You can change your Wells Fargo checking account type, but the process and options depend on which account you have now and which one you want
Wells Fargo lets you convert between most of its checking accounts without closing your current account or opening a new one. The change typically takes effect within one to three business days. You do not lose your account number, routing number, or any linked services like bill pay or transfers.
The catch: not every account can convert to every other account. Wells Fargo's checking lineup includes the Core Checking, Preferred Checking, Prime Checking, and a few others that have been discontinued for new customers. If you hold a discontinued account, your options may be limited. Some accounts also have minimum balance requirements or monthly fees that you need to understand before you switch.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your checking account type online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch without closing your account.
- Your account number and routing number stay the same when you convert, so your direct deposits and bill payments do not need to be updated.
- Not all account types can convert to all others — Wells Fargo will tell you which accounts you are may be able to access to switch to when you start the process.
- Some accounts have monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, so compare the terms of your new account before you confirm the change.
- The conversion usually takes one to three business days, and you will receive confirmation once it is complete.
How to change your account type online
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and go to the Accounts section. Look for an option labeled "Change Account Type," "Modify Account," or "Account Settings" — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the website you see. Click on your checking account and select the option to change or upgrade your account type.
Wells Fargo will show you a list of accounts you are may be able to access to switch to. Read the terms for each one, including monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and any perks like fee waivers or interest rates. Once you choose the account you want, confirm the change. You will receive an email confirmation, and the switch usually takes effect within one to three business days.
Changing your account type by phone or in person
Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to change your checking account type. They will review which accounts you are may be able to access for, explain the terms of each one, and process the change over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions about fees or want to understand the differences between accounts before you decide.
You can also walk into any Wells Fargo branch and ask a banker to change your account type. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. The banker will show you your options and complete the change in person. This is often the fastest way if you want to ask questions and have the change happen immediately.
What happens to your account number and linked services
Your account number and routing number do not change when you convert to a different checking account type. This means your direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and any transfers you have set up will continue to work without interruption. You do not need to contact your employer, creditors, or anyone else to update your account information.
Any debit cards, checks, or other materials tied to your account remain valid. If your new account type comes with different perks or terms, those take effect immediately after the conversion, but your day-to-day banking does not skip a beat.
Fees and minimum balance requirements to compare
Wells Fargo's checking accounts vary in their monthly fees and minimum balance thresholds. Core Checking typically has a monthly fee but may waive it if you meet certain conditions, such as setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance. Preferred Checking and Prime Checking have higher minimum balance requirements but may offer more perks or lower fees.
Before you switch, look at the fee schedule for your new account and ask yourself whether you can meet any minimum balance requirement. Some accounts waive fees if you keep a certain amount in the account at all times; others waive fees if you set up direct deposit or use your debit card a certain number of times per month. Choose the account that fits your actual banking habits, not the one with the lowest advertised fee.
If your current account is discontinued
Wells Fargo has phased out some older checking accounts and no longer lets new customers open them. If you hold one of these accounts, you may not be able to convert to every current account type. Wells Fargo will show you only the accounts you are may be able to access for when you start the change process.
If you are unhappy with your options, contact Wells Fargo directly to ask whether any exceptions exist. In some cases, the bank may offer you a limited-time window to convert to a specific account, or may allow you to keep your current account as long as you meet its terms. Do not assume you are stuck — ask before you give up.
What to do if the change does not go through
If you try to change your account type and the system tells you that you are not may be able to access, the most common reason is that your account does not meet the minimum balance requirement for the new account type, or that Wells Fargo has flagged your account for review. Call customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and ask why the change was blocked. They can tell you exactly what is preventing the conversion and what you need to do to fix it.
If you have a negative balance, recent fraud activity, or an unresolved dispute on your account, Wells Fargo may not let you change your account type until those issues are resolved. Once they are cleared up, you can try again. If you still run into trouble, ask to speak with a supervisor or visit a branch in person — sometimes a banker can override a system block or find an alternative solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to close my old account and open a new one?
No. Wells Fargo converts your existing account to the new type, so your account number stays the same. You do not need to close anything or open a new account. The change takes one to three business days.
Will my direct deposit or automatic payments stop when I change my account type?
No. Your account number and routing number do not change, so direct deposits and automatic bill payments continue without interruption. You do not need to notify your employer or creditors.
Can I change my account type back if I do not like the new one?
Yes. You can change your account type as many times as you want using the same process — online, by phone, or in person. There is no limit on how many times you can switch, and each change takes one to three business days.
What if Wells Fargo says I do not meet the minimum balance for the account I want?
You have two options: bring your balance up to meet the requirement, or choose a different account type with a lower minimum. Call customer service to ask what the exact requirement is and whether any fee waivers might apply to your situation.
Do I get a new debit card when I change my account type?
No. Your existing debit card continues to work. Wells Fargo does not issue a new card just because you changed your account type. If your card is damaged or expired, you can order a replacement separately.