You can open a Wells Fargo checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch
The fastest route is online at wellsfargo.com. You'll need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type—some require $25, others $100 or more). The process takes about 10 minutes, and your account opens immediately, though it may take one to two business days for your debit card to arrive by mail.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a local branch. A banker can walk you through the same information and may be able to issue a temporary debit card on the spot. Branches typically have shorter wait times on weekday mornings.
You'll choose between several checking account types—Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, Wells Fargo Premier Checking, and others—each with different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and rewards. The account type you pick determines your deposit requirement and what you pay each month if you don't maintain a minimum balance.
Key Takeaways
- Online signup at wellsfargo.com takes about 10 minutes and requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
- Your account opens immediately online, but your physical debit card arrives by mail in one to two business days.
- You can also open an account by phone (1-800-869-3557) or in person at a branch, and a banker can issue a temporary card the same day.
- Different account types have different minimum balance requirements and monthly fees, so compare them before you choose.
- If you already have a Wells Fargo account, you can add a second checking account through your existing online login without repeating your identity verification.
What documents and information you need to bring or have ready
Have your government-issued ID in front of you—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Wells Fargo will ask you to verify your identity, and they need a document they can check against their records. You'll also need your Social Security number, which they use to run a background check and link your account to your credit file.
Bring or have ready the amount of your initial deposit. You can fund the account with a debit card, another bank account, or cash (if you're opening in person). Some account types require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100; others have no minimum. If you're opening online, you'll link a debit card or external bank account to transfer the money.
If you're opening the account for a business or as a joint account with another person, you'll need additional documents. For a business account, bring your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and business license. For a joint account, both account holders must be present (in person) or verify their identity separately (online).
Opening an account online step by step
Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer." Select the checking account type you want. Wells Fargo will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then enter your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID information.
Wells Fargo will verify your identity using the information you provided. This usually takes a few minutes. If there's a delay, they may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or they may ask you to call a verification line.
Once verified, you'll set up your login credentials (username and password) and choose your initial deposit method. You can link a debit card or transfer from another bank account. Enter the amount you want to deposit—at least the minimum required for your account type. Review the account terms and disclosures, then submit your application.
Your account opens immediately. You'll see your new account number and routing number on screen. Your debit card will arrive by mail within one to two business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.
Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit. Go to any Wells Fargo branch during business hours. A banker will greet you and ask which account type you want to open. They'll walk you through the same identity verification process as online, but they can do it faster because they can see your ID in person.
The banker will enter your information into their system and run the background check. Once approved, they'll print your account number and routing number. If you brought cash or a debit card, they can process the deposit right away. They'll also offer to issue a temporary debit card on the spot, which you can use immediately—your permanent card will arrive by mail in one to two business days.
The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Ask the banker about any promotional offers Wells Fargo is running—some branches offer cash bonuses if you meet certain deposit or direct deposit requirements within a set timeframe.
Adding a second checking account if you already bank with Wells Fargo
If you already have a Wells Fargo account, you can open a second checking account without repeating your identity verification. Log into your Wells Fargo online banking or mobile app, then look for "Open an Account" or "Add an Account" in the menu. Select the new account type you want.
Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm your existing information and choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from your existing Wells Fargo account, link a debit card, or transfer from another bank. The new account opens immediately, and your debit card arrives within one to two business days.
This route is faster than opening a new account as a new customer because Wells Fargo already has your identity on file. You can also call 1-800-869-3557 and ask a banker to add the account over the phone using the same process.
Account types and their minimum deposit requirements
| Account Type | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee (if applicable) | Minimum Balance to Waive Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Everyday Checking | $25 | $10 (waivable) | $500 or direct deposit |
| Wells Fargo Premier Checking | $100 | $15 (waivable) | $2,500 or direct deposit |
| Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking | $0 | $0 | None |
Wells Fargo offers several checking account types, each with different costs and benefits. Everyday Checking is the most common choice for basic banking. Premier Checking includes higher ATM limits and priority customer service. Clear Access Banking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, making it a good option if you want to avoid fees.
The minimum opening deposit is what you must put in when you first open the account. The monthly fee is what you pay each month if you don't meet the minimum balance requirement. Most accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Compare the account types on wellsfargo.com to see which one fits your banking habits.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is ready to use immediately after you open it online or in person. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or pay bills through your employer or biller's system. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in one to two business days.
Once your debit card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through your Wells Fargo mobile app. You can then use it to make purchases, withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs, and withdraw cash at other banks' ATMs (though you may be charged a fee by the other bank).
Set up online banking if you haven't already. Log into wellsfargo.com with your username and password to view your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and monitor your account activity. You can also download the Wells Fargo mobile app to manage your account from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo checking account?
Online signup takes about 10 minutes, and your account opens immediately. Your debit card arrives by mail in one to two business days. In person at a branch, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can get a temporary debit card the same day.
Can I open a Wells Fargo checking account without a Social Security number?
No. Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number to open any deposit account. If you don't have one, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but you'll need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documentation. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about ITIN accounts.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You'll need a government-issued ID to open an account. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card works. If you have none of these, visit a branch and ask a banker about alternative verification methods—some branches can verify your identity using other documents, but this is less common.
Can I open a joint checking account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must verify their identity, either in person at a branch or online. If opening online, each person will need to complete their own identity verification. Both names will appear on the account, and both people can access it and make withdrawals.
Is there a fee to open a Wells Fargo checking account?
No. Opening an account is free. You may pay a monthly maintenance fee depending on which account type you choose and whether you meet the minimum balance requirement, but the act of opening the account itself costs nothing.