Yes, you can get a cashier's check from your bank, and it usually takes one business day
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours. The bank guarantees the funds are there because it has already taken the money from your account. Most banks issue them the same day you request one, though some require you to come back the next business day. You'll need to go to a branch in person — you cannot order a cashier's check online or by phone.
The process is straightforward: you tell the teller who you want to pay, how much, and the teller prints the check and takes the money from your account when ready. You then hand that check to the person or business you're paying. Because the bank's name is on it, not yours, the recipient knows the money is may provide.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a bank branch in person with your account information and a valid ID to request a cashier's check.
- The bank withdraws the full amount from your account right away, so you need sufficient funds available before you request one.
- Most banks charge a fee between $5 and $15 per cashier's check, though some waive the fee for certain account types.
- A cashier's check is typically issued the same day, but confirm with your bank whether they issue them when ready or require a return visit.
What you need to bring to the bank
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need to know the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and the amount. If you're paying a company, use their legal name as it appears on invoices or contracts, not a shortened version.
Have your account number ready, though the teller can look it up if you give them your name and ID. If you're unsure of the payee's exact name, ask them before you go to the bank — a cashier's check made out to the wrong name cannot be cashed by anyone else, and you'll have to request a new one.
Fees and account requirements
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance, have direct deposit set up, or hold a premium account type. A few banks issue one or two free cashier's checks per month to all customers. Call your bank or check their website to confirm what they charge.
You do not need a special account type to get a cashier's check — a basic checking account works. You do need enough money in your account to cover the check amount plus the fee. If your account is overdrawn or you don't have sufficient funds, the bank will not issue the check.
When the bank issues the check same-day versus next-day
Most large banks and credit unions issue cashier's checks the same day you request them, usually within an hour. Smaller banks or branches with lower staff may ask you to return the next business day. Call ahead or ask the teller when you arrive — if they cannot issue it when ready, they'll tell you when to come back.
If you need a cashier's check urgently, go to your bank early in the business day. Requests made late in the afternoon may not be processed until the next day, even at banks that normally issue them same-day.
How the recipient cashes or deposits the cashier's check
The person or business you're paying can deposit the cashier's check into their own bank account just like any other check. They can also cash it at their bank if they prefer cash. Because the check is drawn on a bank account, not a personal one, there's no risk it will bounce — the funds are already set aside.
The recipient does not need to do anything special. They straightforward take the check to their bank, endorse the back (sign it), and deposit or cash it. Processing time is the same as a regular check — typically one to three business days for the funds to appear in their account.
What happens if you need to cancel or replace a cashier's check
If you lose the check or need to cancel it, contact your bank when ready. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone from cashing it. You'll likely pay a stop payment fee, usually $25 to $35, and the bank may require you to sign an affidavit stating the check was lost or not used.
If the check was never cashed and you want your money back, the bank will refund it once the stop payment is confirmed and the check has not been presented. This process can take several weeks. If the check was already cashed by the intended recipient, you cannot reverse it — the transaction is final.
Alternatives if your bank cannot issue a cashier's check
If your bank does not offer cashier's checks or you do not have an account there, you can get one from any bank where you have an account. If you have accounts at multiple banks, choose the one most convenient to visit.
Some credit unions issue cashier's checks to non-members for a higher fee, usually $15 to $25. A few check-cashing services also issue cashier's checks, though their fees are typically higher than banks. If you need a cashier's check and have no bank account, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union is usually faster and cheaper than using a check-cashing service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check without going to the bank in person?
No. Banks require you to visit a branch in person and present a valid ID. You cannot order a cashier's check by phone, mail, or online. Some banks may allow you to request one through their mobile app and pick it up at a branch, but you still must visit in person to collect it and provide ID.
What if the person I'm paying tells me the wrong name for their business?
Ask them to write down their legal business name or provide an invoice showing it. A cashier's check must be made out to an exact name — if it says "ABC Plumbing" but the business is legally registered as "ABC Plumbing LLC," the check may not be accepted. Confirm the name before you go to the bank.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear once it's deposited?
Most banks clear a cashier's check within one to three business days, the same as a regular check. Because the funds are may provide by the bank, some banks clear them faster — sometimes the same day or next business day. The recipient's bank determines the timeline, not yours.
Can I get a cashier's check for someone else's account?
No. You can only request a cashier's check from an account you own or have authority over. The bank will verify your identity and confirm the account is yours before issuing the check. If someone else needs a cashier's check, they must request it themselves from their own bank.
What if I write down the wrong amount when I request the cashier's check?
Tell the teller before they print it. If you catch the error before the check is issued, they can void it and issue a new one, usually without an additional fee. If you've already left the bank with the wrong amount, you'll need to request a stop payment and order a new check, which will cost you two fees instead of one.