A cashier’s check usually costs somewhere between nothing and about $20, depending on the bank and the type of account you hold. The fee is flat, so a check for $500 costs the same as one for $50,000. This guide breaks down what the major banks charge, what non customers pay, and how to get a cashier’s check for free.
For the step by step process and what to bring, see our companion guide on how to get a cashier’s check. This page is part of our types of checks series.
Quick facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | About $0 to $20 |
| Average at big banks | Roughly $9 to $10 |
| Does the check amount change the fee? | No, the fee is flat |
| Cost for non customers | Often higher, around $10 to $20, if offered at all |
| Can it be free? | Yes, at many credit unions and with premium accounts |
How much banks charge
Most large banks charge in a fairly tight band, and several waive the fee for premium account tiers. The figures below reflect each bank’s published fees and can change, so confirm with your bank.
| Bank | Cashier’s check fee | Free if |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank | About $8 | Some account types |
| Chase | About $10 | Qualifying or premium accounts |
| Wells Fargo | About $10 | Plus about $8 for online delivery |
| Bank of America | About $15 | Preferred Rewards members |
| Capital One (360 Checking) | $0 | Included with the account |
| Many credit unions | $0 | Often free to all members |
Across the biggest banks, the average lands near $9 to $10. Bank of America sits at the higher end of the majors, while U.S. Bank is toward the lower end.
Why the fee is flat
A cashier’s check fee does not scale with the amount. Whether you need $300 or $300,000, you pay the same issuing fee. That makes cashier’s checks especially economical for large payments, where a percentage based fee would be painful. It is one reason they are the default for home and car purchases.
What non customers pay
Most banks issue cashier’s checks only to their own account holders. If a bank will serve a non customer at all, expect to pay in cash, show a government ID, and often pay a higher fee, commonly in the $10 to $20 range. Some banks simply decline. If you are not a customer anywhere, a money order for amounts under $1,000 is usually the cheaper and easier route.
How to get a cashier’s check for free
You have several ways to avoid the fee entirely:
- Join a credit union. Many credit unions issue cashier’s checks free to all members, and membership is often easy to qualify for. Several large ones offer them at no charge.
- Use a premium checking account. Banks frequently waive cashier’s check fees for higher tier accounts. If you already qualify, the fee may already be waived. If not, weigh the account’s requirements against how often you actually need checks.
- Pick a bank that includes them. Some online checking accounts include free cashier’s checks as a standard feature.
- Ask about account perks you already have. Student, senior, military, and relationship based accounts sometimes waive the fee. It is worth a quick call.
Watch for the hidden costs
The issuing fee is not the only cost to keep in mind.
- Online delivery. Ordering online for mailing can add a delivery charge, for example around $8 at some banks, on top of the issuing fee.
- Replacing a lost check. If a cashier’s check is lost or stolen, getting it replaced can require an indemnity bond and a waiting period of up to around 90 days. A surety bond can shorten the wait but adds cost. Keep your receipt to avoid the worst of this.
- Stop payment fees. Stopping a cashier’s check, where possible, usually carries its own fee.
Is a cashier’s check worth the fee?
For a large or important payment, yes. The fee buys guaranteed funds that will not bounce, which is exactly what a home seller, landlord, or dealership wants. For smaller payments under $1,000, a money order at roughly $1 to $5 is cheaper and does the same job. See cashier’s check vs. money order to choose, and use a cashier’s check for the situations covered in how to get a cashier’s check.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cashier’s check cost? Usually between $0 and $20, with big bank averages around $9 to $10. Many credit unions and premium accounts charge nothing.
Does the amount of the check change the fee? No. The issuing fee is flat regardless of the check’s value.
How much is a cashier’s check at Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo? Chase and Wells Fargo are around $10, and Bank of America is around $15, though each waives the fee for certain account tiers. Confirm current figures with the bank.
Can I get a cashier’s check for free? Yes. Many credit unions offer them free to members, and many banks waive the fee for premium or relationship accounts.
How much does a cashier’s check cost without an account? If a bank serves non customers at all, expect roughly $10 to $20, paid in cash with a government ID. Some banks will not issue to non customers.
Lead Paragraph publishes general information, not financial or legal advice. Fees vary by bank, account type, and location and can change, so confirm current pricing with the issuer before you buy.
