Most banks will sell a cashier's check to a non-customer, but not all, and the process varies by bank and branch

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. Because the bank guarantees the funds, recipients treat it as nearly as good as cash. If you don't have an account at a bank, you can still buy a cashier's check there—but you'll need to bring cash or a debit card, know the exact amount in advance, and be prepared for a fee that typically ranges from $5 to $15 per check.

The catch: not every branch of every bank will sell to non-customers, and some banks have stopped the practice entirely. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask whether that specific branch sells cashier's checks to people without accounts. If they do, ask what payment methods they accept and whether they need the payee's name spelled a certain way.

Key Takeaways

  • Major banks including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank will sell cashier's checks to non-customers at most branches, but policies vary by location.
  • You must bring cash or a debit card to pay for the check, plus a valid ID; personal checks are not accepted as payment.
  • The fee for a cashier's check ranges from $5 to $15, and you need to know the exact payee name and amount before you arrive.
  • Some credit unions and smaller regional banks have stopped selling cashier's checks to non-customers, so calling ahead is essential.
  • The transaction typically takes 10 to 20 minutes if the branch is not busy, and you receive the check on the spot.

Which major banks sell cashier's checks to non-customers

Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank all sell cashier's checks to non-customers at most of their branches. However, "most" does not mean all—some branches have stopped the practice, and policies can shift. A few regional banks and credit unions have also restricted or eliminated this service in recent years, citing fraud concerns and staffing limits.

Before you go to a branch, call and confirm that location will sell to you. Ask for the fee amount, the payment methods they accept, and whether they have any limits on the number of checks you can buy in one day. Some branches may ask you to come back at a specific time if they are short-staffed.

What you need to bring and how to pay

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will record your name and ID number for their records, even though you don't have an account.

Payment must be in cash or from a debit card. Personal checks are not accepted as payment for a cashier's check. If you pay by debit card, the bank will run it like any other transaction. If you pay in cash, bring the exact amount or be prepared for change; some branches may ask you to pay a small amount over the check amount to cover the fee.

You must know the payee's name, the exact amount, and the date you want on the check before you arrive. If you are unsure about spelling or need to add a memo line, ask the teller what the bank can accommodate.

Fees and how long the process takes

Cashier's check fees range from $5 to $15 per check at most major banks. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge based on whether you have an account there. A non-customer typically pays the higher end of that range. A few banks have raised fees to $20 or more in recent years, so ask when you call.

The transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the branch is not busy. The teller will prepare the check, you will sign nothing (the bank officer signs it), and you walk out with the check in hand. There is no waiting period or approval process—if the bank accepts your payment, you get the check immediately.

What to do if your bank branch won't sell to non-customers

If the branch you visit refuses, try another branch of the same bank in a different neighborhood. Policies can differ by location, and a busier branch may be more willing to process the transaction.

If no branch in your area will sell to you, a credit union you belong to may offer the service to members. If you don't belong to a credit union, some will let you open a membership for a small fee (often $5 to $25) and then buy a cashier's check the same day. Money services stores and check-cashing outlets sometimes sell cashier's checks as well, though fees may be higher and the process less standardized.

As a last resort, you can ask the person or business you are paying whether they will accept a certified check instead. A certified check is your personal check that the bank has verified and stamped; it is less secure than a cashier's check but more secure than an uncertified personal check. Some banks will certify a check for a non-customer if you have the funds in cash to cover it.

How cashier's checks differ from certified checks and money orders

A cashier's check is drawn on the bank's account and signed by a bank officer. The bank guarantees the funds, so the recipient knows the money is there. If the check is lost or stolen, you can request a stop payment, though the process takes time and the bank may require a bond.

A certified check is your personal check that the bank has stamped and verified. The bank sets aside the funds from your account to may provide they are available, but the check still comes from you. Certified checks are cheaper or free if you have an account, but some banks will not certify checks for non-customers.

A money order is a prepaid instrument you can buy at post offices, grocery stores, and check-cashing outlets. Money orders are widely accepted but have lower limits (usually $500 to $1,000 per order) and higher fees than cashier's checks. If you need to send more than $1,000, you would need multiple money orders.

Why recipients prefer cashier's checks

Cashier's checks are preferred for large transactions—down payments on homes, car purchases, security deposits, and business payments—because the recipient knows the bank has already verified the funds. There is no risk that the check will bounce. Personal checks carry the risk that the account has insufficient funds or has been closed. Money orders are safer than personal checks but less convenient for large amounts.

Some recipients will not accept anything but a cashier's check or wire transfer for transactions over a certain amount. If you are unsure what the other party will accept, ask before you go to the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check on a weekend or after hours?

No. Cashier's checks are only issued during regular business hours when a bank officer is present to sign them. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some branches. Call ahead to confirm your branch's hours.

What happens if I lose the cashier's check before I deposit it?

Contact the bank immediately and request a stop payment. The bank will ask for the check number, amount, and payee name. You may be required to sign an affidavit and post a bond (usually equal to the check amount) before the bank will issue a replacement. The process can take several weeks.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to buy a cashier's check as a non-customer?

No, but you must have a valid government-issued ID. A passport, visa, or state ID from your country of origin is usually accepted. Ask the teller what forms of ID they recognize before you arrive.

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

Yes, but the payee name must be correct and you must know it before you go to the bank. You cannot buy a blank cashier's check and fill in the payee name later. The teller will write the payee name on the check, and only that person can deposit or cash it.

Is there a limit to how many cashier's checks I can buy at once?

Most banks do not have a stated limit, but some branches may ask questions if you buy more than a few checks in one day. This is part of anti-fraud and anti-money-laundering procedures. If you need multiple checks, call ahead and let the branch know.