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 accounts. The deposit amount depends on the account type — checking accounts typically start at $0, while some savings or money market accounts have minimums of $2,500 or higher. You'll also need a current mailing address and a phone number.
If you're opening an account online, Wells Fargo will verify your identity through their system using the information you provide. If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and be ready to sign documents. Either way, the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if all your information is correct.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit; the deposit amount varies by account type.
- Online account opening is faster than visiting a branch and can be completed in one sitting.
- Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems (a banking history report) before opening your account, which may delay approval if you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts with negative balances at other banks.
- Once your account is open, you can order a debit card immediately, though it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you're denied, Wells Fargo will tell you why and may offer a second-chance account option with different terms.
Opening an account online versus in person
Opening online through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app is the fastest route. You enter your personal information, verify your identity, choose your account type, and make your initial deposit using a debit card or bank transfer. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day or within 24 hours.
Opening in person at a Wells Fargo branch takes longer because you'll wait for an available banker, but you can ask questions and resolve problems on the spot. Bring your ID, Social Security card (or number), and your initial deposit. The banker will walk you through the forms and can order your debit card while you're there, though it still arrives by mail.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, the branch route works. If you want to start using your account immediately, online is faster — you can set up bill pay and transfers right away, even before your debit card arrives.
What happens during the ChexSystems check
Wells Fargo pulls your ChexSystems report, which is a record of your banking history at other institutions. It tracks overdrafts you didn't pay, accounts you closed with negative balances, and fraud reports. If your report is clean, approval is automatic. If there are issues, Wells Fargo may deny your application or ask you to resolve the problem first.
If you have an unpaid overdraft at another bank, you can sometimes call that bank, pay the balance, and ask them to remove the report from ChexSystems. This takes a few days to update. Once it's cleared, you can reapply to Wells Fargo. If you're denied, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to dispute the ChexSystems report if the information is wrong.
Some people with ChexSystems issues are offered a second-chance checking account, which has lower limits on debit card transactions and monthly fees but allows you to rebuild your banking history. Ask about this option if you're denied a standard account.
Types of accounts and minimum deposits
Wells Fargo offers several account types, each with different minimums and features. A basic checking account (Wells Fargo Everyday Checking) has no minimum deposit and no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 balance. A savings account (Wells Fargo Way2Save Savings) requires no minimum deposit but earns interest at a rate that varies with the market.
Money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) have higher minimums — typically $2,500 to $10,000 — but pay higher interest rates. If you're just starting out, a checking account is the simplest choice. If you want to save money and earn interest, a savings account paired with checking works well.
Wells Fargo also offers accounts designed for students, seniors, and people under 25, each with different features and fees. Ask about these when you open your account if any apply to you.
Your debit card and initial access to funds
Once your account is open, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or make transfers immediately. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM using your account number, or you can visit a branch and ask the teller to withdraw funds for you.
When your debit card arrives, it comes inactive. You'll need to activate it through the Wells Fargo app, website, or by calling the number on the card. Activation takes seconds. After that, you can use it at any store, ATM, or online retailer that accepts Visa.
If you need cash before your card arrives, visit a Wells Fargo branch with your ID and account information. The teller can give you cash from your new account on the spot.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Most Wells Fargo checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $10 to $15, but you can waive it by meeting one of these conditions: setting up direct deposit, keeping a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), or maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance. The exact requirement depends on your account type.
Savings accounts also have monthly fees ($5 to $10) that are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or link a may have access to checking account. Read the account terms before you open to understand which fee waiver option works best for your situation.
Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your balance. Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and you can overdraft multiple times in a single day. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, which means transactions will be declined instead of going through.
What to do if your application is denied
If Wells Fargo denies your application, they'll send you a letter within 30 days explaining the reason — usually a ChexSystems issue, an unpaid overdraft at another bank, or fraud on your record. The letter will include instructions for disputing the information if it's wrong.
To dispute a ChexSystems report, contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website. You can request a free copy of your report and file a dispute if any information is inaccurate. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate and respond.
If the issue is an unpaid overdraft, contact the bank where the overdraft occurred and pay the balance. Ask them to confirm in writing that it's been paid and request they notify ChexSystems. Once that's done, wait a few days for the report to update, then reapply to Wells Fargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you apply.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open my account?
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number to withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs or branches before it arrives. Once the card arrives, activate it through the app or website before using it.
What if I don't have a minimum deposit right now?
Most Wells Fargo checking accounts have no minimum deposit requirement to open. You can open with $0 and deposit money later. However, some savings and money market accounts do require a minimum, so choose a checking account if you're starting with no money.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?
You can open a joint account with another person if you both have valid ID and Social Security numbers. For a child under 18, a parent or guardian must open a custodial account. For an elderly parent, you can open a joint account if they're present and consent, or a power of attorney account if they're unable to sign.
What happens if I close my Wells Fargo account right after opening it?
You can close your account anytime without penalty. Wells Fargo will not charge you a fee for closing early. Any remaining balance will be returned to you by check or transferred to another account you specify.