How to Get a Cashier's Check

# How to Get a Cashier's Check

A cashier's check is one of the safest forms of payment you can use for large transactions — real estate down payments, car purchases, security deposits, or any time a seller demands a guaranteed payment. Unlike a personal check, a cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own funds and is virtually impossible to bounce.

Here's exactly how to get one, where to go, what it costs, and common questions answered.

What Is a Cashier's Check?#

A cashier's check (also called an official bank check or teller's check) is a check issued by a bank or credit union, signed by a bank teller or officer, and drawn directly on the bank's own account — not your personal account.

Because the bank guarantees the funds, cashier's checks are accepted for transactions where personal checks are not, such as:

• Real estate closings and down payments
• Buying a used car from a private seller
• Large security deposits
• Court settlements
• International wire alternatives

How to Get a Cashier's Check: Step-by-Step#

Step 1 — Prepare the information you'll need#

Before going to the bank, have ready:

• The payee's full legal name (exactly as it should appear on the check — "John Smith" or "John Smith LLC")
• The exact dollar amount (cashier's checks cannot be written for "approximately" — the amount is final once printed)
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Your account information if you're paying from a bank account

Step 2 — Go to your bank or credit union#

Visit a branch of your bank or credit union in person. Most major banks issue cashier's checks at any teller window without an appointment.

Banks that issue cashier's checks:

• Chase Bank
• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• Citibank
• U.S. Bank
• TD Bank
• PNC Bank
• Capital One (select branches)
• Most credit unions

> Not a customer? Some banks will issue a cashier's check to non-customers if you pay in cash. Call ahead — policies vary by bank.

Step 3 — Ask the teller for a cashier's check#

Tell the teller:

• You'd like a cashier's check
• The payee's name (who it's made out to)
• The exact amount

The teller will withdraw the funds from your account (or accept cash) at that moment. The funds are immediately debited — you cannot stop payment on a cashier's check after it's issued.

Step 4 — Pay the fee and collect the check#

The bank will charge a fee (see the table below) and print the check on the spot. The entire process takes 5–10 minutes.

You'll receive a receipt — keep it. If the check is lost or stolen, you'll need proof of purchase to request a replacement.

Cashier's Check Fees by Bank (2026)#

> Tip: Credit unions typically charge the lowest fees — often $0–$3 — and some waive fees entirely for all members.

Can You Get a Cashier's Check Online?#

Most banks do not offer fully online cashier's checks — you typically need to visit a branch. However, a few options exist:

• Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo allow you to order a cashier's check via online banking or their app, then mail it to you (allow 5–7 business days). This is slower but useful if you can't visit a branch.
• Some banks offer "electronic cashier's checks" — digital equivalents sent via email that the recipient prints and deposits. Ask your bank if this is available.
• Money orders are a close alternative you can buy online via USPS or at retailers — though they're capped at $1,000 per money order.

If you need a cashier's check quickly, a branch visit is always the fastest route.

How to Get a Cashier's Check Without a Bank Account#

If you don't have a bank account, you have a few options:

1. Pay a non-customer fee at a bank — Some banks (Wells Fargo, Chase) will issue a cashier's check to non-customers if you pay in cash plus a higher fee (often $10–$20). Call the branch first to confirm.
2. Open a basic bank account — A free checking account at a credit union or online bank takes 5–10 minutes and immediately makes you eligible to purchase cashier's checks.
3. Use a money order instead — For amounts under $1,000, a USPS money order ($2.35 fee) or Walmart money order ($1 fee) is nearly as accepted and doesn't require a bank account.
4. Use Western Union or MoneyGram — Both services allow you to purchase a type of guaranteed payment instrument without a bank account.

Cashier's Check vs. Personal Check vs. Money Order#

For large transactions, a cashier's check is almost always preferred over a personal check, and it's accepted in situations where money orders aren't practical due to the dollar limit.

What to Do If a Cashier's Check Is Lost or Stolen#

A lost or stolen cashier's check is a serious problem. Here's the process:

1. Contact your bank immediately and report it lost or stolen.
2. Submit a written loss affidavit — the bank will require you to sign a declaration stating you did not cash or transfer the check.
3. Wait for the bank's indemnity period — most banks require waiting 90 days (some up to 12 months) before issuing a replacement, to ensure the original isn't cashed.
4. Request a replacement or refund — once the waiting period passes, the bank will reissue the check or refund the amount.

> Warning: Never send a "replacement" cashier's check to someone who claims your original was lost — this is a common scam.

FAQ#

How long does it take to get a cashier's check?

In-person at a bank branch, the process takes 5–10 minutes. If you order one online for mail delivery, expect 5–7 business days.

Can I get a cashier's check for any amount?

Yes. Unlike money orders (capped at $1,000), there's no standard maximum on cashier's checks. Banks may require additional documentation for very large amounts (e.g., over $10,000), as required by federal anti-money-laundering rules.

Do cashier's checks expire?

Technically, cashier's checks don't expire, but banks may require additional verification or charge a "stale check" fee on checks older than 90–180 days. Use the check promptly after receiving it.

Can I cancel a cashier's check?

It's very difficult. Once issued and funds are withdrawn, you must file an affidavit, wait 90+ days, and the bank decides whether to reissue. Only buy a cashier's check when you're certain you want to complete the transaction.

What's the difference between a cashier's check and a certified check?

A certified check is drawn on your personal account but certified by the bank (which earmarks the funds so they can't be spent elsewhere). A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's own account. Both are guaranteed, but cashier's checks are more widely accepted and more secure.

Is a cashier's check the same as a bank draft?

In the U.S., they're essentially the same thing. "Bank draft" is a more common term in some international contexts.

Can someone fake a cashier's check?

Unfortunately, yes — cashier's check fraud is common. To verify a cashier's check, call the issuing bank directly (not the number printed on the check) and verify the check number and amount before releasing any goods or property.

Bottom Line#

Getting a cashier's check is straightforward: visit your bank or credit union with a photo ID, the payee's name, and the exact amount. The teller will withdraw the funds and print a check backed by the bank's own guarantee. Expect to pay a $5–$15 fee unless you have a premium account. For most large transactions — real estate, car sales, court settlements — a cashier's check is the gold standard for guaranteed payment.

Related Comparisons#

• Chase vs Bank of America: Which Is Better?
• Wells Fargo vs Chase: Full Banking Comparison