You can close a Wells Fargo savings account online through your account settings, but the process depends on your account balance and whether you have linked accounts
Wells Fargo lets you close most savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. Log into your account, navigate to account settings, and select the option to close the account. The system will walk you through the steps, which usually take a few minutes.
However, some accounts cannot be closed online. If your savings account is linked to a checking account through overdraft protection, or if you have an outstanding balance owed to Wells Fargo, you will need to call or visit a branch. The same applies if your account has a hold placed on it by the bank or a third party.
Before you close the account, make sure any remaining balance is transferred out. Wells Fargo will not send you a check automatically — you must move the money yourself or request a check during the closing process.
Key Takeaways
- Most Wells Fargo savings accounts can be closed online through the website or mobile app by going to account settings and selecting close account.
- Accounts with overdraft protection linked to a checking account must be closed by phone or in person at a branch.
- You must transfer out or withdraw your remaining balance before closing — Wells Fargo will not automatically send you the money.
- If your account has a hold, an outstanding balance owed to the bank, or is flagged for fraud, you cannot close it online and must contact Wells Fargo directly.
Steps to close your account online
Start by logging into your Wells Fargo account on the website or opening the mobile app. On the website, go to the account you want to close and look for a settings or account options menu — this is usually represented by a gear icon or three horizontal lines. On the mobile app, tap the account name and look for a menu button.
Select the option labeled "Close Account" or "Close This Account." Wells Fargo will show you the account balance and ask you to confirm that you want to proceed. At this point, the system will tell you if the account cannot be closed online and will direct you to call or visit a branch instead.
If you can proceed, you will be asked to confirm your identity and review any final details. The account will close immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the closure to appear in your account history.
What happens to your money when you close
Any balance remaining in your savings account must go somewhere before the account closes. You have two options: transfer the money to another Wells Fargo account you own, or request a check.
If you transfer to another account, the money moves instantly or within one business day, depending on whether both accounts are at Wells Fargo. If you request a check, Wells Fargo will mail it to the address on file. This typically takes five to seven business days from the date the account closes, though mail delivery adds additional time.
Do not leave money in the account when you close it. If you do, Wells Fargo may hold the funds or charge fees for maintaining a closed account.
When you cannot close your account online
Overdraft protection is the most common reason an online closure fails. If your savings account is linked to a checking account to cover overdrafts, you must remove that link before closing. Call Wells Fargo at the number on the back of your card or visit a branch to disable overdraft protection, then try closing online again.
If you owe Wells Fargo money — whether from fees, a loan, or a negative balance — the account cannot be closed until the debt is paid. Contact the bank to settle what you owe, then attempt to close online.
Accounts with holds placed by the bank (for fraud investigation, for example) or by a third party (such as a court order or tax authority) cannot be closed online. You will need to call or visit a branch to find out why the hold is there and what must happen before it can be removed.
How to close your account by phone or in person
If online closure is not an option, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 (the number on your debit card or account statements). Have your account number and Social Security number ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm your balance, and process the closure over the phone.
You can also close the account in person at any Wells Fargo branch. Bring a photo ID and your debit card. The branch representative will handle the closure and can arrange for your remaining balance to be transferred or issued as a check on the spot.
Closing by phone or in person takes longer than online closure — expect the process to take 10 to 15 minutes on the phone or 15 to 30 minutes at a branch, depending on how busy they are.
What to do after your account closes
Once your account is closed, you will no longer be able to access it or make transactions. Any automatic payments or transfers linked to that account will fail. Before closing, review your recurring bills and subscriptions to make sure none are set to charge the savings account.
Keep your account closure confirmation for your records. Wells Fargo will send a confirmation email or letter, but you should save it in case you need proof that the account was closed on a specific date.
If you closed the account because of a problem — such as fraud or unwanted fees — consider whether you want to keep your other Wells Fargo accounts open. If you plan to leave Wells Fargo entirely, close all your accounts and request that the bank not reopen them without your explicit permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
Closing a savings account does not directly affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if closing the account causes you to miss a payment on a linked service or if the bank reports a negative balance to a collection agency, that could harm your credit. Pay any outstanding balance before closing.
Can I reopen a Wells Fargo savings account I just closed?
Yes, you can reopen a closed savings account, but Wells Fargo may require you to wait a short period or may review your account history first. If the account was closed due to fraud or violation of the account agreement, the bank may decline to reopen it. Contact Wells Fargo to ask about reopening.
What if I close my account but forget to transfer my money out?
If you close the account with a balance still in it, Wells Fargo will hold the funds. Contact the bank immediately to retrieve the money. The longer you wait, the more likely the bank will attempt to return it to you by check or may charge fees for holding it. Act quickly if this happens.
Do I need to close my account in the same state where I opened it?
No. Wells Fargo accounts are managed nationally, so you can close your account online, by phone, or at any branch regardless of where you opened it or where you live now.