Securing your funds for a significant transaction is paramount, and a cashier's check often comes to mind as a reliable option. But when it comes to how much a cashier's check costs at Wells Fargo, there's a bit more to unpack than a simple number. Let's dive in and explore the process and fees involved, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next big payment!
Are you ready to make a secure payment that offers peace of mind? Excellent! Then let's get started.
Step 1: Understanding What a Cashier's Check Is and Why You Might Need One
Before we talk about costs, it's crucial to understand what a cashier's check is and why it's often preferred for large transactions.
- What it is: A cashier's check is a check guaranteed by the bank itself, not by your personal account. The funds are drawn directly from the bank's own account after they've been withdrawn from your account first. This makes it a highly secure form of payment, as the recipient is assured that the funds are available and won't "bounce."
- Why you might need one: Cashier's checks are commonly used for:
- Real estate transactions (e.g., down payments on a home)
- Vehicle purchases
- High-value purchases from individuals or businesses that require guaranteed funds
- Court fees or legal settlements
- Any situation where a personal check might not be accepted due to the need for guaranteed funds.
Step 2: Determining Your Wells Fargo Customer Status
Your relationship with Wells Fargo significantly impacts the cost of a cashier's check.
- Are you a Wells Fargo account holder?
- If yes, great! You'll likely have more straightforward access and potentially lower fees.
- If no, don't worry, it's still possible, but the process and fees might differ. Wells Fargo primarily offers cashier's checks to its existing checking and/or savings customers. It's generally not possible to get a cashier's check from Wells Fargo if you are not a customer. You would typically need to open an account first.
Step 3: The Cost of a Cashier's Check at Wells Fargo
Now, let's get to the brass tacks: the actual cost.
-
For Wells Fargo Customers:
- Generally, for most Wells Fargo checking and savings customers, a cashier's check costs $10 per check.
- However, some premium checking accounts, such as Premier Checking and Prime Checking, offer cashier's checks with no fee as a benefit. If you have one of these accounts, you're in luck!
- Online Orders: If you order a cashier's check online through Wells Fargo Online and opt for it to be delivered to a U.S. address, there's an additional $8 delivery charge on top of the $10 Wells Fargo fee. This means an online order for delivery would cost you a total of $18.
-
For Non-Wells Fargo Customers:
- As mentioned, Wells Fargo typically requires you to be an account holder to obtain a cashier's check. If you're not a customer, you would generally need to open an account with them first to access this service.
Step 4: Gathering What You'll Need to Obtain a Cashier's Check
Once you know the cost, it's time to prepare for your visit or online order.
- Essential Items:
- Sufficient Funds: This is paramount! You must have the full amount of the cashier's check, plus any applicable fees, available in your Wells Fargo checking or savings account. The bank will withdraw these funds immediately.
- Valid Identification: When visiting a branch, you'll need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Payee Information: You'll need the exact legal name of the person or entity you are paying. Double-check the spelling!
- Amount of the Check: Clearly state the precise amount you want the cashier's check to be for.
- Purpose (Optional but helpful): While not always required, having a brief description of the purpose of the check (e.g., "down payment for car," "real estate closing") can be helpful for your records and if the bank asks.
Step 5: The Process of Obtaining a Cashier's Check
There are generally two ways to get a cashier's check from Wells Fargo if you are a customer:
-
Method 1: In-Person at a Wells Fargo Branch (Recommended for larger amounts or if you prefer face-to-face assistance)
- Locate a Branch: Use the Wells Fargo website or mobile app to find the nearest branch.
- Visit a Teller: Inform the teller that you need a cashier's check.
- Provide Information: The teller will ask for your account information, the payee's name, the check amount, and your ID.
- Confirm Funds: The teller will verify that you have sufficient funds in your account.
- Pay the Fee: The fee will be debited from your account along with the check amount.
- Receive Your Check: The teller will print the cashier's check and hand it to you. Review it carefully for accuracy before leaving the branch.
- Keep Your Receipt: You will receive a receipt for your records. Do not lose this! It's crucial for tracking or if the check is lost or stolen.
-
Method 2: Through Wells Fargo Online (For amounts up to $2,000 and if you prefer convenience)
- Sign On: Log in to your Wells Fargo Online account.
- Navigate to "Order Checks & Currency": This option is usually found under the "Accounts" tab.
- Select "Cashier's Check": Follow the prompts to initiate a cashier's check order.
- Enter Details: Input the payee's name and the amount. Remember the $2,000 limit for online orders.
- Choose Delivery Option: You'll select whether you want to pick it up at a branch or have it mailed to a U.S. address (incurring the $8 delivery fee).
- Review and Confirm: Double-check all details before confirming the order.
- Payment: The check amount and any applicable fees will be debited from your account.
Step 6: Important Considerations After Obtaining Your Cashier's Check
Getting the check is just one part; handling it responsibly is equally important.
- Security:
- Treat a cashier's check like cash. It's a valuable document.
- Do not sign the back until you are ready to hand it over to the payee.
- Keep it in a secure location until it's given to the intended recipient.
- Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Checks:
- If a cashier's check is lost, stolen, or destroyed, contact Wells Fargo immediately.
- You will likely need to go to a branch to request a stop payment and reissuance.
- Wells Fargo will require an indemnity agreement as a condition for stop payment and reissuance.
- For cashier's checks over $1,000, there's often a 90-day waiting period (which may vary by state, e.g., 30 days in Wisconsin, 91 days in New York) before a stop payment and reissuance can be processed. This waiting period can be avoided by purchasing an acceptable surety bond, which can be obtained through Wells Fargo's approved insurance carrier or an insurance carrier of your choice. The cost of a surety bond varies.
- Verifying a Cashier's Check:
- If you receive a cashier's check, it's always wise to verify its authenticity, especially for large sums. You can do this by contacting the issuing bank directly using a phone number obtained from their official website (not from the check itself). Provide them with the check number, amount, and payee details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" questions with quick answers:
How to check if my Wells Fargo account is eligible for a free cashier's check?
You can check your account's fee schedule by logging into Wells Fargo Online, reviewing your account details, or by contacting customer service directly. Premier Checking and Prime Checking accounts typically offer free cashier's checks.
How to find the nearest Wells Fargo branch to get a cashier's check?
Use the "Locations" or "ATM & Branch Locator" feature on the Wells Fargo website or their mobile app.
How to order a cashier's check online from Wells Fargo?
Log in to Wells Fargo Online, navigate to the "Accounts" tab, and look for "Order Checks & Currency." You can order cashier's checks online up to $2,000.
How to know if a cashier's check is legitimate?
Contact the issuing bank directly (using their official website for contact information) and provide them with the check's details for verification. Do not rely on contact information printed on the check itself.
How to stop payment on a lost Wells Fargo cashier's check?
Visit a Wells Fargo branch immediately. You'll need to sign an indemnity agreement, and for checks over $1,000, a waiting period (typically 90 days) or a surety bond may be required.
How to fill out a Wells Fargo cashier's check?
The bank teller will typically fill out most of the check, including the payee's name and amount. You just need to provide them with the correct information.
How to deposit a Wells Fargo cashier's check into my account?
You can deposit a cashier's check at a Wells Fargo ATM, through their mobile app (mobile deposit), or by visiting a teller at a branch.
How to get a cashier's check if I don't have a Wells Fargo account?
Generally, Wells Fargo requires you to be an account holder to issue a cashier's check. You would typically need to open an account first.
How to get a cashier's check for an amount over $2,000 from Wells Fargo?
For amounts over $2,000, you will need to visit a Wells Fargo branch in person to obtain the cashier's check.
How to get a refund if a Wells Fargo cashier's check is not used?
You would need to return the cashier's check to a Wells Fargo branch. The funds would then be re-deposited into your account, and any fees paid would not typically be refunded.