You can get a cashier's check without a bank account, but you'll need to go through a bank or credit union that offers the service to non-customers
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account and signed by a bank officer, which makes it more secure than a personal check. Banks issue them to non-customers, but the process differs from what account holders do. You'll pay a fee (typically $5 to $15), provide cash or a debit card, and wait while the bank prints the check—usually the same day or within one business day.
The catch is that not every bank will issue one to a non-customer, and some require you to call ahead or visit a specific branch. Credit unions are often more flexible about this than large national banks. You can also use a check-cashing service or money transfer business, though those routes may cost more or offer fewer protections.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions will issue cashier's checks to non-customers if you pay in cash or use a debit card, though fees range from $5 to $15.
- Call the bank branch before you go, because some locations refuse non-customer requests or require advance notice.
- Credit unions typically have fewer restrictions than national banks and may waive fees for certain transactions.
- Check-cashing services and money transfer businesses can issue cashier's checks but usually charge more and may have lower limits on the amount.
- The entire transaction usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if the bank accepts your request on the spot.
How to request a cashier's check at a bank branch
Walk into any bank branch with the amount you want to send in cash or on a debit card. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. Provide the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, and confirm the exact amount. The teller will ask for identification—a driver's license or passport—to verify who you are.
The bank will then deduct the check amount plus the fee from your cash or debit card, print the check, and have an officer sign it. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll receive the check and a receipt. Some banks will mail the check to you if you can't wait, but that adds a few days and may cost extra.
If the branch tells you they don't serve non-customers, ask if another branch in the area does, or ask whether you can call ahead to arrange it. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to say yes than Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, though policies vary by location.
Why credit unions are often easier than banks
Credit unions typically have fewer rules about who they'll serve and may waive the fee if you're a member of a related organization or if the check amount is small. Many credit unions will issue a cashier's check to a non-member for the standard fee without requiring advance notice.
To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Alliant Credit Union branch finder online. Call ahead to confirm they issue cashier's checks to non-members and ask about their fee. Some credit unions limit the amount they'll issue to non-members (for example, $5,000 or $10,000), so verify that too.
Check-cashing services and money transfer businesses
MoneyGram, Western Union, and local check-cashing stores can issue cashier's checks or money orders, which serve a similar purpose. The fee is usually higher—$10 to $30 depending on the amount—and the check may take longer to clear because it's drawn on a smaller institution rather than a major bank.
Money orders are cheaper (often $1 to $5) but have lower limits, usually $500 to $1,000 per order. If you need to send more than that, you'd have to buy multiple money orders. Cashier's checks from these services work the same way as bank-issued ones, but some recipients prefer checks from recognizable banks.
The main advantage of this route is convenience—many check-cashing locations have longer hours than banks and don't require you to call ahead. The main disadvantage is cost and the fact that some businesses or government agencies won't accept them.
What to bring and what it costs
| Provider | What to Bring | Fee Range | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (non-customer) | ID, cash or debit card | $5–$15 | Same day, 15–30 min |
| Credit union (non-member) | ID, cash or debit card | $5–$15 (sometimes waived) | Same day, 15–30 min |
| Check-cashing service | ID, cash or debit card | $10–$30 | Same day, 10–20 min |
| Money transfer service | ID, cash or debit card | $10–$25 | Same day, 10–20 min |
Bring a valid photo ID to any location. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. Some places accept military ID or tribal ID as well. If you're paying with a debit card, bring the card itself—you'll need to swipe or insert it.
If you're paying in cash, bring more than the check amount to cover the fee. For example, if you need a $500 cashier's check and the fee is $10, bring at least $510. Ask the teller to confirm the total before they process it.
When a cashier's check is better than other payment methods
A cashier's check is backed by the bank's own funds, so the recipient knows the money is real and won't bounce. This makes it safer than a personal check for large transactions like down payments on a house, security deposits, or paying a contractor. Many landlords, real estate agents, and government agencies specifically request cashier's checks for this reason.
A wire transfer is faster (usually same-day) but costs more ($15 to $50) and requires a bank account. A money order is cheaper but has a lower limit and takes longer to clear. A personal check is free but offers no may provide the funds exist. If you need proof the money is real and you don't have a bank account, a cashier's check is usually the best choice.
What happens if the check is lost or stolen
If your cashier's check is lost or stolen before you cash it, contact the bank that issued it immediately. Provide the check number, amount, and date. The bank will put a stop on the check and issue a replacement, though this usually takes 30 to 90 days. Some banks charge a fee for a replacement ($15 to $30).
If someone else cashes the stolen check before you report it, the bank is liable for the loss, not you. This is one reason cashier's checks are considered safer than cash. Keep the receipt the bank gives you—it has the check number and will help you report the loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check for more than $10,000?
Yes, but banks may require you to provide advance notice and may ask where the money is coming from. Large cashier's checks trigger reporting requirements under federal law, but this doesn't prevent you from getting one—it just means the bank documents the transaction.
What if the bank branch near me refuses to issue one to non-customers?
Try a different branch of the same bank, a different bank, or a credit union. If no banks in your area will do it, a check-cashing service or money transfer business will, though the fee will be higher. You can also open a basic checking account at most banks for free, which takes 15 to 30 minutes and lets you issue your own checks.
How long does a cashier's check take to clear?
Most cashier's checks clear within one to three business days because they're drawn on the bank's own account. Some banks or recipients may hold it longer if it's from a smaller institution, but it's faster than a personal check, which can take five to seven days.
Can I cancel a cashier's check after it's been issued?
Yes, but only if you haven't given it to anyone yet. Return to the bank with your receipt and ask them to cancel it and refund your money. They may charge a fee ($15 to $30) for the cancellation. Once someone else has the check, you can't cancel it—you can only put a stop on it if it's lost or stolen.
Is a money order the same as a cashier's check?
They're similar but not identical. Both are may provide by the issuer, but money orders have lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000) and cost less ($1 to $5). Cashier's checks have higher limits and cost more but are more widely accepted for large transactions. For amounts under $1,000, a money order is usually cheaper.