You can close a Wells Fargo savings account online through the mobile app or website, but you'll need to move your money out first and handle a few steps in order

Wells Fargo lets you close a savings account online using their mobile app or website, but the process isn't fully automated — you'll need to transfer your balance to another account (at Wells Fargo or elsewhere), then request the closure. The bank won't close an account that still holds money. If you have a small balance, you can withdraw it in cash at a branch or ATM instead. The whole process usually takes a few minutes online, though it can take a few business days for the closure to finalize in their system.

Before you start, know that closing a savings account shows up on your banking record and may affect your credit score slightly if you're closing accounts frequently. It's a small impact, but worth knowing. You also won't be able to use that account number again once it's closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Move your money out of the account first — either transfer it to another bank account or withdraw it in cash — because Wells Fargo won't close an account with a balance.
  • Use the Wells Fargo mobile app or website to request closure once the account is empty; you'll need to log in with your username and password.
  • The closure request processes within a few business days, and you'll receive a confirmation email when it's complete.
  • If you have pending transactions or holds on the account, wait for those to clear before closing, or the closure request may be delayed.
  • Closing a savings account is different from closing a checking account and won't affect your ability to use other Wells Fargo accounts.

How to move your money before closing

The first step is getting the money out. You have two main options: transfer it to another account, or withdraw it as cash.

If you're transferring to another Wells Fargo account (like a checking account), you can do this right in the app or website. Go to "Transfers," select the savings account as the source, and pick the destination account. The transfer usually completes the same day or next business day. If you're moving money to a bank outside Wells Fargo, you'll need the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Wells Fargo calls this an "external transfer" and it typically takes one to three business days.

If you'd rather withdraw the cash, visit any Wells Fargo branch or ATM. At a branch, you can withdraw any amount. At an ATM, you're limited to the daily withdrawal limit for your account (usually $500 to $1,000, depending on your account type). Once the account balance is zero, you're ready to close it.

Closing the account through the app or website

Log into your Wells Fargo account on the mobile app or at wellsfargo.com. On the website, go to "Accounts" and find the savings account you want to close. Look for a menu or settings option — it's usually three dots or a gear icon next to the account name. Select "Close Account" or "Close This Account."

Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm that the account balance is zero and that you want to proceed. You may also see a question about why you're closing the account — this is optional to answer. Review the information one more time, then submit the request. You'll see a confirmation message on screen, and Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes.

If you don't see a "Close Account" option in the app or website, or if you run into an error, you can also call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to close the account by phone. A representative can walk you through it or close it for you directly.

What happens after you submit the closure request

Once you've requested closure, the account will move to a "pending closure" status. This usually takes three to five business days to finalize. During this time, the account is still open but you won't be able to use it. Any pending transactions (like automatic payments or transfers you set up before closing) may still process, which could delay the closure.

If you have pending transactions, wait for them to clear before closing, or contact Wells Fargo to cancel them first. Once the closure is final, you'll receive another confirmation email. The account number will no longer be active, and you won't be able to reopen it under the same number.

If you can't close it online

Some situations require you to close the account at a branch or by phone instead. This happens if you have a joint account and the other owner hasn't agreed to close it, if there are legal holds on the account, or if there are unresolved disputes about the account.

If you're a joint account holder, both owners usually need to agree to close the account. Contact your local Wells Fargo branch or call 1-800-869-3557 to find out what's needed in your situation. If there's a legal hold (like a court order or tax levy), you'll need to resolve that first — Wells Fargo can't close the account until the hold is lifted.

Closing a savings account won't affect your other accounts

Closing one savings account doesn't close your checking account, credit card, or any other Wells Fargo account you have. Each account is separate. You can close just the savings account and keep everything else open.

However, if you have automatic transfers set up between accounts (like a transfer from checking to savings each month), those will stop working once the savings account is closed. If you want to keep that savings habit going, set up a transfer to a different savings account before you close this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

Closing a savings account has minimal impact on your credit score because savings accounts don't show up on your credit report the way credit cards or loans do. However, closing many accounts in a short time can have a small negative effect. If you're closing just one account, the impact is usually not noticeable.

What if I have a small balance left — like $1.50?

You can withdraw it at an ATM or branch, or transfer it to another account. Some people leave a tiny balance and ask Wells Fargo to close the account anyway, but the bank will typically refuse and ask you to remove the money first. It's faster to just withdraw or transfer the small amount.

Can I reopen the same savings account after I close it?

No, once a Wells Fargo account is closed, that account number is retired and can't be reopened. If you want a savings account again, you'll need to open a new one, which will have a different account number. The process is the same as opening any new account.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

The closure request usually processes within three to five business days. If you have pending transactions or holds, it may take longer. You'll receive an email confirmation when the closure is final.

What if I closed the account but still see it in my app?

Closed accounts sometimes stay visible in the app for a few weeks after closure, but they're no longer active. If it's been more than a week and you're concerned, contact Wells Fargo to confirm the closure went through. You can call 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch.