank of America charges $8 to $10 depending on your account type. Wells Fargo charges $10. Credit unions often charge $3 to $8. Some banks charge nothing if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account tier, so it's worth asking whether your account qualifies for a waiver.
You cannot order a cashier's check online at most banks—you have to go to a branch in person or call and arrange for one to be mailed to you. The in-person route is faster and lets you walk out with the check the same day. If you order by mail or phone, expect 3 to 7 business days for delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Standard cashier's check fees range from $5 to $15 per check, though some banks waive the fee for customers with certain account types or balances.
- You must visit a branch in person to get a cashier's check same-day, or order by phone or mail and wait 3 to 7 business days.
- The bank verifies you have the funds before issuing the check, so the recipient knows the money is may provide.
- If you need multiple cashier's checks, ask whether the bank offers a discount for ordering more than one at a time.
When banks waive cashier's check fees
Many banks will not charge you for a cashier's check if you meet one of these conditions: you have a premium checking account (often called Gold, Platinum, or Preferred), you maintain a minimum balance in your account, or you have a certain amount in total deposits with the bank. Premium accounts typically cost $10 to $25 per month but include perks like fee waivers, higher interest rates, and cashier's check fees waived.
Before you pay the fee, call your bank and ask whether your current account qualifies for a waiver. If you order a cashier's check regularly, upgrading to a premium account might save you money over time. Some banks also waive the fee for business customers or if you order the check as part of a mortgage or loan closing.
How to order a cashier's check at your bank
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your ID and debit card or checkbook. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. They will ask you for the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, the amount, and the date you want it dated. Do not leave the date blank—the recipient may refuse a check with no date or a future date.
The teller will verify you have the funds in your account, print the check, and have a bank officer sign it. This takes 10 to 15 minutes. You pay the fee at that time, either from your account or in cash. Take the check directly to the recipient or mail it yourself—do not give it to anyone else to deliver, because a lost or stolen cashier's check is harder to replace than a personal check.
If you cannot visit a branch, call your bank and ask to order a cashier's check by phone. The bank will mail it to you, usually within 3 to 7 business days. You will still pay the fee, and you may need to provide a voided check or other proof of your account number. Some banks charge an extra fee for mailing, typically $2 to $5.
What happens if you lose or don't use a cashier's check
If you lose a cashier's check before you cash it, contact your bank immediately. The bank can place a stop payment on the check, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will usually have to pay a stop payment fee ($25 to $50) and wait 30 to 90 days to make sure no one has already cashed it. After that waiting period, the bank will issue you a replacement check at no additional charge.
If you ordered a cashier's check but no longer need it, you can deposit it back into your own account or ask the bank to cancel it. Canceling does not refund the fee you paid—the bank keeps that. Some banks will reissue the check to a different payee at no extra charge if you change your mind about who it should go to, so ask before you cancel.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
A cashier's check is more secure than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds, but it costs money and requires a trip to the branch. A wire transfer moves money faster (usually same-day) and does not require the recipient to have a bank account, but wire fees are often higher ($15 to $50) and wires cannot be reversed if you send them to the wrong person. An ACH transfer is cheaper (often free) but slower (1 to 3 business days) and works only between bank accounts.
A money order is cheaper than a cashier's check (usually $1 to $5) and you can buy one at the post office, grocery store, or Walmart without a bank account. However, money orders have lower maximum amounts (usually $500 to $1,000 per order) and are not may provide by a bank, so some recipients will not accept them. A certified check is similar to a cashier's check but drawn on your own account—the bank certifies that the funds are there, but you still sign it. Certified checks cost $5 to $15 and take 1 to 3 business days.
Cashier's check fees at different bank types
| Bank Type | Typical Fee | Waiver Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | $8 to $10 | Premium account or minimum balance |
| Regional banks | $5 to $10 | Varies by bank; ask your branch |
| Credit unions | $3 to $8 | Member status; some waive for all members |
| Online banks | Usually not available | N/A; order from a partner bank branch |
Credit unions typically charge less than national banks and are more likely to waive the fee for all members. If you do not have a bank account, you can order a cashier's check at most banks even if you are not a customer, but you will pay a higher fee (sometimes $15 to $25) and may need to bring cash to cover the amount of the check plus the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank?
You can order by phone or mail, but the bank will mail the check to you, which takes 3 to 7 business days. If you need it same-day, you must visit a branch in person. Some banks partner with other branches, so you may be able to pick one up at a different location if you call ahead.
What if the bank made a mistake on the cashier's check?
Contact your bank immediately and bring the check with you. The bank will cancel it and issue a replacement at no charge. Do not try to cash a check with errors—the recipient will reject it, and you will have to start over.
Do I need a bank account to get a cashier's check?
No, but most banks charge a higher fee (sometimes $15 to $25) if you are not a customer. You will need to bring cash or a debit card to cover the amount of the check plus the fee. Some banks require a minimum order amount, like $100.
How long is a cashier's check good for?
Most cashier's checks do not expire, but some banks put an expiration date on them (usually 6 months to 1 year). Ask your bank whether the check has an expiration date before you give it to the recipient. If it expires, you can ask the bank to issue a new one.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I ordered it?
Yes, but you will not get the fee back. Contact your bank and ask to cancel the check. The bank will place a stop payment on it and issue you a refund of the check amount, but the fee stays with the bank.