You can add a savings account to your Wells Fargo profile in minutes through online banking, mobile app, or in person at a branch

If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account or other product, adding a savings account takes one of three routes: the fastest is through your online banking dashboard or mobile app, where you can open and fund a new account without leaving home. The second is calling Wells Fargo directly at 1-800-869-3557. The third is walking into a branch with your ID and existing account information. All three paths lead to the same result — a new savings account linked to your existing Wells Fargo profile — but the timeline and what you need to bring differ.

The account is active and usable the same day you open it if you fund it immediately. You can then transfer money between your savings and checking accounts, deposit checks by phone, and withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch. Interest accrues daily and posts monthly, though the rate depends on the account type and current market conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • Online banking and the Wells Fargo mobile app let you open a savings account and start using it the same day, with no branch visit required.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to open any new account, whether online or in person.
  • If you are opening a savings account as a joint account, the other owner must be present in person at a branch or complete their own verification online.
  • Funding your new savings account can happen immediately through transfer from an existing Wells Fargo account, or you can deposit cash or checks at a branch or ATM later.
  • Wells Fargo savings accounts have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet a minimum balance or enroll in a may have access to direct deposit.

Opening a savings account online or through the mobile app

Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account or open the Wells Fargo mobile app on your phone. Look for the option to "Open an Account" or "Add Account" — this is usually on the main dashboard or under a menu labeled "Products" or "Services." Select "Savings Account" from the account types offered. Wells Fargo typically offers a standard savings account and may also show promotional rates or specialty savings products; choose the one that fits your needs.

You will be asked to confirm your personal information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Wells Fargo will verify this against what they already have on file. If any information has changed since you opened your first account, update it now. Once verified, you can choose your opening deposit amount and decide whether to transfer money from an existing Wells Fargo account or fund it later. If you transfer from another Wells Fargo account you own, the money moves immediately and your new savings account is ready to use the same day.

Your new account number appears in your online banking dashboard within minutes. You can start transferring money, setting up automatic transfers, or viewing your interest rate right away. If you did not fund the account during setup, you can deposit cash or checks at a branch or ATM, or transfer money from another Wells Fargo account anytime through online banking.

Opening a savings account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to open a savings account. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The representative will verify your identity using information from your existing Wells Fargo account, then walk you through the account setup. They will ask which type of savings account you want and how much you want to deposit initially.

The representative can transfer funds from an existing Wells Fargo account you own, or you can fund the account later through an ATM deposit or branch deposit. Once the call ends, your account is open and you can use it immediately. The representative will provide you with your new account number before you hang up, or you can see it in your online banking dashboard within a few minutes. The entire call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Opening a savings account in person at a branch

Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number to any Wells Fargo branch. Tell the banker you want to open a savings account. They will verify your identity and pull up your existing account information. If you are opening the account as a joint account with another person, that person must be present with their own ID and Social Security number.

The banker will show you the savings account options available and explain the features and fees of each. You can fund the account with cash, a check, or a transfer from another Wells Fargo account you own. If you use cash or a check, the deposit is processed immediately and your account is active the same day. You will receive your account number and debit card information before you leave the branch, though a physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days if you request one. The in-person process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on branch traffic.

What happens after you open your savings account

Your new savings account is linked to your existing Wells Fargo online banking login, so you can see it alongside your other accounts as soon as it is created. You can transfer money between your savings account and checking account at any time through online banking or the mobile app, with no fee. You can also deposit checks using mobile check deposit or withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch.

Wells Fargo savings accounts earn interest, though the rate varies depending on the account type and current market conditions. Interest is calculated daily and posted to your account monthly. You can check your current rate and balance anytime in online banking. Keep in mind that federal law limits you to six withdrawals or transfers per month from a savings account; if you exceed this limit, Wells Fargo may charge a fee or convert your account to a checking account.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Wells Fargo charges a monthly maintenance fee on most savings accounts unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance (the amount varies by account type, typically $300 to $500), enroll in a may have access to direct deposit, or have a linked Wells Fargo checking account with a may have access to balance. Check your account documents or log into online banking to see which fee waiver option applies to your account.

If you do not meet any of these conditions, the monthly fee is typically $5 to $12 depending on the account type. The fee is deducted automatically on a set day each month. If you want to avoid the fee, the easiest path is usually to keep your minimum balance or link a checking account that already meets the balance requirement. You can change your account settings in online banking or call 1-800-869-3557 to discuss fee waiver options with a representative.

Adding a joint owner to your new savings account

If you want to open the savings account as a joint account from the start, the other owner must be present in person at a branch or complete their own online verification if you are opening online. If you are opening online and want to add a joint owner, you will typically need to start the process over with both owners present, or complete it in person at a branch afterward.

If you already opened the account in your name alone and want to add a joint owner later, you can visit a branch with that person and their ID, or call 1-800-869-3557 to ask about adding an owner by phone. Wells Fargo will verify the other person's identity and Social Security number. Both owners will have full access to the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close it without the other's permission. There is no fee to add a joint owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo savings account?

Online or through the mobile app, your account is open and ready to use within minutes. By phone, the call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and your account is active immediately after. In person at a branch, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.

Can I open a savings account if I do not have an existing Wells Fargo account?

No. Wells Fargo requires you to have an existing account (checking, savings, or other product) to open an additional savings account online or by phone. If you do not have an existing account, you will need to open a checking account first, either in person at a branch or through their website, then add the savings account afterward.

What is the minimum opening deposit for a Wells Fargo savings account?

Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts. You can open an account with $0 and fund it later, though some promotional savings products may have a minimum. Check the account details when you are opening to see if a minimum applies to the specific account type you choose.

Can I transfer money from another bank into my new Wells Fargo savings account?

Yes. Once your Wells Fargo savings account is open, you can set up an external transfer from another bank using your Wells Fargo account number and routing number. This typically takes 1 to 3 business days. You can also deposit a check from another bank at a Wells Fargo ATM or branch.

What if I want to close my savings account later?

You can close your Wells Fargo savings account anytime by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-869-3557, or using online banking. If you have a balance, Wells Fargo will send you a check or transfer the money to another account you specify. There is no fee to close an account.