Wells Fargo cashier's checks cost $10 and take about 10 minutes to obtain in person at any branch
Wells Fargo charges $10 per cashier's check if you order it in person at a branch. You'll need to bring a valid ID, the funds in your account to cover the check amount, and know the payee's name. The teller will print the check on the spot, and you walk out with it the same day.
If you're not a Wells Fargo customer, you can still get a cashier's check there, but you'll need to bring cash or a debit card from another bank. The process is the same: walk in, tell the teller what you need, and pay the $10 fee.
Wells Fargo also offers cashier's checks by mail if you have an online account, though this takes longer and involves an extra step of mailing a request form. Most people find the in-person route faster and simpler.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo charges $10 per cashier's check ordered at a branch, and you receive it the same day.
- You need a valid ID, sufficient funds in your account, and the exact name of the payee before you visit.
- Non-customers can order cashier's checks at Wells Fargo by bringing cash or a debit card and paying the $10 fee.
- Ordering by mail through your online account is possible but slower than visiting a branch in person.
What you need to bring to a Wells Fargo branch
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Wells Fargo will not issue a cashier's check without it. The teller will scan or copy it as part of the transaction record.
Make sure you have the payee's full legal name spelled correctly. If you're unsure how to spell it, ask the person or organization before you go to the bank. A misspelled name on a cashier's check can cause problems when the recipient tries to deposit it.
Confirm that your account has enough money to cover the check amount plus the $10 fee. If you're a non-customer paying with cash, bring bills or coins in the exact amount or slightly more.
Ordering a cashier's check online or by phone
Wells Fargo does not issue cashier's checks through its website or mobile app. You cannot order one by phone either. The only remote option is mailing a request, which requires you to print a form, sign it, and mail it to a branch along with a check or authorization to debit your account.
This method takes one to two weeks because the form has to arrive at the branch, be processed, and then mailed back to you. Most people find this slower than simply visiting a branch during business hours. If you need the check quickly, going in person is your only real option.
If you don't have a Wells Fargo account, you cannot order by mail. You must visit a branch with cash or another payment method.
How long a Wells Fargo cashier's check takes to clear
A cashier's check drawn on Wells Fargo clears faster than a personal check because the bank guarantees the funds. Most banks will clear a Wells Fargo cashier's check within one business day, and many clear it the same day it's deposited.
The receiving bank's policies matter. Some banks hold cashier's checks for two business days as a standard practice, even though the funds are may provide. Ask the person or organization receiving the check what their bank's policy is if timing is critical.
If you're paying for something that requires proof of cleared funds—like a down payment on a house—ask the seller or their agent how long they need before closing. Most real estate transactions allow one to two business days for a cashier's check to clear.
Cashier's check fees at Wells Fargo compared to other banks
Wells Fargo's $10 fee is standard among large national banks. Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank all charge $10 per cashier's check ordered at a branch. Some regional banks and credit unions charge $5 to $7.50, and a few charge nothing if you maintain a certain account balance.
If you're a Wells Fargo customer with a premium account—such as a Platinum Checking or higher tier—check your account benefits. Some premium accounts waive cashier's check fees or offer a certain number free per year. Call your branch or log into your account to confirm what applies to you.
Online banks and some credit unions do not issue cashier's checks at all because they have no physical branches. If you bank with an online-only institution, you'll need to visit a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union to get one.
What to do if you lose or damage a cashier's check
If you lose a cashier's check before depositing it, contact the Wells Fargo branch where you bought it as soon as possible. Bring your ID and the receipt from the transaction. The bank can issue a replacement, though there may be a fee and a waiting period while they verify the original check hasn't been cashed.
If the check is damaged but still readable, most banks will accept it. If it's torn, water-damaged, or marked up in a way that makes it hard to read, the receiving bank may reject it. In that case, go back to Wells Fargo and request a replacement.
Keep your receipt until the check clears. The receipt shows the check number, amount, and date, which makes it easier to track down a lost check or prove you bought it if there's a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Wells Fargo cashier's check if I don't have an account there?
Yes. Bring a valid ID, cash or a debit card from another bank, and the payee's name. You'll pay the $10 fee and receive the check the same day. Non-customers cannot order by mail—you must visit a branch in person.
What if the payee's name is a business or organization?
Use the legal business name exactly as it appears on their official documents or website. If you're unsure, call the business and ask. A misspelled business name can delay or prevent the recipient from depositing the check.
Do I need to tell Wells Fargo what the cashier's check is for?
No. The teller will not ask why you need it. They only need your ID, the payee's name, the amount, and payment of the $10 fee. The reason for the check is private.
Can Wells Fargo stop payment on a cashier's check after I've received it?
Only in rare cases, such as if the check was lost or stolen and you report it before it's deposited. Once a cashier's check is cashed or deposited, the bank cannot reverse the payment because the funds are may provide. Do not give a cashier's check to someone unless you're certain you want them to have the money.
Is a Wells Fargo cashier's check accepted everywhere?
Cashier's checks are widely accepted for large purchases, rent, and down payments. Some small businesses or individuals may be unfamiliar with them, but any bank will accept one for deposit. If you're concerned about acceptance, ask the recipient before you buy the check.