What you need to open a Wells Fargo account

Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. You can open an account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes in a branch or 10 minutes online, and your account is usually active the same day.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Wells Fargo's basic checking account (called Wells Fargo Everyday Checking) requires no minimum opening deposit, though some other account types ask for $25 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Wells Fargo can open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your identity and your ITIN letter from the IRS.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address to open an account at Wells Fargo.
  • Wells Fargo's basic checking account has no minimum opening deposit, but some account types require $25 to $100 to start.
  • Opening online takes about 10 minutes and your account is active the same day; opening in a branch takes about 15 minutes.
  • You can fund your new account with a transfer from another bank, a debit card, or cash if you open in person.
  • Wells Fargo uses ChexSystems to check your banking history; if you have unpaid fees or fraud on record, you may be denied.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market—and answer questions about your personal information, employment, and annual income. Wells Fargo will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

After you complete the personal information section, you will choose how to fund the account. If you transfer money from another bank, you will need the routing number and account number from that bank. Wells Fargo will verify the transfer, which usually takes one to two business days. If you use a debit card to fund the account, the deposit is instant.

Once you submit your application, Wells Fargo runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, fraud flags, or closed accounts with negative balances at other banks, Wells Fargo may deny your application. You will receive an email or letter within one business day telling you whether you were approved.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Bring your government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Walk into any Wells Fargo branch and tell a representative you want to open an account.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online form: your income, employment status, and reason for opening the account. They will run the ChexSystems check while you wait. If you are approved, you can fund the account with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. Cash deposits are available immediately; transfers take one to two business days.

You will receive your debit card at the branch or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your account number and routing number are available immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay the same day.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same application as the online form. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready when you call.

After the representative collects your information and runs the ChexSystems check, you will choose how to fund the account. You can authorize a transfer from another bank, or provide a debit card number to fund it. The representative will mail you a welcome packet with your debit card and account details within 7 to 10 business days.

Phone applications take longer than online or in-branch because the representative must verify your identity verbally. The call usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active the same day, but you cannot use your debit card until it arrives by mail.

What happens if Wells Fargo denies your application

Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why your application was denied. The most common reasons are a negative ChexSystems report, unpaid fees at another bank, or fraud flags in your banking history. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free within 60 days of denial.

To get your ChexSystems report, go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. Review the report for errors—mistakes happen, and you can dispute inaccurate information. If the report is correct but old (more than seven years), ChexSystems should remove it automatically.

If you were denied because of unpaid fees, contact the bank where you owe money and ask what it would take to settle the debt. Some banks will remove the negative mark if you pay the balance in full. Once the mark is removed or the debt is resolved, you can reapply to Wells Fargo.

Account types and their requirements

Wells Fargo offers several account types, each with different features and opening requirements. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit. Wells Fargo Preferred Checking requires a $25 opening deposit and charges a monthly fee unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.

Wells Fargo Savings Account requires a $25 opening deposit and earns interest on your balance. Money Market Account requires a $25 opening deposit and offers higher interest rates if you maintain a larger balance. Student Checking is free for students under 24 and has no minimum opening deposit.

Choose based on how you plan to use the account. If you want no fees and no minimum balance, Everyday Checking is the simplest option. If you want to earn interest on savings, the Savings Account or Money Market Account makes sense. If you are a student, Student Checking saves you money on monthly fees.

What to do after your account opens

Once your account is open, set up direct deposit if your employer offers it. Direct deposit moves your paycheck into your account automatically, usually one day before payday. To set up direct deposit, give your employer your Wells Fargo account number and routing number (1121-0849 for most Wells Fargo accounts).

Set up online bill pay to pay bills from your Wells Fargo account without writing checks. Log into wellsfargo.com, go to "Pay Bills," and add the companies you pay regularly. Wells Fargo will mail a check or transfer the money electronically, depending on the payee.

Download the Wells Fargo mobile app to check your balance, deposit checks by phone camera, and transfer money between accounts. Enable fraud alerts in your account settings so Wells Fargo texts or calls you if unusual activity occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account without a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, Wells Fargo will open an account using that instead. Bring your ITIN letter and a government photo ID to a branch, or call 1-800-869-3557 to open by phone.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open in person at a branch, you may receive your debit card at the branch immediately or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you open online or by phone, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before your card arrives.

What if I do not have a proof of address?

If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring a recent bank statement, government-issued ID with your current address, or a letter from your employer or school with your name and address. Wells Fargo accepts multiple forms of proof; ask the branch representative what documents they can use.

Can I open an account if I have been denied by other banks?

Maybe. Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems, which records unpaid fees and fraud at other banks. If your denial was recent and the issue is still on your report, Wells Fargo may deny you too. If the issue is old or resolved, you have a better chance. Request your ChexSystems report to see what banks reported about you.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking has no minimum balance requirement. Preferred Checking, Savings Account, and Money Market Account require you to maintain a balance or set up direct deposit to avoid monthly fees. Check the account details when you open to see which fees apply to your account type.