Most banks will sell a cashier's check to a non-customer, but you'll pay a fee and need to bring cash or a debit card
You don't need a bank account to get a cashier's check. Walk into any major bank branch with cash or a debit card, and they'll issue one for you on the spot—usually within minutes. The catch is the fee: most banks charge between $10 and $15 for a cashier's check sold to someone without an account, though some charge as little as $5 and a few charge $20 or more.
The process is straightforward. You tell the teller the amount you need, who it should be made out to, and how much you're willing to pay in fees. They verify you have the funds (either in cash you're handing over or on a debit card you present), then issue the check. You walk out with a bank-may provide check that the recipient can deposit or cash with confidence.
The real question isn't whether you can get one—you can—but which bank to use, what to bring, and what happens if something goes wrong after you leave the branch.
Key Takeaways
- Major banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all sell cashier's checks to non-customers for a fee between $5 and $20.
- You must bring either cash or a debit card with sufficient funds; the bank will not issue a check on credit or a promise to pay later.
- Credit unions often charge less than banks for cashier's checks, even to non-members, so calling ahead can save you money.
- Once you leave the branch with a cashier's check, the bank has no record of who you are, so keep your receipt in case the check is lost or stolen.
- If the recipient claims they never received the check, you'll need to contact the bank with your receipt to place a stop payment and request a replacement.
Which banks sell cashier's checks to non-customers
All of the largest U.S. banks will sell a cashier's check to someone without an account. This includes Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and PNC. Regional banks and smaller institutions vary—some will, some won't—so if you have a preference, call the branch first.
Credit unions are often cheaper. Many credit unions will sell a cashier's check to a non-member for $3 to $8, compared to $10 to $15 at most banks. You don't need to be a member to walk in and request one. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they have the amount you need in stock (very large checks sometimes require advance notice).
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not issue cashier's checks in person because they have no physical branches. If you bank with one of these and need a cashier's check, you'll have to go to a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union.
What you need to bring
Bring either cash or a debit card with enough money to cover the check amount plus the fee. The bank will not issue a cashier's check on a credit card, a personal check, or a verbal promise to deposit funds later. If you're paying with a debit card, bring the card itself—the teller will swipe it or insert it to verify the funds are there.
You do not need an ID to buy a cashier's check at most banks, though some branches may ask for one. Bring it anyway; it takes seconds and removes any friction. If you're paying with cash, the bank may ask where the money came from if the amount is large (over $10,000), because of federal reporting rules. Answer honestly—there's nothing illegal about paying cash for a cashier's check.
Know the exact amount you need and who the check should be made out to. The teller will ask both before issuing the check, and you cannot change them once it's printed.
Fees at major banks and credit unions
| Institution | Fee for non-customers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | $15 | Same fee for customers and non-customers |
| Wells Fargo | $10 | May vary by region; call ahead |
| Chase | $10 | Same fee for customers and non-customers |
| Citibank | $10 | Varies by branch location |
| U.S. Bank | $10 | Same fee for customers and non-customers |
| PNC Bank | $10 | May charge $15 at some branches |
| Most credit unions | $3–$8 | Call your local credit union; fees vary widely |
Fees change and vary by branch, so call ahead if you want to confirm the exact cost. Some banks charge less for smaller checks or waive the fee if you're a customer, so it's worth asking.
What happens if the check is lost or stolen after you leave
Once you walk out of the bank with a cashier's check, the bank has no way to know who you are unless you kept your receipt. This is both good and bad. It's good because a cashier's check is nearly as good as cash—the recipient can deposit it without question. It's bad because if the check is lost or stolen, you'll need proof you bought it.
Keep your receipt. It shows the amount, the date, and the check number. If the check never arrives at its destination or you lose it before handing it over, contact the bank with your receipt and ask them to place a stop payment on the check. The bank will then issue you a replacement check for the same amount, usually at no extra charge. This process typically takes a few business days.
If you've already given the check to someone and they claim they never received it, the situation is more complicated. The recipient can contact the bank and ask whether the check was cashed. If it wasn't, the bank can stop payment and issue a replacement. If it was cashed, you have a dispute with the recipient, not the bank—the bank has already done its job.
Cashier's checks versus other payment methods
A cashier's check is backed by the bank itself, not your personal account, so the recipient knows the money is there. This makes it safer than a personal check for large transactions. It's also faster than a wire transfer (which can take one to three business days) and more find than cash (which can be lost or stolen with no recourse).
The downside is the fee and the time it takes to get to a branch. If you need the money to move when ready, a wire transfer is faster. If you're paying someone you trust, a personal check or ACH transfer costs nothing. But if you're paying a stranger, paying for a car or house, or sending money across the country, a cashier's check is the standard choice.
How to order a cashier's check by mail or phone
If you can't get to a branch in person, some banks will issue a cashier's check by mail. Call the bank and ask whether they offer this service. If they do, you'll typically mail them a check or authorize a debit card charge for the amount plus the fee, and they'll mail the cashier's check back to you. This takes five to ten business days and defeats the purpose if you need the check quickly.
A few banks will issue a cashier's check over the phone if you're a customer, but almost none will do this for non-customers. Your best option if you can't visit a branch is to find a credit union near you that sells them, call to confirm the fee, and visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check for an amount larger than $10,000?
Yes. The bank may ask where the cash is coming from because of federal reporting rules, but there's no limit on the size of a cashier's check. Bring your debit card or cash, and the bank will issue it. Very large checks sometimes require advance notice so the branch has enough blank check stock on hand.
What if the bank I want to use doesn't sell cashier's checks to non-customers?
Call a different branch of the same bank—policies vary by location. If the entire bank declines, try a credit union or a different bank. Most institutions will sell you one; a few small banks or branches may refuse, but you'll find an option nearby.
Do I need to tell the recipient I'm sending a cashier's check?
Yes. Let them know it's coming so they don't think it's lost if it takes a day or two to arrive. Include your contact information on the envelope so they can reach you if there's a problem. Once they receive it, they can deposit it like any other check.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after I've already given it to someone?
Not if they've already cashed it. If they haven't, they can contact the bank with the check number and ask for a stop payment. After that, you can request a replacement. If they've cashed it and claim they didn't receive it, that's a dispute between you and them, not with the bank.
Is a cashier's check safer than a wire transfer?
They're safe in different ways. A wire transfer is when ready and irreversible, so the money moves when ready but you can't get it back if something goes wrong. A cashier's check takes a day or two to clear but can be stopped if it's lost or stolen before the recipient cashes it. For large amounts to someone you don't know well, a cashier's check gives you a small window to cancel if needed.