Yes, you can close most Wells Fargo accounts online, but the process depends on your account type

Wells Fargo lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The steps are straightforward: log in, find the account closure option in settings, confirm you have no pending transactions, and submit. The account typically closes within a few business days.

However, some account types — like investment accounts, credit cards, or accounts with outstanding loans — require a phone call or branch visit. Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged to move or withdraw the money. Wells Fargo will not close an account with a remaining balance.

If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, stop or redirect them before closing. Any transactions still processing when you close could cause problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through the Wells Fargo website or mobile app by logging in and selecting the account closure option.
  • Your account balance must be zero before Wells Fargo will close it, so withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.
  • Stop all direct deposits and automatic payments at least a few days before closing to avoid transactions bouncing.
  • Credit cards, investment accounts, and accounts with loans may require a phone call to 1-800-869-3557 or a visit to your local branch.
  • The account closure typically takes three to five business days after you submit the request online.

Steps to close your account online

Start by logging into your Wells Fargo account on their website or through the mobile app. Go to the settings or account management section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but both have a "Close Account" or "Account Services" option.

Select the account you want to close from your list of accounts. Wells Fargo will show you the current balance and ask you to confirm that the balance is zero. If it is not, you will need to withdraw the money or transfer it to another account before proceeding.

Review the closure confirmation, which will tell you what happens to any checks you have outstanding and whether you need to take any other steps. Then submit the request. You should receive a confirmation email within a few hours.

What to do with your money before closing

If your account has money in it, you have two options: withdraw it in cash or transfer it to another bank account. Most people transfer to another account because it is faster and leaves a record.

To transfer, log into your Wells Fargo account and use the "Transfer" or "Move Money" feature. You can send funds to another Wells Fargo account you own, or to an account at a different bank. If you are transferring to a different bank, you will need the routing number and account number of that bank.

If you prefer to withdraw cash, visit a Wells Fargo branch or use an ATM. Withdrawing large amounts may take a day or two to process, so plan ahead.

Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments

Before you close your account, contact anyone who sends you money directly — your employer, government benefits office, or other sources — and give them your new account information. This usually takes a few days to process.

For automatic payments you make from the account — like utility bills, insurance, or subscriptions — log into each company's website and update your payment method or cancel the automatic payment. Do this at least three to five days before you close the account.

If you miss updating a payment and it tries to go through after the account closes, it will be rejected. The company may charge you a fee, and you could face late fees or service interruption. Checking your account one more time the day before closure can catch any last-minute surprises.

Account types that require a phone call or branch visit

Wells Fargo credit cards cannot be closed online. You must call 1-800-869-3557 to close a credit card account. Have your card number ready when you call.

Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and accounts with outstanding loans or lines of credit also require a phone call or branch visit. If you have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or personal loan through Wells Fargo, closing a linked deposit account may affect your loan. Contact the loan department before closing.

If you are unsure whether your account type can be closed online, log in and try to find the closure option. Wells Fargo will tell you if your account requires a different process.

What happens after you submit your closure request

Once you submit your request online, Wells Fargo sends a confirmation email. The account typically closes within three to five business days. During this time, any checks you have written that have not yet cleared will still process, so make sure your balance covers them.

After the account closes, you will no longer be able to log in to it or access it through the app. If you need records of transactions from the closed account, read or print your statements before closing. Wells Fargo keeps records for seven years, but accessing old statements becomes harder once the account is closed.

If you have a Wells Fargo debit card linked to the account, it will stop working once the account closes. Destroy the card or wait for it to expire.

Reasons to keep your account open a little longer

Even if you are switching banks, consider keeping your Wells Fargo account open for a few weeks after you move your money. This gives time for any outstanding checks to clear and for automatic payments to process one last time. Closing too quickly can cause checks to bounce or payments to fail.

If you have overdraft protection linked to another account, make sure you understand how that works before closing. Some people keep a small account open just to cover overdrafts on another account.

If you receive tax documents, 1099 forms, or other important mail from Wells Fargo, make sure you have updated your address with them or set up mail forwarding before closing the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have checks that have not cleared yet?

Wells Fargo will keep the account open long enough for outstanding checks to clear, even after you request closure. Make sure your balance covers all checks you have written. If a check bounces because the account is closed, you and the recipient may face fees.

Can I reopen a closed Wells Fargo account?

Yes, but only within a certain time frame. Contact Wells Fargo to ask whether your account can be reopened. If too much time has passed, you will need to open a new account instead.

Will closing my account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. However, closing a credit card account may have a small impact on your credit.

Do I need to close my account in person?

For checking and savings accounts, no — you can close online. For credit cards, investment accounts, or accounts with loans, you will need to call or visit a branch. A branch visit is not required for most account types.

What if Wells Fargo says my account cannot be closed online?

Call 1-800-869-3557 or visit your local Wells Fargo branch. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative can close your account over the phone or help you complete the process in person.