Wells Fargo cashier's checks cost $10 per check and take one business day to issue
Wells Fargo charges $10 for each cashier's check you order, whether you go to a branch in person or request one by phone or online. The bank issues the check the next business day if you order before the branch closes. If you order after hours or on a weekend, the check will be ready the following business day.
You must have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account to order a cashier's check. The bank will draw the funds directly from your account and print the check in your name as the sender. You cannot order a cashier's check for someone else's account.
Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to cash a cashier's check at any of its branches if you are a customer. Non-customers can cash Wells Fargo cashier's checks at any branch, but the bank may charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the amount.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo charges $10 per cashier's check and requires you to have an account with the bank.
- You can order a cashier's check in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or through Wells Fargo's online banking portal.
- The check will be ready the next business day after you place your order.
- Wells Fargo will hold the full amount of the check in your account until the check clears, which typically takes three to five business days.
How to order a cashier's check at a Wells Fargo branch
Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your account information and a form of identification. Tell the teller you need a cashier's check. The teller will ask you for the name of the person or business the check should be made out to, the amount, and the date you want on the check. You can use today's date or a future date.
The teller will confirm the amount will be deducted from your account and show you the $10 fee. You will sign the check in front of the teller. The teller will give you the original check and a receipt showing the check number, amount, and fee. The check is ready to use when ready, though some recipients may wait a few days before depositing it.
Ordering by phone or online
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to order a cashier's check by phone. Have your account number and the payee name and amount ready. The bank will mail the check to the address on file for your account, which typically arrives within five to seven business days. You cannot pick up a phone-ordered check at a branch.
If you use Wells Fargo's online banking portal, log in and look for the "Cashier's Check" option under the Transfers or Payments section. The exact location varies depending on your account type. Enter the payee name, amount, and mailing address. The check will be mailed to you within five to seven business days. Online ordering is useful if you cannot visit a branch during business hours.
What happens to your money while the check is outstanding
Wells Fargo places a hold on the full amount of the cashier's check in your account from the moment you order it. This hold remains in place until the check clears, which usually takes three to five business days after the recipient deposits or cashes it. During this time, the money counts as unavailable in your account balance, though it is still your money.
If you order a $5,000 cashier's check and your account has $6,000, you will see your available balance drop to $1,000 when ready. If the recipient does not deposit the check for two weeks, your money will still be on hold. Once the check clears, the hold is released and the money is gone from your account.
Stopping payment on a Wells Fargo cashier's check
You can stop payment on a cashier's check, but Wells Fargo charges a fee of $30 to $35 to do so. Call the bank at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch with your check number and the amount. You will need to explain why you want to stop payment — the bank does not require a reason, but it will ask.
The stop-payment order is effective when ready, but the bank will not release the hold on your account until it confirms the check has not been cashed. This confirmation can take 30 to 90 days. If the check was already deposited before you placed the stop-payment order, the bank cannot reverse the transaction.
Replacing a lost or damaged cashier's check
If you lose a cashier's check or it is damaged before you can use it, contact Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch. The bank will issue a replacement check at no additional charge if you still have the original receipt. You will need to provide the check number, amount, and date.
If you do not have the receipt, the bank can look up the check in its system using your account number and the approximate date you ordered it. Wells Fargo may ask you to sign an affidavit stating the check was lost or destroyed and has not been cashed. Once the bank confirms the original check has not cleared, it will issue a replacement.
Differences between Wells Fargo cashier's checks and other payment methods
A cashier's check is may provide by the bank, so the recipient knows the money is real and will not bounce. A personal check is only as good as the money in your account. A wire transfer moves money when ready but costs $15 to $30 and requires the recipient's bank account details. An ACH transfer is free but takes one to three business days.
Cashier's checks are useful when you need to send a large amount to someone who does not trust a personal check — for example, when buying a car or paying a contractor. They are also useful when the recipient does not have a bank account or does not want to share their account number. The $10 fee is usually worth the security and proof of payment you get.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a Wells Fargo cashier's check without going to a branch?
Yes. You can order by phone at 1-800-869-3557 or through your online banking portal. Both methods mail the check to your address, which takes five to seven business days. If you need the check the same day or next day, you must visit a branch in person.
What if the recipient loses the cashier's check?
The recipient can contact Wells Fargo with the check number and amount to request a replacement. Wells Fargo will verify the check has not been cashed and issue a new one. The process typically takes a few business days. The recipient should keep the original receipt as proof of the check's existence.
Does Wells Fargo charge to cash a cashier's check from another bank?
Wells Fargo does not charge its own customers to cash any cashier's check. Non-customers may be charged $5 to $15 to cash a Wells Fargo cashier's check at a branch. The fee depends on the check amount and the branch location.
Can I get a cashier's check for more than my account balance?
No. Wells Fargo will only issue a cashier's check for an amount you have available in your account. If you need a larger check, you must deposit more money first or use a different payment method.
How long does a Wells Fargo cashier's check take to clear?
Most cashier's checks clear within three to five business days after the recipient deposits them. Some banks clear them faster. The recipient's bank controls the clearing time, not Wells Fargo. You can ask the recipient to confirm when the check cleared so you know when your account hold will be released.