The fastest way to get a check from your bank
Walk into your bank branch with your debit card or ID and ask the teller for a cashier's check or a withdrawal. If you want cash, they hand it over on the spot. If you want a check written to someone else—a landlord, a contractor, the IRS—the bank prints a cashier's check (a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours) while you wait, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. You pay a small fee, typically $5 to $15 per check.
If you need a personal check drawn on your own account instead, you can write one yourself if you have a checkbook. If you don't have checks, the bank can order them for you, but that takes 7 to 14 business days. For same-day personal checks, some banks offer a service where they print them at the branch, though not all locations do this.
Online banks and banks without physical branches cannot hand you a check on the spot. If you use an online-only bank, you'll need to either request checks by mail or visit an ATM to withdraw cash and then deposit it at another bank to get a check written.
Key Takeaways
- A cashier's check from your bank is available the same day and costs $5 to $15; the bank prints it while you wait.
- Personal checks drawn on your own account require either a checkbook you already have or an order that takes 7 to 14 business days.
- You need a valid ID or debit card to get a check from a teller; bring both if you have them.
- Online banks cannot issue checks at a branch because they have no physical location; you'll need to use mail or withdraw cash instead.
Cashier's checks versus personal checks
A cashier's check is drawn on the bank itself, not your account. The bank guarantees the funds because it's paying from its own money. This makes a cashier's check safer for the person receiving it—landlords, title companies, and government agencies often require them because they know the money is there. The downside is the fee and the fact that you need to go to a branch.
A personal check is drawn on your own account. You write it yourself if you have a checkbook, or the bank prints one for you. Personal checks are free if you already have them, but they take longer to process and the recipient has to trust that your account has the money. Some businesses and government offices won't take personal checks for large amounts or at all.
If you're paying a bill or sending money to someone you know, a personal check works fine. If you're paying a stranger, buying something valuable, or dealing with a government agency, a cashier's check is usually the safer choice—for both you and the recipient.
What you need to bring to get a check
Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have your debit card, bring that too; it makes the process faster because the teller can look up your account right away. You don't need both, but having at least one is required.
If you want a cashier's check, tell the teller the amount and who it should be made out to. If you're not sure of the exact spelling of the recipient's name, ask—a misspelled name can cause problems when the check is deposited. You'll pay the fee at that time, either in cash or by having it deducted from your account.
If you want a personal check and don't have a checkbook, ask the teller if the bank can print one same-day. Some branches can; others cannot. If they can't, you'll need to order checks by mail, which usually takes a week to two weeks depending on the bank and the printer they use.
Getting checks when you don't have a branch nearby
If you bank online or your nearest branch is far away, you have a few options. The simplest is to order checks by mail from your bank's website. Log in, go to the account settings or card services section, and look for "order checks" or "reorder checks." You'll choose the design and quantity, pay a fee (usually $10 to $30 for a box of 50), and they arrive in 7 to 14 business days.
If you need cash or a check urgently and have no branch access, withdraw cash from an ATM using your debit card, then deposit it at another bank or credit union that has a branch. Ask that bank to issue you a cashier's check. You'll pay their fee, but you'll have the check the same day.
Some online banks partner with in-person networks—Ally Bank, for example, works with Allpoint ATMs and some branches of other banks. Check your bank's website to see if they have partnerships that let you access branch services without going to their own location.
Fees and timing for different check types
| Check Type | Fee | Time to Get It | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier's check (at branch) | $5–$15 | Same day (10–15 minutes) | Large payments, strangers, government agencies |
| Personal check (you write it) | Free (if you have checks) | Immediate | Bills, known recipients, routine payments |
| Personal checks (ordered by mail) | $10–$30 per box | 7–14 business days | Routine use when you run out |
| Personal check (printed at branch) | $5–$10 per check | Same day (if available) | Urgent need and branch access |
What to do if the bank won't issue a check
Banks can refuse to issue a cashier's check if your account is overdrawn or if there's a hold on your funds. If this happens, ask the teller why. If it's a temporary hold (often placed after a large deposit), it usually lifts within a few business days. If it's an overdraft, you'll need to deposit money to cover it before the bank will issue the check.
Some banks also have limits on how many cashier's checks you can get in a single day or month. This is rare, but if you need multiple checks, ask ahead of time. If your bank won't help, you can visit a different bank or credit union and ask if they'll issue a cashier's check drawn on your account—many will, though they may charge a higher fee.
If you're locked out of your account due to fraud or a dispute, the bank won't issue any checks until the matter is resolved. Contact your bank's fraud department or dispute resolution team to find out how long this will take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a check without going to the bank in person?
No, not for a cashier's check—you must visit a branch. For personal checks, you can order them by mail from your bank's website and they'll arrive in 7 to 14 days. Some banks also let you request a check by phone or app, but you still have to pick it up at a branch or have it mailed to you.
How much does a cashier's check cost?
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per cashier's check. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a certain account balance or have a premium account type. Call your bank or ask the teller before you request the check.
What if I lose a check the bank gave me?
For a cashier's check, contact your bank immediately. They can place a stop payment on it (usually free) and issue a replacement. For a personal check, you can also stop payment, but the fee is typically $25 to $35. The sooner you report it, the better.
Can I get a check made out to two people?
Yes. Tell the teller both names and how they should appear on the check. For a cashier's check, specify whether it should say "and" (both must sign to deposit) or "or" (either can deposit). For a personal check, write it the same way.
Do I need a checkbook to write a check?
Yes, a physical checkbook with your account number and routing number printed on it. If you don't have one, you can order checks from your bank or from a third-party printer like Deluxe or Costco. You cannot write a check without these numbers.