What you need to open a Wells Fargo account

Wells Fargo requires a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking or savings account. You can start the process online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you do it online, or longer if you go to a branch because of wait times.

You will need to choose between a checking account, a savings account, or both. Checking accounts come with a debit card and let you write checks; savings accounts earn interest but have limits on how many times you can withdraw per month. Wells Fargo offers several versions of each, with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.

Have your Social Security number, a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address ready before you start. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be present in person with the minor and their birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit; online applications take 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Wells Fargo offers multiple checking and savings products with different fees and minimum balances, so compare them before you choose.
  • You can open an account online, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or in person at a branch.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid fees reported to ChexSystems, Wells Fargo may decline your application.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Select the account type you want—checking, savings, or both. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Wells Fargo will ask for a phone number and email address where they can reach you.

Next, you choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. If you transfer from another bank, Wells Fargo will ask for your routing number and account number from that bank. The transfer usually takes one to three business days to show up in your new Wells Fargo account.

After you submit your information, Wells Fargo runs a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have unpaid overdraft fees or closed accounts with negative balances at other banks, this check may flag you. Wells Fargo will tell you within a few minutes whether your account is open or if they need more information from you.

Once approved, you can log into your account immediately online and set up bill pay or transfers. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account by phone or in person

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about which account type fits your needs. You will still need to provide your ID and Social Security number, and you will still need to make an initial deposit. Phone applications take longer than online ones because the representative must verify your information manually.

To open an account in person, visit a Wells Fargo branch near you. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works). A banker will help you choose an account, answer questions about fees and features, and process your application on the spot. You can make your initial deposit in cash or by check at the branch. In-person applications can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the branch is.

Understanding Wells Fargo account types and fees

Wells Fargo's most common checking account is the Wells Fargo Core Checking. It has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with $500 in it. If you do not meet any of those conditions, the monthly fee is $10. You get unlimited debit card transactions, check writing, and transfers.

The Wells Fargo Savings Account earns interest, but the rate is very low—typically less than 0.01% annually, which means you earn almost nothing on your balance. It has a $500 minimum balance requirement to avoid a $5 monthly fee. You can make up to six withdrawals per month; after that, Wells Fargo charges $10 per withdrawal.

Wells Fargo also offers premium accounts like Wells Fargo Platinum Checking and Wells Fargo Gold Checking, which have higher minimum balances but waive certain fees. Compare the account types on Wells Fargo's website or ask a banker in person to find the one that matches your spending and savings habits.

All Wells Fargo accounts charge overdraft fees if you spend more than you have. The overdraft fee is $35 per transaction, and Wells Fargo can charge multiple fees per day if you overdraft multiple times. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee.

What happens after your account opens

Once Wells Fargo approves your account, you can log in online or through the Wells Fargo mobile app immediately. You will see your account number and routing number, which you need if you want to set up direct deposit from an employer or transfer money from another bank. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the app.

Wells Fargo will send you a welcome packet with your account information, a temporary check, and information about online banking and bill pay. Read the fee schedule that comes with this packet so you understand what charges apply to your account. If you have questions about your account after it opens, you can call customer service at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch.

If Wells Fargo declines your application

Wells Fargo may decline your application if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdraft fees, closed accounts with negative balances, or fraud on your banking history. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. Request a free report at chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

If you are declined, ask Wells Fargo why. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history issues, though Wells Fargo does not always advertise these. You may also consider opening an account at a credit union or a different bank that has less strict ChexSystems policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN if you have one. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to ask about ITIN accounts, as not all branches process them.

How much do I need to deposit to open an account?

Wells Fargo does not publish a minimum opening deposit amount, but most accounts require $25 to $100 to start. The exact amount may vary by account type and location. Ask during the application process or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the minimum for the account you want.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or provide their ID, Social Security number, and signature. You can open a joint account at a branch or by calling 1-800-869-3557. Both people will have full access to the account and can withdraw money or close it.

What if I want to close my Wells Fargo account later?

You can close your account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. If you have a balance, Wells Fargo will send you a check or transfer the money to another account. If you have an outstanding balance (such as unpaid overdraft fees), Wells Fargo will deduct that before sending you the remaining balance.

Do I need to visit a branch in person to open an account?

No. You can open most Wells Fargo accounts online or by phone without visiting a branch. The only exception is if you are opening an account for a minor under 18, which requires an in-person visit with the minor and their birth certificate.