With cash gradually losing its place as 'the payment king,' people are constantly looking for more convenient methods for making payments the way they want.
A cashier's check also known as an official check is a paper that is drawn from a bank's or credit union's account rather than a personal account.
Unlike personal checks, a cashier's check comes with a watermark and is usually signed by a teller who guarantees that the check is covered by the financial institution that issued it.
Over the years, cashier's checks have been an easier and more secure way of making large payments as they can't be easily counterfeited or reproduced.
Usually, a bank account with the issuing financial institution is required to get a cashier's check since these types of checks usually cover large amounts and should be issued only to trusted individuals.
However, while a bank account might be a common banking method for most people, not everyone owns a bank account nowadays; — a survey conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation reported that 4.5 percent of U.S. households (approximately 5.9 million) still don't have a bank account.
This is mostly due to the fact that most residents of these households don't comply with banking regulations for opening a bank account.
Thankfully, unbanked residents aren't limited to most banking services, and getting a cashier's check without a bank account nowadays isn't much of a hassle.
To help you out, we'll show you where to get a cashier's check without a bank account.
Table of Contents
Where Can I Get A Cashier's Check?
There are two places to get a cashier's check, which include; — locally by visiting a financial institution (bank or credit union) and online through an online banking platform.
When looking to get a cashier's check locally, all you need to do is visit a bank or credit union and request to get a cashier's check.
On the other hand, getting a cashier's check online is easy and can be done directly on your phone; — however, it usually takes time for the check to arrive.
You can get a cashier's check online if your bank allows you to order one through their mobile banking platform.
Most popular banks like Capital One allow customers to order a cashier's check through their banking site or mobile app.
Also Read: Best Instant Mobile Check Deposit Without Bank Account
Can You Get A Cashier's Check Without A Bank Account?
Yes, you can get a cashier's check without a bank account.
While the options for getting a cashier's check without a bank account aren't many, it is still, however, possible to get it.
Also Read: Online Banks With Instant Mobile Check Deposit
Where To Get A Cashier's Check Without A Bank Account
A cashier's check is usually issued by a financial institution (bank or credit union), which watermarks and signs the check to guarantee that the bank or credit union issuing it guarantees the check payment.
Following that, the best place to get a cashier's check without a bank account is at a bank or credit union.
What you'll always want to do is visit nearby banks and inquire if they give out cashier's checks without the need for a bank account.
If they don't, just move on to the next bank, and hopefully, you'll find one.
When you find a bank or credit union that matches what you're looking for, follow these steps to get a cashier's check without a bank account:
- Provide the teller with your ID and the recipient's name and personal information.
- Pay the check amount with any fee it incurs.
- Get your receipt which you'll use to track the check.
While it can be a hassle to move from bank to bank, it is, however, the best option you have in this case.
However, you can also get a cashier's check without a bank account at any issuing financial institution if a good justification for getting it is made — that is, there's a good reason for you looking to get it.
For example, some special scenarios where you can get a cashier's check without a bank account include;
- When you have a closed account with an overdrawn balance the bank requires you to purchase a cashier's check to cover your debt.
- When you've been mentioned as the beneficiary of a deceased person and looking to close an account on behalf of the person.
There are many other scenarios where you can get a cashier's check without a bank account, and if you're in a tight situation, it's always good to discuss with the teller and explain to them why you need the check.
Also Read: Where To Cash Third Party Check Online Instantly
How Much Does A Cashier's Check Cost?
The issue fee for a cashier's check usually varies depending on the bank.
While most banks won't charge you any fee for getting a cashier's check, some, on the other hand, might charge you some fees for getting these checks from them.
Also Read: Best Instant Check Cashing Apps No Verification
Benefits Of Getting A Cashier's Check
Cashier's checks usually come with lots of benefits, some of which include;
- Security and can't be easily reproduced.
- They are good for larger amounts.
- Funds might be available earlier since they are drawn from the financial institution's account.
Also Read: Mobile Check Cashing For Prepaid Card Loading
When Should You Get A Cashier's Check?
There are many scenarios where using a cashier's check may be the most convenient and secure payment method available. Some of these include;
- Buying or selling a vehicle.
- Buying or selling a home.
- Paying a security deposit for an apartment.
- Paying college tuition and fees.
- Repaying a large personal debt to a friend or family member.
- Receiving a lump sum amount from a lawsuit settlement.
- Receiving a lump sum withdrawal from an investment or retirement account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cashier's check at Walmart?
No, you cannot get a cashier's check at Walmart since it is neither a bank nor a credit union.
Can I get a cashier's check at Chase without an account?
No, Chase does not offer cashier's checks to non-customers, as they reserve these checks exclusively for existing customers.
Can I get a cashier's check at Bank of America without an account?
No, Bank of America only issues cashier's checks to existing customers.
What is the maximum amount for a cashier's check?
There's usually no maximum amount a cashier's check can hold. However, the upper limit allowed for a cashier's check might vary depending on the bank.
Final Thoughts
A cashier's check is a paper check that is usually used for making payments that cover large amounts since they are convenient, secured, and most often can't be reproduced.
Cashier's checks are usually issued by banks and credit unions and most of these banks might require you to hold a bank account with them before you can get one.
While getting a cashier's check without a bank account might be difficult, you can get one by inquiring from a bank or credit union if they offer cashier's checks to non-customers, or in a special situation.
However, for your own convenience, we'll recommend you to consider opening a bank account to get a cashier's check without hassle.