You can close a Wells Fargo savings account online through your account settings, but the process has limits

Wells Fargo lets you close a savings account through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch, but only if your account has a zero balance and no pending transactions. If you have money in the account, you must transfer or withdraw it first. The online closure takes a few minutes once those conditions are met, and Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email.

The catch: not every account type can be closed online. Some savings products—particularly those with special terms or promotional rates—may require a phone call to close. Before you start, log into your Wells Fargo account and check whether the closure option appears in your account settings. If it does not, you will need to call 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Your savings account must have a zero balance before you can close it online; transfer or withdraw any remaining funds first.
  • The online closure option appears in your account settings only if Wells Fargo allows that account type to be closed digitally.
  • Once you close the account, Wells Fargo sends a confirmation email, and the account is typically closed within one business day.
  • If the online option is not available, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or go to a branch to close the account by phone or in person.
  • Check your account for any pending direct deposits or automatic payments before closing, as these can delay the process.

Steps to close your account online

Log into Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app using your username and password. Navigate to your savings account and look for a settings or account management option—this is usually found by tapping the account name or a gear icon. Select the option to close the account if it appears.

Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm the closure and may ask why you are closing the account. Answer the question or skip it, then review the confirmation screen. Once you submit, you will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Keep this email for your records.

The account closure is usually complete within one business day. You can check the status by logging back into your account—the account should no longer appear in your account list once it is closed.

What to do before you close the account

Transfer or withdraw all money in the account. Even a few cents will block the online closure option. If you have another bank account, you can transfer the balance to it through Wells Fargo's transfer feature. Otherwise, withdraw the money at an ATM or at a branch.

Check for pending transactions. If you have set up automatic bill payments or direct deposits to this account, they will fail once the account closes. Log into your account and review recent activity to see if anything is scheduled. Cancel or redirect any automatic payments to another account before you close.

Verify there are no holds on the account. If Wells Fargo has placed a hold due to fraud investigation or other reasons, you will not be able to close the account online. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask whether any holds are in place.

When you cannot close the account online

If the closure option does not appear in your account settings, Wells Fargo does not allow that particular account to be closed digitally. This happens most often with savings accounts tied to promotional offers, accounts with special terms, or accounts that are part of a package deal with a checking account.

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you want to close the savings account. Have your account number ready. They will verify your identity, confirm the balance is zero, and close the account over the phone. You will receive a confirmation email after the call.

You can also close the account in person at any Wells Fargo branch. Bring a photo ID and your account number. The teller will verify the balance is zero and process the closure on the spot. This is the fastest way if you need the account closed when ready.

What happens after you close the account

The account will no longer appear in your Wells Fargo Online or mobile app account list. You will not receive statements for the closed account, but Wells Fargo keeps records of closed accounts for seven years. If you need a statement from the closed account, you can request it by calling 1-800-869-3557.

If you closed the account because of a problem—such as unwanted fees or poor service—consider whether you want to keep your other Wells Fargo accounts open. If you are closing all your Wells Fargo accounts, you may want to do that at the same time to avoid multiple phone calls or branch visits.

If you had a debit card linked to the savings account, that card will no longer work once the account closes. If the card was also linked to a checking account, it will continue to work but will only draw from the checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a small balance left in the account?

Transfer it to another account or withdraw it at an ATM or branch. Even a balance of one cent will prevent the online closure option from appearing. Once the balance is zero, the closure option will become available.

How long does it take to close the account?

Online closures typically complete within one business day. If you close by phone or in person, the account is closed when ready, though it may take a day or two to disappear from your online account list.

Can I reopen a closed savings account?

Yes, but you will need to open a new account rather than reactivate the old one. Contact Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch to open a new savings account. You will need to provide identification and go through the standard account opening process.

Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit accounts like credit cards and loans appear on your credit report.

What if I have a joint account?

Both account holders must consent to close a joint savings account. If you are the only one who wants to close it, contact Wells Fargo to discuss your options. You may be able to remove yourself from the account and have the other person keep it open.