Yes, you can change your Wells Fargo checking account type, but the process and your options depend on which account you have now
Wells Fargo lets you switch between most of their checking accounts without closing your current account and opening a new one. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The change usually takes effect within one to three business days. However, not every account type can convert to every other type — some combinations require you to close the old account and start fresh, which means a new account number and routing number.
The reason this matters: if you switch accounts the wrong way, direct deposits and automatic payments linked to your old account number may fail until you update them everywhere. Understanding which path you can take before you call or visit saves you a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Most Wells Fargo checking account changes happen without closing your account, but some conversions require you to open a new account with a new number.
- You can initiate a change online through Wells Fargo's website, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person.
- If your change requires a new account number, you must notify your employer, creditors, and any services using automatic payments before the switch takes effect.
- The change typically processes within one to three business days, though some account types may take longer depending on your account history.
- Wells Fargo may deny a change if you have an outstanding balance, unresolved disputes, or fraud flags on your account.
Which account types can convert to which without closing
Wells Fargo's most common checking accounts are Everyday Checking, Premier Checking, Preferred Checking, and Attune Checking (for customers with limited credit history). Between these four, you can usually convert in either direction — from Everyday to Premier, or from Premier to Preferred, for example — without closing your account.
The conversion keeps your existing account number, routing number, and account history intact. This is the cleanest path because your direct deposits and automatic bill payments continue without interruption. The bank processes the change as a product upgrade or downgrade on your existing account.
However, if you want to move to a specialty account — such as a student checking account, a senior checking account, or a business checking account — you will likely need to close your current personal account and open a new one. These accounts have different terms, fee structures, and may be able to access rules, so Wells Fargo treats them as separate products rather than conversions.
How to change your account type online
Log into your Wells Fargo account on their website or mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section — the exact menu name varies slightly between the website and app, but it is usually labeled "Account" or "Settings." Look for an option that says "Change Account Type," "Switch Products," or "Manage Account."
Select your checking account from the list of accounts you hold. Wells Fargo will show you which account types you are may be able to access to switch to based on your current account and account standing. Read the fee structure, minimum balance requirements, and any other terms for the new account type before confirming.
Once you confirm, Wells Fargo will process the change. You should see the new account type reflected in your account details within one to three business days. Your account number does not change during this process. Check your account settings again after a few days to confirm the switch went through.
Changing your account by phone or in person
Call Wells Fargo's customer service line at 1-800-869-3557 (the number for existing customers). Have your account number and a form of identification ready. Tell the representative you want to change your checking account type and ask which types you are may be able to access for based on your current account.
The representative will explain the fees, minimum balance, and benefits of each option, then process the change over the phone. They will confirm your new account type and the effective date before ending the call. Ask them to email or mail you a confirmation so you have a record of the change.
Alternatively, visit a Wells Fargo branch in person. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. A banker can walk you through the available options, answer questions about fees and features, and process the change on the spot. This method is useful if you have questions about how the new account type affects your other Wells Fargo products, like savings accounts or credit cards.
What happens if your change requires a new account number
If you are converting to a specialty account type that requires a new account, Wells Fargo will close your old account and open a new one with a different account number and routing number. The bank typically gives you a window of time — usually 30 to 60 days — to update your direct deposits and automatic payments before the old account fully closes.
Before the change takes effect, contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your new account number and routing number. Do the same for any creditors, insurance companies, or services that pull money from your account automatically. If you miss updating any of these, payments will fail and you may face late fees or service interruptions.
Wells Fargo will not automatically transfer pending transactions from your old account to your new one. If you have checks outstanding or pending transfers, they may bounce or fail if they are processed after your old account closes. Contact the bank to ask about a grace period or to confirm the exact closure date so you can plan accordingly.
Reasons Wells Fargo might deny or delay your change
Wells Fargo can refuse to change your account type if you have an outstanding balance, an unresolved dispute, or fraud flags on your account. If your account is overdrawn or you owe fees, the bank may require you to bring the account current before processing the change.
If you have filed a dispute over a transaction or if the bank suspects fraudulent activity, they may freeze account changes until the investigation closes. This can add weeks to the process. If this happens, ask the bank for a timeline and ask what you can do to speed up the resolution.
Some account types have income or credit requirements. If you do not meet the minimum income threshold for a Premier Checking account, for example, Wells Fargo may not let you convert to it. In that case, you can ask whether you are may be able to access for a different account type or whether the requirements change if you maintain a higher balance.
Fees and minimum balance changes when you switch
Each Wells Fargo checking account type has different monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements. When you change account types, these fees take effect when ready or at the start of your next billing cycle, depending on when you make the change.
For example, Everyday Checking has a lower monthly fee than Premier Checking, but Premier Checking waives the fee if you maintain a higher balance or set up direct deposit. If you downgrade from Premier to Everyday, your fee drops but you lose access to Premier benefits like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts or fee waivers on other products.
Review the fee schedule for your new account type before confirming the change. If the new fees are higher, make sure you understand what benefits you gain in return. If you are switching to lower fees, confirm that you do not lose access to features you use regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account type if I have a negative balance?
No. Wells Fargo will not process an account type change if your account is overdrawn or you owe fees. You must bring your account to a positive balance and pay any outstanding fees first. Once your account is current, you can request the change.
Will my debit card number change if I switch account types?
Usually not. If you convert between standard checking accounts without closing your account, your debit card remains active and your card number does not change. If you are opening a completely new account, you will receive a new debit card with a new number, though the old card may continue to work briefly during a transition period.
How long does it take for the change to show up in my account?
One to three business days is typical. Some account type changes process faster if you do them online or in person at a branch. If you call customer service, the change may take slightly longer. Check your account settings a few days after requesting the change to confirm it went through.
What if I change my mind after switching account types?
You can switch back to your original account type or to a different type using the same process. If your original account required a new account number, switching back will not restore your old account number — you will have a new number. Update your direct deposits and automatic payments again if you make another change.
Do I lose my transaction history if I change account types?
No. If you convert without closing your account, all your transaction history stays with the account. If you close your account to open a new one, Wells Fargo keeps your old statements and history available, but they are not transferred to the new account. You can still view old statements through your online banking profile.