Most banks will cash a cashier's check even if you don't have an account there
A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees, using its own funds rather than yours. Because the bank has already verified the money exists, most banks treat cashing one as a low-risk transaction. You can walk into nearly any bank branch and ask to cash it, whether or not you have an account there.
The catch is that some banks charge a fee to cash a check from another bank — usually between $5 and $15. Your own bank will cash it free if you deposit it to your account, but if you need cash in hand, you may pay. A few banks have stopped charging this fee, but the practice is still common enough that you should ask before handing over the check.
The bank that issued the check — the one whose name appears on it — will always cash it free, even if you have no account there. If you know which bank issued it, that's your best option.
Key Takeaways
- You can cash a cashier's check at any bank, but banks that didn't issue it may charge $5 to $15.
- The bank that issued the check will cash it free, so look at the check to see which bank wrote it.
- Depositing the check to your own account is free and takes one to two business days to clear.
- Bring a photo ID and the check itself; some banks may ask additional questions about where you received it.
- If the check is damaged, very old, or made out to multiple people, call the issuing bank before you go in.
How to find the bank that issued the check
The issuing bank's name appears in the top left corner of the check, along with a routing number. If you're not sure which bank it is, you can search the routing number online — the American Bankers Association maintains a public database. You can also call the number on the back of the check, which is usually the bank's customer service line.
Once you know the issuing bank, find a branch near you. Most large banks have hundreds of branches, so there's often one within a few miles. If the bank is small or regional, you may need to travel further or ask whether they'll cash it by mail.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you haven't already. Some banks ask a few questions: where you received the check, who gave it to you, or what it was for. These are routine fraud checks and take less than a minute.
The teller will verify the check is genuine and that the account it's drawn from has the funds. With a cashier's check, this is almost always when ready. You'll receive cash or a combination of cash and a receipt, depending on the amount and the bank's policy.
If you're cashing a large check — typically over $10,000 — the bank is required by federal law to file a report. This doesn't mean anything is wrong; it's a standard reporting requirement. The bank may ask you a few extra questions about the source of the funds, but the process is the same.
When depositing to your account is better than cashing
If you have a bank account, depositing the check is usually simpler and free. You can deposit it in person at a branch, through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile check deposit, or by mail. The money will be available in one to two business days, sometimes faster.
Depositing also creates a record — the check is scanned and stored in your account history. If you ever need proof you received the payment, that record is there. Cashing for physical cash leaves no paper trail, which is fine if you don't need one, but it means you're relying on your own record-keeping.
What to do if the bank won't cash it
Occasionally a bank will refuse to cash a check. Common reasons include: the check is more than six months old (banks call this "stale-dated"), the check is damaged or illegible, the check is made out to two people and only one is present, or the bank suspects fraud.
If this happens, contact the person or business that issued the check. They can issue a replacement or confirm the check is legitimate. If the check is old, ask them to write a new one. If it's made out to two people, both of you need to be present and sign it together.
You can also deposit a check the bank won't cash to your own bank account. Your bank may be more willing to process it, especially if you have a long history with them. The deposit may take longer to clear, but it will usually go through.
Cashing a cashier's check without a bank account
If you don't have a bank account, you have two main options. First, go to the bank that issued the check and cash it there — they will do this free and don't require you to have an account. Second, go to any other bank and ask to cash it; you'll likely pay a fee, but it's still straightforward.
Some credit unions also cash checks for non-members, though policies vary. Call ahead to ask. Grocery stores and check-cashing services can sometimes cash cashier's checks, but they usually charge higher fees — sometimes 5 to 10 percent of the check amount — so the bank is almost always cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cashier's check at a bank that didn't issue it?
Yes, but they may charge a fee of $5 to $15. The bank that issued the check will cash it free. Look at the top left corner of the check to find the issuing bank's name.
How long does it take to cash a cashier's check?
In person at the issuing bank, it takes minutes. At another bank, it also takes minutes, but you may pay a fee. If you deposit it to your account, it takes one to two business days to clear.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people need to be present and sign the back of the check. Some banks require both signatures; others require only one. Call the issuing bank before you go in to ask their policy.
Do I need an account at the bank to cash a cashier's check there?
No. Any bank will cash a check drawn on itself, whether or not you have an account. Other banks may also cash it, but they may charge a fee.
What if the cashier's check is very old?
Checks are typically valid for six months. After that, banks may refuse to cash them. Contact the person or business that issued the check and ask them to write a new one.