Not every bank will issue a cashier's check, and the ones that do have different rules about who can request one

A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank employee, which makes it a safer payment method than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds. Most banks and credit unions that hold deposit accounts will issue them, but some smaller institutions, online-only banks, and certain credit unions do not. Even among banks that offer them, you may face restrictions: some require you to be an account holder, some charge a fee (typically $5 to $15 per check), and some have limits on how many you can request in a single day.

The fastest way to find out whether your bank offers cashier's checks is to call the branch directly or log into your online banking portal and look for the option in the services menu. If your bank does not offer them, you have alternatives: getting one from a different bank where you open an account, using a certified check instead (which is a personal check certified by your bank), or using a money order for smaller amounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Most traditional banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks for account holders, but online-only banks and some smaller institutions do not.
  • You typically need to be an account holder at the bank, bring a valid ID, and specify the payee name and amount before the check is issued.
  • Fees range from $5 to $15 per check, and some banks limit how many you can request at once.
  • If your bank does not offer cashier's checks, you can open an account at another bank, use a certified check, or use a money order for smaller payments.

Which banks issue cashier's checks and which do not

Large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and similar institutions—all issue cashier's checks at their branches. Regional banks and most local credit unions do as well. The exceptions are primarily online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and some others that have no physical branches. These banks cannot issue cashier's checks because they have no teller staff to sign them, though they may offer alternatives like wire transfers or certified checks.

Some smaller community banks and credit unions have stopped issuing cashier's checks altogether, either because the demand is low or because they view the liability as not worth the effort. The only way to know for certain is to contact your specific institution. If you bank with an online-only institution and need a cashier's check, you will need to either open an account at a bank with branches or use a different payment method.

What you need to bring and what the process looks like

To get a cashier's check, go to a branch in person during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your debit card or account number so the teller can verify you are an account holder. You will need to tell the teller the exact name of the payee, the amount, and the date you want the check issued. The teller will then deduct the funds from your account when ready and issue the check, which is typically ready within a few minutes.

Some banks allow you to request a cashier's check by phone or through online banking, but you will still need to pick it up in person at a branch. A few banks mail cashier's checks, though this is less common and adds several days to the timeline. Ask your bank about their specific process when you call.

Fees and limits on cashier's checks

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account type. A few banks issue one or two free checks per month to account holders, then charge for additional ones. Credit unions often charge less than banks—sometimes $2 to $5 per check—or waive the fee entirely for members.

Some banks limit how many cashier's checks you can request in a single day or per week, though this is uncommon. If you need multiple checks, call ahead to confirm there are no restrictions. The bank will not limit the total dollar amount of a single check, but they will verify that your account has sufficient funds before issuing it.

What to do if your bank does not offer cashier's checks

If your bank does not issue cashier's checks, you have three main options. First, you can open a checking account at a bank that does—even a basic account with no minimum balance will let you request cashier's checks. You do not need to move all your money; you can deposit just enough to cover the check amount and the fee. Second, you can ask your bank about a certified check, which is your personal check stamped and signed by a bank officer to confirm the funds are available. Certified checks work similarly to cashier's checks for most purposes, though some recipients prefer cashier's checks because the bank is the payer rather than you.

Third, for smaller amounts (typically under $1,000), you can use a money order, which you can buy at most grocery stores, post offices, and convenience stores. Money orders are safer than personal checks and do not require a bank account, but they are not suitable for large payments and some recipients do not accept them.

Timing: how long a cashier's check takes

If you go to a branch in person, a cashier's check is usually ready the same day, often within minutes. If you request one by phone or online and pick it up later, it will be ready by the next business day. If the bank mails it to you, allow 3 to 5 business days for delivery, plus 1 to 2 days for processing.

If you need a cashier's check urgently, go to a branch in person during business hours. Most banks can issue one while you wait. Avoid requesting one late in the day on a Friday if you need it when ready, since the bank may not have time to process it before closing.

Cashier's checks versus other payment methods

A cashier's check is backed by the bank's funds, so the recipient knows the money is may provide. A certified check is your personal check certified by the bank, so it carries slightly more risk if your account is later frozen or closed. A wire transfer moves money directly between accounts and is faster but more expensive (typically $15 to $30). A money order is cheaper and does not require a bank account but is limited to smaller amounts and not all recipients accept them.

Choose a cashier's check when the recipient specifically requests one or when you are making a large payment and want the recipient to have certainty the funds are available. Choose a wire transfer if you need the money to arrive the same day and the recipient has a bank account. Choose a certified check if your bank does not offer cashier's checks but does offer certification. Choose a money order for small payments under $1,000 when you do not have a bank account or want to avoid fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check without a bank account?

No, you must be an account holder at the bank issuing the check. If you do not have a bank account, you can open one at any bank that offers cashier's checks—even a basic checking account with no minimum balance. Alternatively, use a money order, which does not require a bank account.

What if I make a mistake on the cashier's check?

You cannot alter a cashier's check once it is issued. If you make a mistake, ask the bank to void it and issue a new one. Some banks charge a fee for voiding and reissuing, while others do it at no cost. Always double-check the payee name and amount before the teller hands you the check.

Do I need to go to my own bank's branch, or can I go to any branch?

You must go to a branch of the bank where you hold your account. You cannot request a cashier's check from a different bank unless you have an account there. If your bank has multiple branches, you can go to any of them.

How long is a cashier's check valid for?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but some banks and recipients treat checks older than 6 months as stale. If you have a cashier's check that is more than a year old, contact the issuing bank to confirm it is still valid before submitting it as payment.

Can someone else pick up my cashier's check?

Most banks require the account holder to pick up the check in person with a valid ID. Some banks allow a family member or authorized person to pick it up if you provide written permission and they show ID. Call your bank to ask about their specific policy before requesting the check.