How to Get a Cashier's Check from Wells Fargo

What Wells Fargo charges for a cashier's check

Wells Fargo charges a fee for each cashier's check you request. The fee varies depending on whether you are a Wells Fargo customer and which type of account you hold. If you have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, the fee is typically lower than if you walk in without an account. If you do not have an account, Wells Fargo may charge you a higher fee or decline to issue the check altogether — policies vary by branch.

Call your local Wells Fargo branch or visit their website to confirm the current fee before you go in. Fees change periodically and can differ between branches, so asking first saves you a trip or an unexpected charge at the counter.

Key Takeaways

• Wells Fargo issues cashier's checks at any of their branches during business hours, and you need to bring a valid ID and the exact amount in cash or from your account.
• The fee depends on whether you are a customer and what type of account you have, so call ahead to confirm the cost.
• You can request the check in person at a teller window, and Wells Fargo will print it on the spot or within a few minutes.
• The check will be drawn on Wells Fargo's account, which is why the recipient trusts it more than a personal check.
• If you need the check mailed to you or to a third party, ask the teller whether Wells Fargo offers that service and what the timeline is.

How to request a cashier's check at Wells Fargo

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch during business hours and tell the teller you need a cashier's check. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide the exact amount of the check and the name of the person or business it should be made out to. If you are paying from a Wells Fargo account you hold, the teller will deduct the amount plus the fee from your balance. If you do not have an account, you will need to pay in cash.

The teller will ask you to fill out a short form with the payee name, the amount, and sometimes the reason for the check. This is routine and takes a minute. The check is usually printed while you wait, though during busy times you may wait a few minutes. Once it is ready, the teller will hand it to you, and you can give it to the payee or mail it yourself.

What information you need before you go

Before you visit the branch, write down or confirm the exact name of the person or business the check should be made out to. Misspelling a name on a cashier's check can cause problems when the payee tries to deposit it, so get it right. If the payee is a business, use the legal name they provided — not a shortened version or nickname.

You also need to know the exact dollar amount. Cashier's checks cannot be altered after they are printed, so if you write down the wrong amount, you will have to request a new check and pay the fee again. If you are unsure of the amount, contact the payee and confirm it before you go to the branch.

Timing and how long a cashier's check takes

Wells Fargo prints most cashier's checks on the spot while you wait at the counter. The whole process — walking in, providing your information, and receiving the check — usually takes 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. If the branch is very busy, you may wait longer, but the check itself is printed quickly.

If you ask the teller to mail the check to you or to a third party, the timeline is longer. Ask the teller how many business days it will take. Some branches mail checks the same day, while others may take one or two business days. If timing is tight, pick up the check in person and mail it yourself or hand it to the payee directly.

Using a cashier's check for large purchases or payments

Cashier's checks are commonly used for down payments on homes, car purchases, security deposits on rental properties, and other large transactions where the seller or landlord wants may provide funds. Because the check is drawn on Wells Fargo's account rather than your personal account, the recipient knows the money is there and will not bounce.

When you hand over the cashier's check, the payee will deposit it into their account just like any other check. They may ask you for a receipt or confirmation that you obtained it — keep your receipt from Wells Fargo in case there are questions later. If the payee loses the check or it is stolen, contact Wells Fargo right away so they can put a stop on it and issue a replacement.

What to do if you need to cancel or replace a cashier's check

If you realize you made a mistake — wrong amount, wrong payee name, or you no longer need the check — contact Wells Fargo as soon as possible. Bring your receipt and explain the problem. Wells Fargo can place a stop on the original check and issue a replacement, though this may take several business days and could involve an additional fee.

If the check was lost or stolen before the payee cashed it, tell Wells Fargo when ready. They will investigate and can issue a replacement once they confirm the original check has not been deposited. If the payee has already cashed the check, you cannot cancel it — the money has been transferred to their account.

Wells Fargo cashier's checks versus other payment methods

A cashier's check is one way to send may provide funds, but it is not the only way. A wire transfer moves money electronically and arrives within one or two business days, though it also carries a fee. A certified check is a personal check that your bank certifies, meaning they may provide the funds are there — it costs less than a cashier's check but is not as universally trusted. A money order is available at post offices, grocery stores, and other retailers and works similarly to a cashier's check but is limited to smaller amounts.

Ask the payee which method they prefer. Some sellers or landlords specifically request a cashier's check because they are familiar with it and trust it. Others may accept a wire transfer or certified check. Knowing the payee's preference before you go to the bank saves you a trip if they want a different payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but policies vary by branch. Some branches will issue a cashier's check to anyone with a valid ID and cash to cover the amount plus the fee. Others may require you to have a Wells Fargo account. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm whether they will issue a check to non-customers and what the fee will be.

How much does a Wells Fargo cashier's check cost?

The fee depends on whether you are a customer and what type of account you have. Customers typically pay less than non-customers. Call your branch or check Wells Fargo's website for the current fee, as it can change and may vary between locations.

What if the payee's name is spelled wrong on the cashier's check?

A misspelled name can cause the payee problems when they try to deposit the check. If you catch the error before you leave the branch, ask the teller to issue a new check with the correct spelling. If you discover the error later, contact Wells Fargo and request a replacement. The payee may also be able to deposit it if the misspelling is minor, but it is better to get it right the first time.

Can I request a cashier's check over the phone or online?

Most Wells Fargo branches require you to request a cashier's check in person at a teller window. Some branches may offer limited services by phone or mail, but this is not standard. Contact your local branch to ask whether they offer remote ordering, and be prepared to visit in person if they do not.

How long is a Wells Fargo cashier's check good for?

Cashier's checks do not expire, but banks may stop honoring them after a long period — typically six months to a year. If your check is old and the payee has not deposited it, contact Wells Fargo to confirm it is still valid. If it is not, request a replacement.