Getting a Bank Check Without Opening an Account

You can get a bank check without an account, but the bank will charge you for it and may require you to buy them in bulk

Most banks will sell you cashier's checks or money orders even if you don't have an account with them. A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees, using money you give them. A money order is similar but issued by a non-bank company like Western Union or MoneyGram. Both are safer than personal checks because the recipient knows the money is already set aside.

The catch is cost and convenience. Banks typically charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check, and some require you to buy a minimum number at once — often 10 or 25. Money orders from grocery stores or post offices usually cost $1 to $5 each and can be bought one at a time, making them cheaper if you only need one or two. If you need checks regularly, opening a basic checking account is usually cheaper in the long run.

Key Takeaways

Banks will sell cashier's checks to non-account holders, but charge $5 to $15 per check and may require bulk purchases.
Money orders from the post office, grocery stores, or Western Union cost $1 to $5 each and can be bought individually.
You'll need to bring cash or a debit card to pay for the check or money order on the spot.
Cashier's checks are may provide by the bank and clear faster, while money orders are more widely available but may take longer to process.
If you need checks more than a few times a year, a basic checking account with free or low-cost checks is usually the better choice.

Where to get a cashier's check without an account

Walk into any bank branch and ask for a cashier's check. You don't need an account. Bring the amount of money you need in cash or have a debit card ready, because the bank will take the payment when ready. You'll also need to tell them who the check should be made out to — the recipient's name — and provide any other details the recipient needs, like an address or account number.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The bank will ask for your ID to verify who you are, then write the check and hand it to you. Some banks will ask where you're sending the check or why you need it, but this is routine verification, not a barrier. If the bank refuses, it's usually because they suspect fraud, not because you lack an account.

Call ahead if you're buying more than a few checks. Some branches keep a limited number of cashier's checks on hand and may need to order them. If you're buying 10 or 25 at once, a phone call saves you a wasted trip.

Money orders as a cheaper alternative

If you only need one or two checks, a money order is almost always cheaper and faster to obtain. The U.S. Postal Service sells them at any post office for a flat fee — usually $1.45 for amounts up to $500 and $2.00 for $500 to $1,000. Western Union and MoneyGram sell them at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores for similar prices, sometimes slightly higher.

Money orders work the same way as cashier's checks: you pay the amount you want the check for, plus the fee, and the issuer writes it out to whoever you name. You can buy one at a time with no minimum purchase. The main difference is that money orders can take slightly longer to clear — sometimes up to 10 business days — while cashier's checks usually clear in 2 to 3 days.

Money orders are also useful if you're sending money through the mail and want proof of payment. You get a receipt with a tracking number, so you can confirm the recipient cashed it.

What you need to bring

For a cashier's check at a bank, bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the check and the fee. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of address, though the bank may ask for your address to complete the paperwork.

For a money order at the post office, bring cash or a debit card and a valid ID. At grocery stores or pharmacies, many locations will accept cash only, so check before you go. You'll need to know the recipient's name and, for some money orders, their address.

How long it takes and when the money clears

A cashier's check is ready the same day you request it. The recipient can deposit it when ready, and it usually clears within 2 to 3 business days. Some banks clear cashier's checks faster — sometimes the next business day — because the bank itself has already verified the funds.

A money order also takes the same day to obtain. It clears more slowly, usually in 5 to 10 business days, depending on the recipient's bank. If you're paying a bill or sending money to someone who needs it quickly, a cashier's check is the better choice.

When to open an account instead

If you need checks more than a few times a year, opening a basic checking account is usually cheaper and more convenient. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and they include a book of checks at no extra cost. Once you have an account, you can order checks online or at the branch for $10 to $20 per box of 50, which works out to about 20 cents per check.

Compare this to buying cashier's checks: if you need 10 checks a year at $10 each, you're spending $100. A basic checking account with free checks costs nothing. Even accounts with a small monthly fee — usually $5 to $10 — break even quickly if you need more than one or two checks a month.

An account also gives you other tools: you can set up automatic bill payments, receive direct deposit, and build a banking relationship that may help you later if you need a loan or credit product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check for someone else?

Yes. You can request a cashier's check made out to anyone. The bank will ask for the recipient's name and may ask for their address. You don't need the recipient's permission or presence — you're paying for the check yourself.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

Most banks will not issue a cashier's check without a valid photo ID. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, explore for a state ID card at your local DMV or equivalent office. Money orders at the post office also require ID, but some grocery store money order services may accept other forms of identification — call ahead to ask.

Is a money order as safe as a cashier's check?

Both are safer than personal checks because the money is may provide. Cashier's checks are backed by the bank itself, while money orders are backed by the issuing company. For most purposes, they're equally safe. Money orders are slightly riskier only if the issuing company goes out of business, which is rare for major providers like Western Union or the Postal Service.

Can I cancel a cashier's check or money order after I buy it?

Yes, but it's complicated and may cost you money. If you haven't given the check to the recipient, contact the issuer when ready. Banks usually charge a fee to cancel a cashier's check and may require you to wait 30 to 90 days before refunding the amount. Money orders can usually be cancelled at the point of sale, but after that, the process is slower and may cost $5 to $15.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check someone gives me?

No. You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, or at many grocery stores and check-cashing services, without an account. However, check-cashing services charge a fee — usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Opening a free checking account is almost always cheaper if you receive checks regularly.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.