You cannot buy a cashier's check directly with a credit card
Banks do not accept credit cards as payment for cashier's checks. When you order a cashier's check, the bank needs to withdraw funds from an account you actually own — a checking or savings account — because the bank is guaranteeing that money exists. A credit card is a line of borrowed money, not an account with a balance the bank can verify and pull from.
What you can do instead is use a credit card to get cash, then use that cash to pay for the cashier's check at your bank. This adds a step and usually costs you a cash advance fee, so it is worth understanding the actual alternatives first.
Key Takeaways
- Banks require you to pay for a cashier's check from a checking or savings account you own, not from a credit card.
- You can withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM or bank teller, then pay for the check with that cash, but you will owe a cash advance fee.
- A money order from a grocery store, post office, or Western Union costs less than a cashier's check and does not require a bank account.
- If you need the funds may provide, ask the recipient whether they will accept a bank transfer, wire transfer, or certified check instead.
- Some banks waive cashier's check fees for customers with certain account types, so check your account benefits before paying.
How to get cash from your credit card to pay for a cashier's check
If you have a credit card but no checking account, you can withdraw cash using that card. Go to an ATM that accepts your card's network (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover), insert the card, and select "cash withdrawal" or "cash advance." The ATM will dispense cash, and your credit card issuer will charge you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $5 to $10.
Alternatively, visit a bank branch or credit union and ask the teller for a cash advance. Hand them your credit card and tell them the amount you need. They will process it the same way an ATM does, and you will pay the same fee. Once you have the cash, take it to your own bank or credit union and request a cashier's check. You will pay the check fee (usually $5 to $15) and provide the cash as payment.
The total cost is the cash advance fee plus the cashier's check fee. For a $1,000 check, you might pay $30 to $50 in fees alone. This is why exploring other options first makes sense.
Money orders as a cheaper alternative
A money order serves the same purpose as a cashier's check — it is a may provide payment that cannot bounce — but costs far less and does not require a bank account. You can buy a money order at the post office, most grocery stores, Walmart, Western Union locations, or check-cashing services.
To buy a money order, you need cash or a debit card (some locations accept credit cards, but this is rare). Tell the clerk the amount and the name of the person or business the money order should be made out to. They will print it, you will sign it, and you will pay a fee of $1 to $5 depending on the amount and location. The recipient can deposit or cash it like a check.
The main limitation is that most money orders cap out at $1,000 per order. If you need to send more, you can buy multiple money orders, but that becomes tedious for large amounts. For sums under $1,000, a money order is almost always cheaper and faster than the credit card-to-cashier's-check route.
Bank transfers and wire transfers as direct alternatives
Before you commit to a cashier's check at all, ask the person or business receiving the payment whether they will accept a bank transfer or wire transfer instead. Both move money directly from your account to theirs with no physical check involved.
A bank transfer (also called an ACH transfer) is free or very cheap, takes one to three business days, and works between most U.S. banks. You initiate it through your bank's website or app, or by calling the bank. You will need the recipient's bank name, account number, and routing number.
A wire transfer is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but costs $15 to $30 and is irreversible once sent. Use a wire transfer only if the recipient specifically asks for it or if you need the money to arrive the same day. For routine payments, a bank transfer is simpler and free.
Certified checks as another option
A certified check is similar to a cashier's check but is drawn on your own account instead of the bank's. You write a check as usual, take it to your bank, and the teller stamps it "certified," confirming that the funds are there. The recipient then knows the check will not bounce.
Certified checks cost less than cashier's checks — usually $5 to $10 — and you can only get one if you have a checking account at that bank. If you have a checking account but no cash on hand, this is your cheapest option. Just write the check, take it to the bank, and ask them to certify it. You will need to have the funds in your account at the time of certification.
What to do if you do not have a bank account
If you have no checking or savings account, a money order is your best choice. You can buy one with cash or a debit card at the post office or grocery store for $1 to $5, and it works anywhere a cashier's check does. The only scenario where a money order will not work is if the recipient specifically requires a cashier's check or certified check, which is rare.
If the recipient does require a cashier's check and you have no bank account, you have two paths. First, open a checking account at a bank or credit union — many offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. Deposit enough cash to cover the check amount plus the check fee, then request the cashier's check. Second, use your credit card to get a cash advance (paying the fee), then open an account and buy the check. The first path is usually cheaper if you plan to use the account again.
Fees and timing to expect
Cashier's checks typically cost $5 to $15 per check, though some banks waive the fee for customers with premium accounts or high balances. Ask your bank whether your account type includes free cashier's checks before you pay. Most banks issue them same-day if you request them before 2 p.m., or next business day if you request them later.
If you are paying with a credit card cash advance, add 3 to 5 percent to the check amount for the cash advance fee. Money orders cost $1 to $5 and are issued when ready. Bank transfers are free but take one to three days. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 and arrive same-day or next-day. Certified checks cost $5 to $10 and are issued same-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to pay for a cashier's check online?
No. Online banking platforms do not allow you to order a cashier's check with a credit card. You must log into your checking or savings account, not your credit card account. If you want to order a check online, you will need to link a bank account to the service.
What if my bank refuses to issue a cashier's check?
Banks can refuse if you do not have an account with them, if your account is overdrawn, or if there are fraud flags on your account. If this happens, try a different bank or credit union where you have an account. If you have no account anywhere, a money order from the post office or grocery store will work for most purposes.
Is a money order as safe as a cashier's check?
Yes. Both are may provide payments that cannot bounce. The recipient can deposit or cash either one. The main difference is that cashier's checks are issued by banks and money orders by post offices or retailers, but both carry the same may provide of funds.
Can I get a cashier's check the same day I request it?
Yes, if you request it before your bank's cutoff time — usually 2 p.m. — and you have an account there with sufficient funds. Call ahead to confirm your bank's policy. If you need it urgently and do not have a bank account, a money order is faster because you can buy one when ready at any post office or grocery store.
What happens if I lose a cashier's check?
Contact your bank when ready. They can place a stop payment on it and issue a replacement, though this usually takes 30 to 90 days and may cost a fee. The recipient will not be able to cash the original check once the stop payment is in place. This is why some people prefer bank transfers — there is no physical check to lose.