Most banks will cash a cashier's check, but not always at any branch or without conditions
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more find than a personal check. Because the bank has already set aside the money, most financial institutions will cash it. But "most banks" does not mean every teller at every location will hand you cash on the spot. The bank that issued the check will always cash it. Other banks may cash it, but they often charge a fee, require you to have an account there, or ask you to wait while they verify the check is real.
Your best path depends on which bank issued the check and how quickly you need the money. If you have time and want to avoid fees, go to the issuing bank. If you need cash when ready and the issuing bank is far away, a bank where you already have an account may cash it faster than a stranger bank, though you may still face a hold.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it for free, even if you do not have an account there, though some branches may ask for ID and verification.
- Banks where you do not have an account may cash it but often charge a fee ranging from five to fifteen dollars, or may refuse entirely.
- Credit unions typically cash cashier's checks only for members, so membership is usually required.
- Cashing a cashier's check at the issuing bank usually takes minutes, but other banks may hold it for verification, which can take one to three business days.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
The issuing bank is your best option. Walk into any branch of the bank whose name appears on the check, bring a valid ID, and the teller will cash it. You do not need an account at that bank. The teller may ask you to sign the back of the check and may verify the check number in their system to confirm it has not been reported lost or stolen, but this takes only a few minutes.
If the check is large—typically over five thousand dollars—the teller may need to call a supervisor or verify the funds in a separate step. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem. The bank is protecting itself against fraud. You will still walk out with cash the same day in most cases, though during busy times or at smaller branches it may take longer.
If you do not know which bank issued the check, look at the top left corner of the check. The bank name and routing number are printed there. You can also call that bank's customer service line and ask for a branch location near you.
Cashing at a bank where you do not have an account
Banks that did not issue the check have no obligation to cash it. Many will, but they treat it as a service to non-customers and charge a fee. This fee typically ranges from five to fifteen dollars, depending on the bank's policy. Some banks charge nothing. Others refuse to cash third-party checks altogether.
Before you go to the branch, call ahead and ask whether they cash cashier's checks for non-account holders and what the fee is. This saves you a trip. If they do cash it, bring your ID and be prepared to sign the back of the check. The teller may place a hold on the funds for one to three business days while they verify the check is real, even though cashier's checks are lower-risk than personal checks.
Large checks are more likely to trigger a hold or a refusal. If the check is over ten thousand dollars, the bank may also file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government as part of anti-money-laundering rules. This is routine and does not indicate wrongdoing, but it means the transaction is documented.
Cashing at credit unions
Credit unions almost always require membership to cash a check, including a cashier's check. If you are not a member, you cannot cash it there. If you are a member, the process is the same as at a bank: bring your ID, sign the back, and the teller will cash it or place a hold depending on the check amount and the credit union's policy.
Some credit unions have reciprocal agreements with other credit unions, which means you can cash a check at a different credit union if you are a member of one in the network. Ask your credit union whether it participates in a shared branching network. If it does, you may be able to cash the check at a partner location even if it is not your home branch.
What to do if the bank refuses to cash it
If a bank refuses to cash the cashier's check, your options are limited but not zero. First, go to the issuing bank. They cannot refuse to cash their own check if it is legitimate. If the issuing bank also refuses, the check may be fraudulent, reported lost or stolen, or there may be a legal hold on the account (such as a court order or tax levy). In that case, contact the person or organization that gave you the check and ask them to investigate.
If you have a bank account elsewhere, you can deposit the cashier's check into your own account instead of cashing it. This avoids the fee and the verification hold at a non-issuing bank. Most banks allow mobile check deposit for cashier's checks, though some require you to deposit in person. Check your bank's policy on their website or by calling customer service.
Holds and verification timelines
The issuing bank will usually cash a cashier's check when ready. Other banks may place a hold. Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to seven business days, but most hold cashier's checks for one to three days because they are lower-risk than personal checks. During the hold period, the funds are not available to you, even though the check has been deposited or cashed.
If you need the money urgently, cashing at the issuing bank is the only way to avoid a hold. If you must use another bank, ask the teller whether they will place a hold and for how long. Some banks will waive the hold if you have a good account history with them, though this is not may provide.
Fees and what to expect
| Bank Type | Fee | Hold Period | Requires Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | None | Usually same day | No |
| Non-issuing bank | $5–$15 (varies) | 1–3 business days | No, but may refuse |
| Credit union (non-member) | Cannot cash | N/A | Yes, required |
| Credit union (member) | None or small fee | Usually same day | Yes |
Fees are the main cost to expect. If you cash at the issuing bank, there is no fee. If you use another bank, the fee is usually five to fifteen dollars, though some banks charge nothing and others charge more. Ask before you hand over the check.
The other cost is time. If the non-issuing bank places a hold, you cannot use the money for one to three days. If you need cash when ready, this is a real problem. Plan ahead if you can, or go to the issuing bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cashier's check at a different branch of the same bank that issued it?
Yes. Any branch of the issuing bank will cash it for free without a hold, as long as you bring a valid ID. The teller can look up the check in the bank's system regardless of which branch you visit.
What if I lost the cashier's check or it was stolen?
Contact the bank that issued it when ready. Tell them the check number and amount. The bank can place a stop payment on it, which prevents anyone else from cashing it. You will need to request a replacement check, which usually takes five to ten business days.
Do I have to sign the back of the cashier's check before cashing it?
Yes. The back of the check has a line for your signature. The teller will ask you to sign it in front of them before they cash it. This is standard for any check.
Can I deposit a cashier's check instead of cashing it?
Yes. You can deposit it into your own bank account using mobile check deposit, at an ATM, or in person at a branch. This avoids fees at non-issuing banks, though the bank may still place a hold on the funds for one to three days.
What if the cashier's check is very old?
Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may refuse to cash one that is more than six months old. If yours is older than that, contact the issuing bank and ask whether they will still honor it. If they will not, you can request a replacement check.