You can get a bank check from your own bank, but not from any bank

A bank check (also called a cashier's check or official check) is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. Banks issue them to may provide payment — the funds are pulled from your account when you request the check, so the recipient knows it won't bounce. You can only get one from a bank where you have an account, or sometimes from a bank where you don't have an account but can pay a fee. A stranger's bank will not issue you a check on their account.

If you have a checking account at a bank, that's your fastest route. Walk in, call, or use online banking if your bank offers it. If you don't have an account anywhere, you can still get a bank check from most banks by paying cash and a fee — usually $5 to $15 — but you'll need to go in person and bring ID. Credit unions that offer checking accounts can issue them the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank is the easiest source for a bank check; you can often request one online, by phone, or in person with no fee if you're an account holder.
  • Banks that don't know you will issue a bank check for cash plus a fee, typically $5 to $15, but you must go in person with a valid ID.
  • The check is drawn on the bank's account, not yours, so the recipient sees the bank's name and routing number, not your personal information.
  • Delivery time varies: same-day in person, one to three business days by mail, or instant if your bank offers digital bank checks through their app.
  • Not all banks offer bank checks anymore; some have moved to digital alternatives, so call ahead if you need one urgently.

Getting a bank check from your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account, start there. Most banks issue bank checks to their own customers for free or for a small fee ($1 to $3 per check). You have three ways to request one: walk into a branch, call the customer service number on the back of your card, or log into online banking. Online is fastest if your bank supports it — some let you order checks and have them mailed within one to three business days, or even generate a digital bank check instantly through their mobile app.

When you request a bank check, you'll need to tell the bank the payee's name (the person or business the check is for), the amount, and the date. The bank pulls the money from your account immediately, so make sure you have the funds available. If you're in a branch, you can usually walk out with the check the same day. If you order by phone or online, expect one to three business days for delivery by mail.

Some banks now offer digital bank checks through their app — a digital version you can send directly to the payee or print at home. This is the fastest option if your bank has it. Ask your bank whether they offer this feature.

Getting a bank check from a bank where you don't have an account

Most banks will issue a bank check to a non-customer, but you'll pay a fee and must go in person. The fee is typically $5 to $15 per check, depending on the bank. You'll need to bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and cash or a debit card to pay the fee and the check amount.

Walk into any branch, tell the teller you want a bank check, and provide the payee's name and amount. The teller will fill it out, take your payment, and give you the check on the spot. This is a same-day transaction. Some banks may require you to call ahead to confirm they have the service available, especially smaller branches.

What happens if your bank doesn't offer bank checks

A growing number of banks have stopped issuing paper bank checks in favor of digital alternatives or wire transfers. If your bank no longer offers them, you have two options: use a different bank's service (pay the non-customer fee), or ask your bank what they recommend instead.

Many banks now push customers toward wire transfers or ACH transfers for may provide payments. These move money directly from your account to the recipient's account and are often free or low-cost. However, they require the recipient's bank account information, which not all payees will provide. If the recipient specifically needs a paper check or a bank check, you may have to go to a different bank.

Credit unions often still issue bank checks, even when traditional banks have phased them out. If you're a credit union member, call and ask whether they offer them.

Timing and delivery options

How fast you get a bank check depends on how you order it and which bank you use. In-person requests at a branch are same-day. Mail delivery typically takes one to three business days from the time you request it. Digital bank checks, if your bank offers them, are instant — you can send them to the payee immediately through your app or email.

If you need a bank check urgently, go to a branch in person. If you're ordering by mail and the payee has a deadline, order at least five business days before the deadline to account for mail time and processing. Some banks let you track your order online.

Cost breakdown

Bank checks are usually cheap or free, but the cost depends on your relationship with the bank. Account holders at most banks pay nothing or $1 to $3 per check. Non-customers pay $5 to $15 per check. A few banks charge account holders a small fee ($2 to $5) if they order more than a certain number per month, but this is rare.

If you need multiple bank checks, it's worth asking your bank whether they offer a discount for ordering several at once. Some do. Digital bank checks, where available, are usually free.

What information appears on a bank check

A bank check shows the bank's name, routing number, and account number — not yours. The payee sees the bank's details, which is why the check is may provide. Your personal checking account number does not appear on a bank check, so it's safer to send than a personal check if you're concerned about your account information being exposed.

The check will have a check number, the date you request, the payee's name, the amount in words and numbers, and a memo line if you want to note what it's for. You can usually request these details when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a bank check without going to the bank in person?

If you're an account holder, yes — most banks let you order by phone or online and have it mailed to you in one to three business days. Some banks also offer instant digital bank checks through their app. If you're not an account holder, you must go in person with cash and ID to pay the fee.

What's the difference between a bank check and a personal check?

A bank check is drawn on the bank's account and may provide by the bank, so it won't bounce. A personal check is drawn on your account and can bounce if you don't have the funds. Recipients often prefer bank checks because they're safer. Bank checks cost more and take longer to get.

Can I cancel a bank check after I've ordered it?

Yes, but it depends on whether the check has been cashed. If it hasn't been cashed yet, contact your bank and ask them to stop payment on it. You may be charged a fee ($15 to $30). Once the check is cashed, you cannot cancel it — the money is gone.

Do I need a bank account to get a bank check?

No. Any bank will issue one to a non-customer for a fee ($5 to $15), but you must go in person with a valid ID and cash or a debit card to pay for it. Having an account at the bank makes it easier and usually free.

How long does a bank check take to clear?

Bank checks usually clear within one business day because they're drawn on the bank's own account, not a personal account. The recipient's bank may hold it for a day or two depending on their policy, but it's faster than a personal check, which can take three to five business days.