Where to get a cashier's check when you don't have a bank account

You can get a cashier's check from a credit union, a check-cashing store, or a money services business like MoneyGram or Western Union. You do not need a bank account—you only need cash or a debit card and a form of ID. The issuer will take your money upfront, print the check in their name as the issuer, and you hand it to the person or business you're paying. The recipient can deposit or cash it like any other check.

A cashier's check is safer than a personal check because the funds are may provide by the institution that issued it, not by your account balance. This is why landlords, car sellers, and title companies often ask for one. The tradeoff is that you pay a fee—usually $5 to $15 per check—and you lose access to that cash immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions and check-cashing stores will issue a cashier's check without requiring you to have an account, as long as you bring cash and a valid ID.
  • Money services businesses like MoneyGram and Western Union also issue cashier's checks, though availability and fees vary by location.
  • You must know the exact payee name and amount before you arrive, because the check cannot be changed once it is printed.
  • Fees range from $5 to $15 per check depending on the issuer and your location.
  • A cashier's check clears faster than a personal check and cannot bounce, which is why it is often required for large transactions.

Credit unions and check-cashing stores

A credit union is often the cheapest option. Many credit unions will issue a cashier's check to a non-member for a flat fee of $5 to $10. You walk in with cash, your ID, and the name and amount of the check you need. The teller prints it on the spot, usually within 10 minutes. You do not need to open an account or provide a Social Security number if you're paying cash.

Check-cashing stores (also called check-cashing services) will also issue cashier's checks without an account. Fees tend to be higher—$10 to $15—and the process is the same: cash, ID, payee name, amount. The downside is that check-cashing stores are less common in some areas and may have shorter hours than banks or credit unions.

Before you go, call ahead and confirm the store issues cashier's checks. Not all of them do, and some may require you to have cashed a check there before.

Money services businesses

MoneyGram and Western Union both issue cashier's checks at many of their locations. You can find a nearby location on their websites by entering your zip code. Fees are typically $10 to $15, and you'll need cash and a valid ID. The process is the same as at a credit union: you provide the payee name, amount, and your cash, and they print the check.

The catch is that not every MoneyGram or Western Union location offers this service. Some are in grocery stores or pharmacies and may only handle wire transfers and bill payments. Call the specific location before you go, or check their website to see which services they offer.

What you need to bring

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the check and the fee. Some places accept credit cards, but cash is safest. Bring the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to—spelled correctly. Bring the exact dollar amount you need.

Do not bring a personal check or ask the issuer to make the check out to "Cash" or leave it blank. Most institutions will refuse. The payee name must be specific and final before the check is printed.

Fees and timing

Fees range from $5 to $15 depending on the issuer and your location. Credit unions are usually the cheapest. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go. You will pay the fee upfront along with the check amount, so bring enough cash to cover both.

A cashier's check is usually ready in 5 to 15 minutes. You walk out with the check in hand. The recipient can deposit it at their bank or cash it at a check-cashing store. Most banks clear a cashier's check within one business day, though some may hold it for two to three days if the amount is large or the recipient's account is new.

When a cashier's check is required

Landlords often ask for a cashier's check as a security deposit because it proves the money exists and cannot bounce. Car dealers and private sellers may ask for one when you're buying a vehicle. Title companies and real estate closings almost always require one. Colleges sometimes ask for tuition payments by cashier's check.

In each case, the reason is the same: the recipient wants proof that the money is real and available. A personal check is a promise; a cashier's check is a may provide backed by the issuer's account.

Alternatives if you can't get a cashier's check

If no credit union or check-cashing store is nearby, ask the recipient whether they will take a money order instead. A money order is similar to a cashier's check but smaller—most are capped at $500 to $1,000—and can be bought at the post office, grocery stores, and pharmacies for $1 to $5. The recipient can cash or deposit it like a check.

If the amount is too large for a money order, ask whether the recipient will take a bank wire transfer or an ACH transfer instead. Both move money directly from one bank account to another and clear within one to three business days. If you don't have a bank account, you can open one at a credit union or online bank in minutes, fund it with cash at a MoneyGram or Western Union location, and then wire the money. This takes longer than a cashier's check but may be your only option if the amount is very large.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cashier's check made out to myself?

Yes. You can make it out to your own name and then deposit or cash it. This is sometimes done to move money between banks or to convert cash into a check form, though it's an unusual use. The issuer will still charge a fee.

What if I make a mistake on the payee name?

You cannot change it once the check is printed. You will have to buy a new check with the correct name and pay the fee again. This is why you should spell the payee name carefully and confirm it before the teller prints the check.

How long is a cashier's check good for?

A cashier's check does not expire, but banks may refuse to cash or deposit one that is more than six months old. If the check is old, contact the issuer and ask for a replacement.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after it's printed?

Yes, but it's difficult and may cost you money. You'll need to contact the issuer and prove you still have the check or that it was lost or stolen. They may charge a fee to cancel it and issue a replacement. This is why you should be certain of the amount and payee before you pay.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a cashier's check?

No. You only need a valid ID and cash. Some institutions may ask for your Social Security number for record-keeping, but you can decline if you're paying cash and not opening an account.