To cash a cashier’s check, you can visit banks, credit unions, check cashing stores, big box stores, or even explore online cashing services. If you’ve received a cashier’s check from selling a high-value item, settling a significant transaction, or as a thoughtful gift, you might be wondering what to do with it or where to go next.
Cashing a cashier’s check doesn’t have to be a hassle. With many options available, you can find a convenient and cost-effective way to access your funds. In this article, we’ll guide you through how and where to cash a cashier’s check. Whether you choose to visit your bank, Walmart, or explore online cashing services, we’ll provide the information you need to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What is a Cashier’s Check?
A cashier’s check is a form of payment issued by a bank using its own funds instead of an individual account holder’s funds. This means that the bank guarantees the payment, giving the recipient a high level of security.
Cashier’s checks are commonly used in significant transactions where the payee needs assurance of a secure payment, such as for car purchases or home down payments. Moreover, funds from a cashier’s check are usually available more quickly than funds from a personal check, which can take several days to clear.
How to Cash a Cashier’s Check
Cashing a cashier check involves the following steps:
- Go to your bank or credit union: The first step is to visit your bank or credit union. This is the easiest way to cash a cashier’s check, especially if you already have an account with them. Most banks offer this service free of charge to their account holders.
- Notify the bank teller of your intentions: Once you’re at the bank or credit union, inform the teller that you want to cash the check. It’s important that you make this clear, especially if you’d rather get the funds in cash instead of having them deposited into your account.
- Show your identification: To verify your identity, you’ll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. This is a standard security measure that all financial institutions follow and will almost always be required.
- Endorse the cashier’s check: Before the check can be cashed, you must endorse it by signing the back of it. This step is crucial, as it confirms that you are the intended recipient of the funds.
These steps should ensure a smooth and hassle-free process for cashing your cashier’s check.
Where Can I Cash a Cashier’s Check?
Once you know how the typical process works, you’ll need to find a place to cash a cashier’s check. Fortunately, there are several options available.
Banks and credit unions
You can cash a cashier’s check at any bank or credit union. It can be in:
- The bank or credit union that issued the cashier’s check: This option is ideal if it works for you because the issuing bank is required to cash the check from its own funds, even if you aren’t a member. This way, you can avoid the risk of the check bouncing.
- A bank or credit union where you have an account: Even if this institution didn’t issue the cashier’s check, you can still take it there. If you’re a member, this is typically the best option, as you can usually cash a cashier’s check for free, and the funds can be made available to you either in cash or by depositing it into your account.
- Any bank (even if it didn’t issue the cashier’s check or you’re not an account holder): If neither of the first two options works for you, you can also try visiting any bank, even if it didn’t issue the cashier’s check and you’re not an account holder there. Many banks allow you to cash a cashier’s check without a bank account with them, although you may encounter some fees for this service.
Here are some known banks and credit unions where you can cash a cashier’s check along with the fees that may involve:
| Name of Bank / Credit Union | Fee |
| Bank of America | $15 (waived for Preferred Rewards clients) |
| Chartway Federal Credit Union | $0 |
| Chase Bank | $10 |
| Citibank | $10 |
| Civista Bank | $7 |
| HSBC | $0 |
| U.S. Bank | $10 |
| Wells Fargo | $10 |
Check cashing stores
Another option for cashing a cashier’s check is to visit a check cashing store. These stores let you cash all sorts of checks, but they will charge you a fee for the service. The fees may vary, so it’s a good idea to call the check cashing place near you in advance to find out how much it will cost to cash your cashier’s check.
Below are some well-known check cashing stores:
- Ace Cash Express
- Check’n Go
- Check Into Cash
- Money Mart
- Moneytree
- Pay-O-Matic
- PLS Check Cashing
- Speedy Cash
- The Check Cashing Store
- Check Cashing USA
Big box or retail stores
Some big box or retail stores also allow you to cash a cashier’s check. This can be a convenient option as you can cash your check while shopping. Here are a couple of big box or retail stores where you can cash a cashier’s check:
| Big Box / Retail Store | Fee |
| Walmart | $4 max for checks up to $1,000 and $8 max for checks over $1,000 |
| H-E-B | Starts at $3 |
| Kroger | Varies by state |
Online
While you can visit these physical establishments, you can also instantly cash a cashier’s check online. However, you won’t receive cash immediately; instead, the funds will be deposited into your bank account. To deposit a cashier’s check online, use your bank’s mobile deposit feature. You can deposit the check into a checking or savings account. Follow the instructions from your bank’s mobile app to complete the deposit.
Here are a few places where you can deposit a cashier’s check online:
Once you’re done cashing your cashier’s check, consider using Cushion to manage your finances further and build your credit history. Cushion charges your bank account or debit card to cover the costs of your bill payments, including subscriptions and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payments, and reports them to credit bureaus. This way, your expenses can positively impact your credit score.
Summary
Cashier’s checks are an ideal choice for large transactions where assurance and reliability of payment are crucial. By understanding how they work and where you can cash them, you can use this payment method confidently and effectively. This knowledge will empower you to manage your finances more efficiently and avoid potential pitfalls associated with such transactions.
