Where to get a cashier's check and what it costs

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why lenders and title companies treat it as may provide funds. You can get one from any bank or credit union where you have an account, and most charge between $5 and $15 per check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account.

You do not need to be a customer of the bank issuing the check. If your bank does not offer them or charges more than you want to pay, you can walk into any other bank with cash or a personal check and request one. Bring a government-issued ID and be ready to tell the teller the exact amount and who the check should be made payable to—usually your mortgage servicer's name, not your loan number.

The entire transaction takes about 10 minutes. The teller will deduct the amount plus the fee from your account (or take your cash) and hand you the check on the spot. Some banks can issue them same-day if you arrive before their cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. for checks you need that day.

Key Takeaways

  • A cashier's check costs $5 to $15 and is drawn on the bank's account, so it cannot bounce and lenders treat it as immediate payment.
  • You can get one from any bank or credit union in 10 minutes by providing the exact payee name, amount, and a government ID.
  • Make the check payable to your mortgage servicer's name, not your loan number, and confirm the correct mailing address before you send it.
  • Cashier's checks take 1 to 3 business days to clear once received, so mail it early if your payment is due on a specific date.
  • If the check is lost or stolen, you will need to file an affidavit and wait 90 days before the bank will issue a replacement.

What to write on the check and where to send it

Call your mortgage servicer before you order the check. Ask them for the exact name the check should be made payable to—this is critical because a check made out to the wrong entity will be rejected or delayed. Some servicers want the check payable to the company name; others want it payable to a specific department or trust account. Write down the mailing address they give you, because it may be different from the address on your statement.

On the check itself, write the payee name on the "Pay to the order of" line exactly as the servicer instructed. Do not add your loan number or account number on the payee line—that belongs in the memo line at the bottom of the check. Write your loan number and property address in the memo so the servicer can match the payment to your account when it arrives.

Include a payment coupon or a separate note with your name, loan number, and property address. Many servicers still process checks manually, and the note ensures the payment reaches the right account even if the check gets separated from your mail.

Mailing and delivery timing

Mail the check at least 5 to 7 business days before your payment due date. Standard mail takes 3 to 5 business days depending on distance, and the servicer may need 1 to 2 additional days to receive, open, and process it. If you are cutting it close, use Priority Mail Express, which guarantees delivery in 1 to 2 business days, though it costs $30 to $50 depending on weight and destination.

Do not rely on the postmark date. Mortgage servicers record the payment date as the day they receive and process it, not the day you mailed it. If your payment arrives after the due date, you may be charged a late fee even if you mailed it on time. Call your servicer and ask what their processing address is and whether they accept cashier's checks delivered by courier services like FedEx or UPS if you need same-day or next-day delivery.

Some servicers offer online payment portals where you can upload a photo of the cashier's check instead of mailing it. Ask whether this option is available; it eliminates mail delay and gives you proof of submission the same day.

What happens if the check is lost or stolen

If you mailed the check and it never arrived, or if it was lost in transit, contact your servicer immediately. Tell them the check number, amount, and date you mailed it. Ask them to search their records for the past 10 to 15 days to confirm they did not receive it.

If the check is confirmed missing, you will need to file an affidavit of loss with the bank that issued it. This is a sworn statement saying the check was lost or stolen. The bank will then place a stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement, but they will hold the funds for 90 days to ensure the original check does not surface and clear. After 90 days, the replacement check is yours to use. During this waiting period, you may need to make your mortgage payment by another method—ACH transfer, wire transfer, or credit card through a third-party processor—to avoid a late fee.

Keep the receipt or confirmation number the bank gives you when you purchase the cashier's check. If you ever need to prove you bought it, this is your proof.

Cashier's check versus other payment methods

A cashier's check is one of several ways to pay your mortgage. ACH transfers (bank-to-bank transfers) are free and take 1 to 2 business days; most servicers offer this through their online portal. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 and clear the same day or next business day, making them useful if you are paying late. Credit or debit card payments through a third-party processor cost 2% to 3% of the payment amount but are instant.

Cashier's checks are useful if you do not have online banking set up, if you prefer a paper trail you can hold in your hand, or if you are paying from a source that is not a bank account (such as cash from a sale or inheritance). They are slower than wire or ACH but faster and more reliable than a personal check, which can bounce and trigger late fees.

If you are paying off your mortgage in full at closing, your title company or attorney will usually request a cashier's check because it is the safest form of payment for large sums. In that case, ask the title company for the exact payee name and mailing address, and deliver the check directly to them rather than mailing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. Walk into any bank with cash and a government ID, and ask for a cashier's check. You do not need to be a customer. The bank will take your cash, charge the fee, and issue the check on the spot. Some banks may ask for a phone number or address for their records.

What if my bank closes before I can get to it?

Many banks offer cashier's checks at their drive-through windows until closing time, which is usually 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays. Some also offer them on Saturday mornings. If you cannot reach a branch in time, visit a different bank—any bank will issue one for you, even if you have never been there before.

Do I need to tell my mortgage servicer I am paying by cashier's check?

No, but it does not hurt. If you are paying late or if this is an unusual payment, a quick call to confirm they received it can prevent confusion. Most servicers process checks without requiring advance notice.

Can the bank cancel a cashier's check after I have already mailed it?

Only if you file a stop payment request before the check clears. Once the check has been cashed by the servicer, it cannot be cancelled. If you mailed it and want to cancel it, contact the bank immediately with the check number and amount. They will place a stop payment, but you will still owe the fee.

What if the servicer says they never received my cashier's check?

Ask them to search their records for 15 days before and after the date you mailed it. If they confirm it never arrived, file an affidavit of loss with your bank and request a replacement. In the meantime, make your payment by ACH or wire transfer to avoid a late fee. Once the replacement check arrives, you can ask the servicer to credit it back to your account or hold it for the next payment.