What you need to bring and how long it takes

You can open a Wells Fargo checking account in person at a branch, online, or by phone. The fastest route is online — it takes about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day. In-person and phone openings usually take 15 to 30 minutes, and the account is active by the next business day.

Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The minimum opening deposit is $25 for most checking accounts, though some accounts require more. You will also need a current mailing address.

If you are opening online, you will need an email address and a phone number where Wells Fargo can reach you. The bank will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history — information only you should know. If you cannot pass this verification online, you can complete the account opening at a branch instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and your account is ready to use the same day; in-person and phone openings take longer but are available if online verification fails.
  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and a minimum $25 deposit to open most Wells Fargo checking accounts.
  • Wells Fargo offers several checking account types with different monthly fees, overdraft policies, and features — compare them before opening to pick the one that fits your spending.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, link external bank accounts, and order a debit card immediately.

Which Wells Fargo checking account to choose

Wells Fargo offers three main checking accounts: Everyday Checking, Premier Checking, and Attune Checking. Each has different monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft options.

Everyday Checking has a $10 monthly fee, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. This account includes one free overdraft transfer per month from a linked savings account; additional overdrafts cost $35 each.

Premier Checking requires a $2,500 minimum daily balance to avoid a $15 monthly fee. It includes unlimited free overdraft transfers from a linked savings account and higher interest rates on the account balance. This account is designed for people who keep larger balances.

Attune Checking is Wells Fargo's account for people who have had banking problems in the past. It has a $9 monthly fee with no minimum balance requirement and does not report to ChexSystems (the banking history database). Overdrafts cost $35 each, and the bank does not offer overdraft protection.

If you are not sure which account fits you, Everyday Checking is the most common choice because the monthly fee is easy to waive through direct deposit.

Opening an account online step by step

Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." Select "Checking" and choose which account type you want. Enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your phone number — Wells Fargo will text you a verification code.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Wells Fargo will then ask identity verification questions based on your credit history. Answer these questions accurately; if you get too many wrong, the online process will stop and you will need to open the account at a branch instead.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. Enter the amount (minimum $25) and complete the transfer. Your account number and routing number will appear on screen immediately, and you can use them to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.

You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM using your account number and ID, or transfer money online.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or a check). Go to any Wells Fargo branch during business hours. Tell a banker you want to open a checking account and which type you prefer.

The banker will verify your identity, ask the same identity verification questions as the online process, and enter your information into the system. You will sign the account agreement and deposit your initial funds. The banker will give you your account number, routing number, and temporary debit card access information on the spot.

Your official debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and ID to withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs or make transfers online while you wait for the card.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. Have your government photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit method ready (another bank account for a transfer, or a debit card).

The representative will verify your identity using the same questions as the online process. If you pass verification, they will set up your account, take your initial deposit information, and give you your account number and routing number by phone. You will receive account documents and your debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately (online) or by the next business day (phone and branch). You can log into Wells Fargo's website or mobile app using your email and password to check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills.

Set up direct deposit as soon as possible if you chose Everyday Checking, because direct deposit of $500 or more per month waives the $10 monthly fee. Give your employer or benefits administrator your account number and Wells Fargo's routing number (121000248 for most accounts). Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods.

You can link external bank accounts from other banks to transfer money in and out. Go to "Transfers" in your Wells Fargo account and add the external account. Wells Fargo will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the amounts — this takes 1 to 2 business days.

Order checks if you need them. You can order through your Wells Fargo account online or ask for an order form at a branch. Checks typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Overdraft protection and what happens if you overspend

If you spend more than your account balance, Wells Fargo will either decline the transaction or pay it and charge you an overdraft fee. Which happens depends on the type of transaction and your account settings.

Debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals are usually declined if you do not have enough balance — no fee charged. Online bill payments and checks may be paid even if your balance is negative, and Wells Fargo charges a $35 overdraft fee for each transaction that overdraws your account.

You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit line. If you overspend, Wells Fargo automatically transfers money from the linked account to cover the shortfall. Everyday Checking includes one free transfer per month; additional transfers cost $35 each. Premier Checking includes unlimited free transfers.

If you do not want overdraft protection, you can turn it off in your account settings. Then all transactions will be declined if you do not have the balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo checking account if I have been denied before?

If you were denied because of ChexSystems (a banking history database), you can open Attune Checking, which does not report to ChexSystems and does not check your banking history. If you were denied for other reasons, contact Wells Fargo directly at 1-800-869-3557 to discuss your options.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open a checking account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. Call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm whether your ITIN will work before visiting a branch.

Can I open an account for someone else or as a joint account?

You can open a joint account where two people have equal access and both names appear on the account. Both account holders must be present (in person or by phone) and provide their own ID and Social Security number. You cannot open an account for someone else without their presence and consent.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Wells Fargo mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account number and ID to withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs or make online transfers while you wait. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557.

What is the routing number for Wells Fargo checking accounts?

The routing number for most Wells Fargo checking accounts is 121000248. Some accounts may have a different routing number depending on your location. Check your account documents or log into your account online to confirm your specific routing number before setting up direct deposit or transfers.