Wells Fargo cashier's checks cost $10 each and take one business day to process in most cases

Wells Fargo charges $10 per cashier's check if you're a customer with an account at the bank. You can order one in person at any Wells Fargo branch, by phone, or online through your account portal. The check is drawn on Wells Fargo's own account rather than yours, which is why the recipient treats it as may provide funds — the bank stands behind the payment.

If you need the check the same day, you must go to a branch in person. Phone and online orders typically take one business day. Wells Fargo will deduct the amount of the check plus the $10 fee from your account immediately, even though the recipient won't cash it for days or weeks.

Non-customers can also get a Wells Fargo cashier's check, but the process is slower and more expensive. You'll need to visit a branch with cash or a debit card, and the fee is higher — currently $15 for non-account holders. Some branches may require you to open a temporary account or may decline to issue one without an existing relationship with the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo account holders pay $10 per cashier's check; non-customers pay $15 and may face additional restrictions.
  • Same-day issuance requires an in-person visit to a branch; phone and online orders take one business day.
  • The full amount plus the fee is deducted from your account immediately, even if the recipient doesn't cash the check for weeks.
  • You'll need to provide the payee's name, the exact amount, and your account information to order one.

How to order a cashier's check at Wells Fargo

The fastest method is walking into a Wells Fargo branch with your account information and the details of who the check should be made out to. Bring your ID and the exact amount you need. Tell the teller you want a cashier's check, provide the payee's name (the person or business receiving the money), and confirm the dollar amount. The teller will print it on the spot, deduct the funds and fee from your account, and hand it to you immediately.

If you can't visit a branch, you can call Wells Fargo's customer service line at 1-800-869-3557 to order by phone. Have your account number, routing number, and the payee information ready. The bank will mail the check to you, which takes one business day plus mail delivery time — typically three to five business days total.

Online ordering through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app is also available for account holders. Log into your account, navigate to the cashier's check request section, enter the payee name and amount, and submit. Like phone orders, this takes one business day to process, then mail delivery time on top of that.

What information you need before ordering

Have the payee's full legal name ready — this is the person or business the check is being paid to. Make sure you spell it correctly, because the bank won't change it once the check is printed. If you're unsure of the exact legal name (for example, whether a business is "ABC Company" or "ABC Company, Inc."), contact the payee and ask.

You'll also need the exact dollar amount, written as a number. Wells Fargo won't issue a blank cashier's check or one with a range — it must be for a specific sum. If the amount might change, wait until you know the final number before ordering.

For in-person orders, bring a valid ID. For phone or online orders, have your Wells Fargo account number and routing number available. If you're ordering for a business or trust account, you may need additional documentation proving you're authorized to withdraw funds.

Fees and what they cover

The $10 fee for account holders (or $15 for non-customers) is a one-time charge per check. If you need five cashier's checks, you'll pay $50 total ($10 × 5). There are no additional fees for rush processing, delivery, or replacement if the check is lost — though replacing a lost check involves a separate process that can take time.

Some Wells Fargo account types, particularly premium or business accounts, may waive the cashier's check fee entirely or offer a limited number of free checks per month. Check your account terms or call customer service to confirm whether your account qualifies for a waiver.

The fee is non-refundable once the check is issued, even if you never use it or the recipient never cashes it. If you decide you don't need the check after it's printed, you can ask Wells Fargo to cancel it and refund the amount to your account, but the $10 fee is kept by the bank.

How long a cashier's check takes to clear

Once the recipient deposits or cashes the cashier's check, it typically clears within one to two business days. Because it's drawn on Wells Fargo's account, not yours, the receiving bank treats it as a may provide payment and doesn't hold it the way it might hold a personal check.

However, the recipient's bank may still place a temporary hold on the funds if they're depositing it into an account that's new or has had problems. This is rare with cashier's checks but can happen. The hold is usually lifted within one business day.

From your perspective, the money leaves your Wells Fargo account the moment you receive the check, not when the recipient cashes it. If you cancel the check before it's cashed, Wells Fargo can reverse the transaction and return the funds to your account, but this process takes several business days and requires you to file a cancellation request at a branch.

When to use a cashier's check instead of other payment methods

A cashier's check is the right choice when the recipient won't accept a personal check or electronic transfer. Real estate closings, large purchases from private sellers, and security deposits for rentals often require a cashier's check because it proves the money is actually there — the recipient doesn't have to worry about the check bouncing.

If you're sending money to someone you don't know well or paying for something high-value, a cashier's check also protects you more than cash does. You have a record of the payment, and if the check is lost in the mail, you can file a claim with Wells Fargo to stop payment and issue a replacement.

For everyday bills or payments to businesses that have your account information, an electronic transfer or automatic payment is usually faster and cheaper. A wire transfer is faster than a cashier's check if the recipient needs the money the same day, though wire fees are typically higher ($15 to $30).

What to do if your cashier's check is lost or stolen

If the check is lost before the recipient cashes it, contact Wells Fargo immediately. You'll need to file a stop-payment request at a branch or by phone. Provide the check number, amount, payee name, and the date it was issued. Wells Fargo will place a stop on the check so it can't be cashed by anyone else.

After the stop is in place, you can request a replacement check. Wells Fargo will issue a new one for the same amount, and the $10 fee is usually waived for the replacement. The process takes several business days because the bank has to verify that the original check hasn't been cashed and that enough time has passed to ensure it won't be.

If someone else cashes your lost check before you report it, contact Wells Fargo and your account's receiving bank immediately. You may be able to dispute the transaction, though recovery depends on how quickly you report it and whether the receiving bank can reverse the deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Wells Fargo cashier's check without a bank account?

Yes, but it's more difficult and expensive. Non-account holders can visit a branch with cash or a debit card and request a cashier's check for $15. Some branches may refuse or require you to open a temporary account first. Call ahead to confirm your local branch will issue one to a non-customer.

How long does a cashier's check take to arrive if I order by mail?

Wells Fargo processes the order in one business day, then mails it to you. Delivery typically takes three to five business days depending on your location. If you need it faster, visit a branch in person for same-day issuance.

Can I cancel a cashier's check after it's been issued?

Yes, but only if the recipient hasn't cashed it yet. File a stop-payment request at a Wells Fargo branch or by phone. The process takes several business days, and you'll need to provide the check number, amount, and payee name. The $10 fee is not refunded.

What's the maximum amount for a Wells Fargo cashier's check?

Wells Fargo does not publish a maximum limit, but very large checks (over $100,000) may require additional verification or approval. Contact your branch or customer service to confirm whether they can issue a check for your specific amount.

Does Wells Fargo charge a fee to replace a lost cashier's check?

No, the replacement check is usually issued free of charge. However, you must file a stop-payment request on the original check first, and the process takes several business days. The $10 fee for the original check is not refunded.