Most banks will cash a cashier's check even if you don't have an account there
A cashier's check is a check issued by a bank itself, not by an individual. Because the bank has already may provide the funds, most banks will cash it for you on the spot — you don't need to be a customer. Walk into any branch of any bank, present the check and a photo ID, and you'll usually walk out with cash within minutes.
The catch is that some banks have started charging a fee to cash checks from non-customers, or they may refuse altogether. A few banks will only cash their own cashier's checks. So before you go, it's worth knowing which banks in your area will do it free, and what to expect if they won't.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks will cash a cashier's check from a non-customer for free, but some now charge a fee ranging from $5 to $15.
- The bank that issued the check is always your safest bet — they are required to cash their own cashier's checks at any branch.
- Bring a photo ID and the original check; some banks may ask questions about where you got it.
- If a bank refuses or charges too much, credit unions, check-cashing stores, and the issuing bank's branches are your alternatives.
Which banks cash cashier's checks for free
Large national banks vary widely. Some still cash checks from non-customers at no charge as a courtesy. Others charge $5 to $15 per check. Regional and community banks are more likely to cash them free, especially if you're in their service area. Credit unions often cash cashier's checks free for non-members, though some restrict it to members only.
The only way to know for certain is to call the branch where you plan to go, or ask when you arrive. Tell them you have a cashier's check and ask if there's a fee for non-customers. If they say yes, you have other options.
The bank that issued the check is your may provide option
If you know which bank issued the cashier's check, go to any branch of that bank. Banks are required to cash their own cashier's checks at any of their branches, regardless of whether you have an account. This is true even if the check is old — there is no expiration date on a cashier's check, though banks may ask questions if it's more than a few years old.
To find a branch, look at the check itself — the bank's name and routing number are printed on it. Search online for that bank's branch locator, or call their customer service line and ask for the nearest branch.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring the original check and a photo ID. The teller will ask you to endorse the back of the check (sign it) if you haven't already. Some banks may ask where you got the check or why you're cashing it — this is normal fraud prevention. Answer honestly and you'll have no problem.
The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. The bank will verify the check is genuine and that the funds are available, then hand you cash. If you need the money in a specific form — like a mix of bills, or a cashier's check instead of cash — ask the teller before they process it.
When a bank won't cash it or charges too much
If the bank charges a fee you don't want to pay, or refuses to cash it, you have alternatives. Check-cashing stores will cash cashier's checks, though they typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — much more than a bank fee. Your own bank will cash it free if you have an account there. Some grocery stores and Walmart locations also cash checks, including cashier's checks, for a small fee.
If none of those work, go back to the bank that issued the check. They cannot refuse to cash their own cashier's check, and they cannot charge you a fee to do so. If a branch refuses, ask to speak to a manager or call the bank's main customer service line and explain the situation.
Cashing a cashier's check by mail or mobile deposit
If you can't get to a bank in person, some banks allow you to deposit a cashier's check through mobile deposit — the same way you'd deposit a personal check using your phone's camera. This works only if you have an account at that bank. The funds will be added to your account, not given to you as cash, but you can withdraw them when ready.
Mailing a cashier's check is riskier because it can be lost or stolen in transit. If you must mail it, send it to the bank that issued it, registered mail with signature required. Include a letter explaining what you're doing and ask them to deposit it to your account or hold it for you to pick up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash someone else's cashier's check?
No. A cashier's check is payable to a specific person, and only that person can cash it. If someone gives you a cashier's check made out to them and asks you to cash it, that's fraud. The person who the check is made out to must be the one to cash it or deposit it.
What if the cashier's check is really old?
Cashier's checks don't expire, but banks may question one that's several years old. Bring it to the issuing bank with your ID. They can verify it's legitimate and cash it. If the account that backed the check has been closed, the bank may need to research it, which could take a few days.
Do I have to have a bank account to cash a cashier's check?
No. Any bank will cash a cashier's check for a non-customer, though some charge a fee. The issuing bank will always do it free. If you don't have an account anywhere, the issuing bank is your best option.
Can I cash a cashier's check at an ATM?
No. ATMs only accept deposits, not cash-outs. You must go inside a bank branch or use a check-cashing service to turn a cashier's check into cash.
What if the bank says the check is fraudulent?
Ask them to explain why and get it in writing. If you believe the check is real, contact the person or business that gave it to you and ask them to verify it with their bank. If there's a genuine problem, you may need to contact the issuing bank directly or speak with a manager.