"Ordering money" from Wells Fargo can mean a few different things, depending on what type of money you need to acquire or send. Are you looking to get a money order for a small payment, a cashier's check for a larger transaction, or perhaps send money to someone via a wire transfer or international remittance service? Each option serves a unique purpose and has its own process.
Let's figure out exactly what you need to do!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to "order money" from Wells Fargo, providing step-by-step instructions for each method.
Understanding Your "Money Order" Options at Wells Fargo
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify the different ways you might be looking to "order money" from Wells Fargo:
- Money Orders: These are typically used for smaller, everyday transactions, like paying rent or a utility bill. They are prepaid and guaranteed by the issuing institution, making them more secure than a personal check.
- Cashier's Checks: Often used for larger transactions, such as down payments on a car or home, cashier's checks are also guaranteed by the bank. The funds are drawn directly from the bank's account after you've paid them the full amount.
- Wire Transfers (Domestic & International): For situations where speed and direct transfer into an account are crucial, wire transfers are an excellent option. They can be sent domestically or internationally.
- ExpressSend® (International Remittance): Wells Fargo's dedicated service for sending money to family and friends in specific countries, offering cash pickup or direct account credit.
- Zelle®: A fast and easy way to send money directly between almost any U.S. bank accounts, typically within minutes, using just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Now, let's explore each option in detail!
Step 1: Obtaining a Money Order from Wells Fargo (For Smaller Payments)
Money orders are a reliable and secure way to send smaller sums of money. They are prepaid, so the recipient can be confident the funds are available.
Sub-heading: What you'll need:
- An eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- The exact amount of money for the money order, plus the fee.
- The full name of the payee (the person or company you're paying).
- Your identification (driver's license, state ID, etc.).
Sub-heading: The Process - In-Branch Only
Wells Fargo money orders can only be purchased in person at a Wells Fargo branch.
- Visit Your Nearest Wells Fargo Branch: Locate a convenient Wells Fargo branch. You can use the branch locator on the Wells Fargo website or mobile app.
- Speak with a Teller: Inform the teller that you wish to purchase a money order.
- Provide the Details: The teller will ask for the following information:
- The exact amount you want the money order to be for (up to $1,000 per money order).
- The full name of the payee. It's crucial to have the correct spelling here, as this name will be printed on the money order.
- Pay for the Money Order and Fee: You will need to pay the face value of the money order plus a fee. As of now, the Wells Fargo money order fee is typically $5 USD per money order. This can be paid from your Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- Receive and Sign the Money Order: The teller will issue the money order. Before leaving, carefully review all the information on the money order to ensure it's correct. You will then need to sign the money order in the designated area.
- Keep Your Receipt: The teller will provide you with a receipt. It is absolutely vital to keep this receipt as it contains the money order number, which is necessary if you need to track it or inquire about it later.
Step 2: Getting a Cashier's Check from Wells Fargo (For Larger Transactions)
Cashier's checks are another secure payment method, often preferred for larger sums, as the funds are guaranteed by the bank itself.
Sub-heading: What you'll need:
- An eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account with sufficient funds.
- The exact amount of money for the cashier's check, plus the fee.
- The full name of the payee.
- Your identification (driver's license, state ID, etc.).
- For online orders, the U.S. mailing address where the check should be delivered.
Sub-heading: The Process - Online or In-Branch
Wells Fargo offers the convenience of ordering cashier's checks both online and in person.
Option A: Ordering a Cashier's Check Online (Up to $2,000)
- Sign on to Wells Fargo Online®: Go to the Wells Fargo website and log in to your online banking account.
- Navigate to Transfers & Payments: Look for a section related to "Transfers" or "Payments."
- Find "Order a Cashier's Check": Within the transfers/payments section, you should find an option to "Order a Cashier's Check" or similar.
- Enter Details and Amount: You will be prompted to enter:
- The amount of the cashier's check (up to $2,000 for online orders).
- The payee's full name.
- The U.S. mailing address where the check should be delivered. Note: Wells Fargo does not deliver to P.O. Boxes.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the entered information.
- Confirm Payment: The fee for an online cashier's check is typically $10 per check, plus an $8 delivery charge. This will be debited from your selected account.
- Allow for Delivery: Allow up to 3 business days for delivery within the U.S. (longer for Alaska and Hawaii).
Option B: Ordering a Cashier's Check In-Branch (For Any Amount)
- Visit Your Nearest Wells Fargo Branch: Find a Wells Fargo branch convenient for you.
- Speak with a Teller: Inform the teller that you wish to purchase a cashier's check.
- Provide the Details: The teller will ask for:
- The exact amount you want the cashier's check to be for.
- The full name of the payee.
- Pay for the Cashier's Check and Fee: You will pay the face value of the check plus a fee. The in-branch fee is typically $10 per cashier's check. The funds will be withdrawn directly from your Wells Fargo account.
- Receive Your Cashier's Check: The teller will issue the cashier's check. Always double-check all the information for accuracy before leaving the branch.
- Keep Your Receipt: Securely store your receipt as it contains important details about the check.
Step 3: Sending Money via Wire Transfer with Wells Fargo (For Fast and Direct Transfers)
Wire transfers are ideal for sending money quickly, often on the same business day for domestic transfers, directly to another bank account. They are typically used for larger amounts or when timing is critical.
Sub-heading: What you'll need:
- An eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- The recipient's full name and address.
- The recipient's bank name and address.
- The recipient's account number.
- For domestic wires, the recipient's bank's routing (ABA/RTN) number.
- For international wires, the recipient's bank's SWIFT/BIC code and potentially their International Bank Account Number (IBAN).
- Your U.S. mobile number or a secure ID device for digital wires.
Sub-heading: The Process - Online (Digital Wires) or In-Branch (Branch Wires)
Wells Fargo offers both digital and in-branch wire transfer services. Digital wires are generally more cost-effective.
Option A: Sending a Digital Wire Online
- Sign on to Wells Fargo Online®: Log in to your Wells Fargo online banking account.
- Enroll in Digital Wires (First Time): If it's your first time, navigate to "Transfer & Pay" and select "Wire Money" to enroll in Digital Wires. You'll need a valid U.S. mobile number or secure ID device for this.
- Add Recipient Details: Once enrolled, you'll add your recipient's information. This includes their name, address, bank name, bank address, account number, and the appropriate routing number (domestic) or SWIFT/BIC and IBAN (international). Wells Fargo saves these details for future transfers, which is very convenient!
- Select Funding Account and Amount: Choose the Wells Fargo account from which you want to send the funds and enter the amount.
- Review and Send: Carefully review all the details of the wire transfer. The fee for digital wires is typically $25. Fees may be waived if funded from certain eligible Wells Fargo account types.
- Confirm and Send: Follow the prompts to confirm and send the wire. Domestic digital wires are usually sent the same business day if submitted by 3:00 PM Pacific Time. International delivery times vary by country.
Option B: Sending a Wire Transfer In-Branch (Branch Wires)
- Visit Your Nearest Wells Fargo Branch: Go to a Wells Fargo branch.
- Speak with a Banker: Inform the banker that you wish to send a wire transfer.
- Provide All Required Information: You will need to provide all the recipient and bank details listed above. Having this information accurately written down will significantly speed up the process.
- Confirm Amount and Pay Fee: Confirm the amount you wish to send. The fee for branch wires is typically $40. The funds and fee will be debited from your Wells Fargo account.
- Sign and Confirm: You will likely need to sign some documentation to authorize the wire transfer.
- Keep Your Confirmation/Receipt: Obtain a confirmation or receipt for your records.
Step 4: Using Wells Fargo ExpressSend® (For International Remittances)
Wells Fargo ExpressSend® is specifically designed for sending money to family and friends in certain countries for cash pick-up or direct account credit.
Sub-heading: What you'll need:
- An eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- Your beneficiary's full name and contact information.
- For cash pick-up, the Remittance Network Member (RNM) location details.
- For credit to account, your beneficiary's bank name, account number, and other relevant banking details.
Sub-heading: The Process - Initial Setup (In-Branch/Phone), Subsequent Transfers (Online/Branch/Phone)
The first remittance under an ExpressSend service agreement must be completed in person at a Wells Fargo branch or potentially by phone.
- Enroll in ExpressSend:
- In-Branch: Visit a Wells Fargo branch and tell a banker you want to enroll in the ExpressSend service. You will establish a service agreement with your beneficiary's details.
- Phone Bank: Customers with an existing checking or savings account may be able to complete their first remittance by calling the Wells Fargo Phone Bank, subject to caller authentication
and fraud prevention controls.
- First Remittance (Initial Setup): Complete your first transfer as part of the enrollment process.
- Subsequent Remittances: After the initial setup, you can send money via:
- Wells Fargo Online®: Log in to your online banking. Navigate to "Transfer & Pay" and select "Send to Another Country." (Note: ExpressSend is not available on the Wells Fargo Mobile® app for online transfers; use a desktop or laptop).
- Wells Fargo Branch: Visit a branch to complete your transfer.
- Wells Fargo Phone Bank: Call the Phone Bank to initiate a transfer.
- Select Beneficiary and Amount: Choose the established beneficiary from your ExpressSend agreement and enter the amount you wish to send. The minimum is typically $25, and there are daily and periodical limits which vary by country.
- Review Fees and Exchange Rates: ExpressSend fees vary by country and are subject to change. Wells Fargo also makes money when converting currency, so the exchange rate will include a markup. Review these details before proceeding.
- Confirm Transfer: Confirm the transaction. For cash pick-up, the money is often available within minutes. For account credit, allow up to five (5) business days for the beneficiary account details to be established before the remittance is credited.
Step 5: Sending Money with Zelle® via Wells Fargo (For Fast U.S. Transfers)
Zelle® is an incredibly convenient way to send money between U.S. bank accounts quickly, often within minutes.
Sub-heading: What you'll need:
- An eligible Wells Fargo checking or savings account.
- The recipient's email address or U.S. mobile phone number.
Sub-heading: The Process - Online or Mobile App
Zelle® is integrated directly into Wells Fargo's online and mobile banking platforms.
- Sign on to Wells Fargo Online® or Mobile App: Log in to your Wells Fargo account.
- Navigate to Zelle®: Look for "Transfer & Pay" (desktop) or "Pay & Transfer" (mobile app), then select "Zelle®."
- Enroll in Zelle® (First Time): If you haven't used Zelle® before, you'll need to enroll your U.S. mobile number or email address.
- Select "Send": Choose the option to "Send" money.
- Add Recipient: You can select a recipient from your existing contacts or add a new one using their email address or U.S. mobile phone number. Only send money to people you know and trust, as Zelle® payments are generally irreversible.
- Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to send. Wells Fargo may have daily or transaction limits for Zelle®.
- Review and Send: Review all the details carefully, then confirm and send the payment. Payments to enrolled users typically occur within minutes.
Important Considerations for All "Money Ordering" Methods:
- Fees: Always be aware of the fees associated with each service. These can vary and may include transfer fees, delivery fees (for cashier's checks), and foreign exchange markups (for international transfers).
- Limits: Each method has its own limits. Money orders are typically capped at $1,000, while online cashier's checks are limited to $2,000. Wire transfers and ExpressSend have varying limits based on destination and recipient.
- Identification: Always have a valid form of identification (government-issued ID) ready, especially for in-branch transactions.
- Accuracy: Double-check all recipient information, amounts, and addresses. Errors can cause significant delays or even loss of funds, and some transactions (like Zelle® and completed wires) are irreversible.
- Security: Wells Fargo uses various security measures for all its services. Be vigilant and ensure you are using official Wells Fargo channels.
- Timing: Understand the typical delivery times for each method. Wires are fastest, followed by Zelle®, then money orders and cashier's checks that involve mail delivery.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to... with Quick Answers):
How to track a Wells Fargo money order?
To track a Wells Fargo money order, you'll need the receipt with the money order number. Contact Wells Fargo customer service or visit a branch with this information.
How to cancel a Wells Fargo money order?
You generally cannot cancel a money order once it has been issued and sent. If it's lost, stolen, or destroyed, you might be able to request a stop payment and reissuance at a branch, but this often involves a waiting period and an indemnity agreement.
How to get a Wells Fargo cashier's check online for over $2,000?
You cannot get a Wells Fargo cashier's check online for over $2,000. For amounts exceeding this, you must visit a Wells Fargo branch in person.
How to receive money through Wells Fargo?
You can receive money through Wells Fargo via direct deposit to your account, incoming wire transfers (domestic and international), or Zelle® transfers directly to your enrolled email or U.S. mobile number.
How to send money internationally with Wells Fargo without ExpressSend?
If your desired country isn't covered by ExpressSend, you can send money internationally via a Wells Fargo international wire transfer, which supports over 200 countries.
How to find my Wells Fargo routing number for receiving money?
You can find your Wells Fargo routing number on your checks, by logging into Wells Fargo Online® or the mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
How to avoid fees when ordering money from Wells Fargo?
Fees may be waived for certain account types (e.g., Prime Checking for cashier's checks and wire transfers) or for specific types of transfers (e.g., consumer accounts sending foreign currency digital wires). Check your account's fee disclosures.
How to buy a money order at Wells Fargo without an account?
Wells Fargo generally requires you to have a checking or savings account with them to purchase a money order. You cannot typically buy a money order from Wells Fargo if you are not a customer.
How to choose between a Wells Fargo money order and a cashier's check?
Use a Wells Fargo money order for smaller payments (up to $1,000) when a secure, prepaid option is needed. Opt for a cashier's check for larger payments where bank guarantee is desired and amounts exceed money order limits.
How to get a refund for a lost Wells Fargo cashier's check?
If a Wells Fargo cashier's check is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a stop payment and reissuance at a branch. This typically requires an indemnity agreement and may involve a 90-day waiting period (or shorter in some states) unless you provide an acceptable surety bond.
