Wells Fargo lets you order a cashier’s check either at a branch or through online banking, with the standard fee set at $10 per check. Which method works best depends on how much the check is for and how quickly you need it.
Getting a Cashier’s Check at a Branch
Walking into a Wells Fargo branch is the most straightforward option, and it’s the only way to get a cashier’s check for amounts over $2,000. You’ll leave with the check in hand, which matters when you need it the same day for a closing, a deposit, or a large purchase.
Bring these with you:
- Government-issued photo ID: A driver’s license or passport works.
- Your Wells Fargo account information: The funds for the check will be pulled directly from your checking or savings account, so make sure the balance covers both the check amount and the $10 fee.
- Recipient details: You’ll need the payee’s full legal name, spelled exactly as it should appear on the check. If the check needs to be mailed by the bank, bring the recipient’s mailing address as well.
A teller will verify your identity, confirm your available balance, and print the check. There is no maximum dollar amount for cashier’s checks ordered in a branch, though Wells Fargo does enforce a $6,000 monthly limit per customer across all cashier’s check orders. Before you leave the counter, double-check the payee name, the dollar amount, and any other details on the check. Errors on a cashier’s check are a hassle to fix because the bank has already guaranteed the funds. Keep your receipt in case you ever need to track or replace the check.
Ordering Online Through Wells Fargo
If your check is for $2,000 or less, you can order it through Wells Fargo’s online banking portal without visiting a branch. Log in to your account, look for the option to order a cashier’s check, and enter the recipient’s name along with a delivery address. You’ll choose whether to have the check mailed to you or directly to the recipient.
The same $10 fee applies, but online orders come with an additional $8 delivery charge for mailing within the United States. That brings the total cost to $18. Wells Fargo will not deliver cashier’s checks to P.O. boxes or addresses outside the U.S., so if either of those applies, you’ll need to go to a branch instead.
The $6,000 monthly limit per customer applies to online orders as well. Because the check has to be physically mailed, expect to wait several business days for delivery. If you need the check quickly, a branch visit is the better choice.
Fees and How to Reduce Them
The standard cost is $10 per cashier’s check at a branch, or $18 online once you add the delivery charge. However, Wells Fargo waives certain service fees depending on the type of account you hold. Premium checking accounts, for example, often include fee waivers for services like cashier’s checks. You can check your specific account’s fee schedule in your online banking dashboard or on the Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule available on Wells Fargo’s website. If you order cashier’s checks regularly, upgrading your account type could pay for itself.
Do You Need a Wells Fargo Account?
Yes. Wells Fargo requires you to be a checking or savings account holder to purchase a cashier’s check. The bank draws the funds directly from your account and then guarantees the check with its own money, which is why a cashier’s check is considered more secure than a personal check. If you don’t have a Wells Fargo account, you can get a cashier’s check from whatever bank or credit union you do bank with, or purchase a money order from a post office or retail location as an alternative for smaller amounts.
When a Cashier’s Check Makes Sense
Cashier’s checks are backed by the issuing bank rather than your personal account, which makes them a near-guarantee of payment. You’ll typically encounter them in situations where the other party needs certainty that the funds are real: real estate closings, security deposits on a rental, buying a used car from a private seller, or paying a contractor a large sum.
For amounts under a few hundred dollars, a money order is usually cheaper. For recurring or remote payments, a wire transfer or ACH payment might be more convenient. But when someone specifically asks for a cashier’s check, or when you want the security of a bank-guaranteed payment you can hand over in person, the $10 fee at a Wells Fargo branch is a quick and reliable option.