You can close a Wells Fargo savings account online through the mobile app or website, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Wells Fargo lets you close a savings account yourself using their mobile app or website, provided the account holds no money and has no checks or transfers in progress. If your account has a balance, you must move that money to another account first — either within Wells Fargo or to a different bank. The process takes a few minutes once the account is empty, and you'll receive written confirmation by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
If you cannot access the app or website, or if your account has complications (a freeze, a dispute, or an outstanding debit), you'll need to close the account by phone or in person at a branch. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to close a savings account, and closing it does not affect your credit score.
Key Takeaways
- Your Wells Fargo savings account must have a zero balance before you can close it online through the app or website.
- Transfer any remaining balance to another Wells Fargo account or to an external bank account before starting the closure process.
- Online closure takes a few minutes, and you'll receive a written confirmation in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.
- If your account is frozen, has a pending dispute, or you cannot access your login, you must call Wells Fargo or visit a branch to close it.
How to close your account through the Wells Fargo app
Open the Wells Fargo mobile app and log in with your username and password. Navigate to the savings account you want to close, then look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) on the account details screen. Select "Close Account" or "Account Settings" depending on your app version.
The app will confirm that your balance is zero and that no transactions are pending. If either condition is not met, you cannot proceed — you'll see a message telling you to transfer money out or wait for pending items to clear. Once the app confirms the account is ready, follow the prompts to confirm closure. You'll see a final confirmation screen; take a screenshot or note the confirmation number for your records.
How to close your account through the Wells Fargo website
Log into your Wells Fargo account at wellsfargo.com using your username and password. Click on the savings account name to open the account details page. Look for a "Settings" or "Account Options" link, usually near the top right of the account information.
Select "Close Account" from the menu. Wells Fargo will display your current balance and check for pending transactions. If the balance is zero and no transactions are in progress, you can proceed. Confirm your identity if prompted (usually by answering a security question or entering a code sent to your phone), then confirm the closure. The website will show a confirmation number — save this for your records.
What to do if your account has a balance
Before you can close the account, you must move all money out. You have two options: transfer the balance to another Wells Fargo account you own, or transfer it to an account at a different bank.
To transfer within Wells Fargo, use the app or website to set up a one-time transfer from the savings account to your checking account or another savings account. The transfer usually completes within one business day. To transfer to an external bank, you'll need the receiving account number and routing number. Wells Fargo calls this an "external transfer" and it typically takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the receiving bank.
Once the balance reaches zero and any pending transfers have cleared, you can proceed with closing the account online.
When you cannot close your account online
Some situations prevent online closure. If your account is frozen due to a dispute, suspected fraud, or a legal hold, you cannot close it yourself. If you have a pending lawsuit or tax levy against the account, Wells Fargo will not allow closure until that matter is resolved. If you've forgotten your login credentials or cannot access the app or website, you'll need to verify your identity in person or by phone before closure.
In any of these cases, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 (the number for savings accounts) or visit a Wells Fargo branch with a photo ID. A representative can explain why the account cannot be closed online and walk you through the next steps. Closure by phone or in person takes the same amount of time as online closure — a few minutes — and you'll still receive written confirmation by mail.
What happens after you close your account
Once closure is confirmed, Wells Fargo will stop all activity on that account. Any automatic transfers, bill payments, or direct deposits linked to that account will fail. If you have set up any recurring payments or deposits to this savings account, you must update those with your new account information before closure, or they will bounce.
You'll receive a written confirmation letter in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Keep this letter for your records. If you need proof of closure for tax purposes or for another financial institution, you can request a written statement from Wells Fargo showing the account closure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does closing a Wells Fargo savings account hurt my credit?
No. Closing a savings account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. You can close a savings account without any impact on your creditworthiness.
What if I close my account and then want to reopen it?
You can open a new Wells Fargo savings account at any time through the app, website, or a branch. However, Wells Fargo will not reopen the closed account — you'll be opening a new account with a new account number. There is no fee to open a new savings account.
Can I close my account if I have a pending check or transfer?
No. You must wait for all pending transactions to clear before you can close the account. If a check is still outstanding, wait until it clears or contact the recipient to cancel it. If a transfer is in progress, wait for it to complete. Once everything has cleared and the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure.
Will Wells Fargo charge me a fee to close my savings account?
No. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to close a savings account. You can close it for free through the app, website, phone, or in person at a branch.
How long does it take to close my account?
The closure itself takes a few minutes — you'll see confirmation on screen when ready. The written confirmation letter arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. The account is closed as soon as you confirm the closure online or with a representative; the mailed letter is just documentation.