How to Open a Savings Account at Wells Fargo

What you need to open a Wells Fargo savings account

You can open a Wells Fargo savings account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have the documents ready. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but many accounts require $25 or less to start.

Wells Fargo offers several types of savings accounts with different features and minimum balances. The most common is the Wells Fargo Way2Save Savings Account, which has a low opening deposit and earns interest on your balance. There is also the Wells Fargo Platinum Savings Account, which requires a higher opening deposit but may offer different interest rates or features. Before you start, decide which account fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start a Wells Fargo savings account.
Opening online takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready, and you can fund the account when ready with a debit card or bank transfer.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though some account types may not be available.
Wells Fargo savings accounts earn interest, but the rate changes based on market conditions and your account balance.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "Savings" section. You will answer questions about yourself: your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Have your ID and Social Security number in front of you. The form will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — Wells Fargo pulls this information to confirm you are who you say you are.

Once you pass the identity check, you will choose which savings account you want and set up your opening deposit. You can fund the account with a debit card, a transfer from another bank account, or a wire transfer. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts when ready. If you transfer from another bank, it usually takes one to three business days. After you complete the form, Wells Fargo will give you your account number and routing number right away, and you can start using the account.

Opening an account at a Wells Fargo branch

Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using their branch locator on wellsfargo.com. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash or a check). You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A banker will walk you through the account setup in person. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. They will ask the same questions as the online form and will verify your identity. If you bring cash, they will deposit it when ready. If you bring a check, it will be processed according to Wells Fargo's check deposit timeline. You will leave with your debit card process started (the card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days) and your account number.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open a savings account over the phone. A representative will guide you through the same questions and identity verification. You will need your ID and Social Security number in front of you. This method takes about 20 to 30 minutes because everything is done verbally.

For your opening deposit, the representative will explain your options: you can authorize a transfer from another bank account, or you can mail a check to Wells Fargo after the account is open. If you choose a bank transfer, it usually posts within one to three business days. Phone opening is useful if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to do it online, but it is slower than the other two methods.

What happens after you open the account

Your savings account is active when ready, and you can move money into it right away. Your debit card (if you requested one) arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can access your account online or through the Wells Fargo mobile app as soon as it is open — you will set up a username and password during the opening process, or you can create one after.

Your account will start earning interest based on the current rate for your account type. Interest rates change, and Wells Fargo publishes their current rates on their website. You can check your balance, transfer money, set up automatic transfers, and manage your account through online banking or the app. If you have questions after opening, you can call customer service at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch.

If you do not have a Social Security number

You can open a Wells Fargo savings account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States. You will need your ITIN, a government photo ID, and your opening deposit.

Not all Wells Fargo account types are available to ITIN holders — some accounts have restrictions based on federal banking rules. Call 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch to ask which accounts you can open. The opening process is the same as for someone with a Social Security number, but the banker or representative will note your ITIN instead.

Common reasons your account opening might be delayed

Wells Fargo may need more information before your account is fully set up. This happens if your identity cannot be verified through the standard security questions, if your address does not match their records, or if there is a flag in their fraud detection system. If this occurs, Wells Fargo will contact you by phone or email with next steps — usually they ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID, or to send a copy of your ID by mail.

In rare cases, Wells Fargo may decline to open an account. This can happen if you have a history of fraud, if you owe money to another bank, or if you appear on certain government lists. If your account is declined, Wells Fargo will tell you why and whether you can reapply. You can also contact their customer service line to ask about your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo savings account if I do not have a bank account anywhere else?

Yes. Wells Fargo does not require you to have an existing bank account. You will still need a government photo ID, Social Security number (or ITIN), and an opening deposit. If you have never had a bank account before, opening online or at a branch works the same way.

How much money do I have to put in to open the account?

Most Wells Fargo savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25 or less. Some account types may have higher minimums — check the account details before you start. You can deposit more than the minimum if you want to.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

You will need a government-issued photo ID to open a Wells Fargo account. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This is different from a driver's license and does not require you to drive. Visit your state's DMV website to learn what documents you need to bring.

Can someone else open a savings account for me?

No. You must open the account yourself with your own ID and Social Security number. Wells Fargo requires the account holder to be present (in person, online, or by phone) during the opening process. If you need help understanding the process, a banker at a branch can walk you through it, but you are the one who completes the opening.

How long does it take to start using my account after I open it?

Your account is active when ready after you complete the opening process. You can transfer money into it right away and start earning interest. Your debit card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days, but you do not need it to use your account — you can move money online or through the app from day one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.