Where Can You Get a Cashier’s Check From?

A cashier’s check is a payment instrument drawn on a bank’s own funds, not on an individual’s account. The bank guarantees the payment, making it a highly secure form of transaction. Cashier’s checks are often used for significant purchases, such as vehicles or real estate down payments, or in situations where a personal check might not be accepted due to trust or verification concerns.

Primary Locations for Cashier’s Checks

Banks and credit unions are the most common places to obtain a cashier’s check. These financial institutions issue checks directly from their own accounts, providing the inherent guarantee. For existing account holders, fees may be reduced or waived, often ranging from $5 to $15.

Some banks and credit unions issue cashier’s checks to non-account holders. This often involves higher fees, ranging from $10 to $20, and stricter identification requirements. Call ahead to inquire about their policy for non-customers, as some institutions may decline this service. Payment for the check and any associated fees will need to be made in cash.

Information and Items Required

Before visiting a financial institution for a cashier’s check, have specific information and items ready. You will need valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.

Know the exact amount the cashier’s check needs to be for, as this amount cannot be altered once issued. Provide the full legal name of the payee.

If funds are drawn from your account, have your account number and routing number available. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your account, or cash if a non-customer, to cover the check amount and any issuance fees.

Steps to Obtain a Cashier’s Check

To obtain your cashier’s check, approach a teller or customer service representative at your bank or credit union. Inform them you wish to purchase a cashier’s check and provide the exact amount and the payee’s name.

The representative will process your request, withdrawing funds from your account or accepting your cash payment. They will also collect any associated fees, which typically range from $5 to $20. After the check is printed, verify all details before leaving. Obtain and keep the receipt.

Alternative Secure Payment Methods

When a cashier’s check is not suitable, several other secure payment methods offer guaranteed funds. Money orders are an option for smaller transactions, typically capped at $1,000, and can be purchased for a lower fee, usually between $1 and $5. They are widely available at post offices, some grocery stores, and convenience stores, and do not always require a bank account.

Certified checks provide another secure alternative. The bank verifies that sufficient funds are available in the payer’s account and sets them aside. Unlike cashier’s checks, certified checks are drawn from the payer’s personal account, but they carry a bank’s certification of funds. Fees for certified checks can sometimes be higher than for cashier’s checks, often ranging from $15 to $20.

Wire transfers allow direct electronic movement of funds between bank accounts, often completing domestic transfers within the same day. While highly secure and suitable for immediate, large-sum transactions, wire transfers typically incur higher fees, ranging from approximately $15 to $50 for domestic transfers. Unlike checks, wire transfers are irreversible once processed.