What you need to open a Wells Fargo account
Wells Fargo lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You'll need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, bank account number, or cash if you go to a branch. Most people can complete an online account opening in 10 to 15 minutes.
Wells Fargo will check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and disputes. If you've had problems with a bank account in the past—overdrafts you didn't pay back, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank—Wells Fargo may deny you or require you to use a second-chance account with different terms. You'll find out whether you're approved within minutes if you start online.
You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to open an account. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account for you, though the rules and fees differ from standard accounts.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Wells Fargo account online, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or at a branch, and you'll need a government ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account.
- Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and a record of unpaid overdrafts or fraud may result in denial or a second-chance account with higher fees.
- Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you'll know whether you're approved when ready.
- Funding your account can happen the same day online, though transfers from other banks may take one to three business days to clear.
Opening an account online
Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account." Choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Wells Fargo offers several checking products—the most common are the Everyday Checking account and the Premier Checking account, which has higher monthly fees but waives them if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You'll provide your Social Security number and upload or photograph your government ID. Wells Fargo accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. The photo must be clear enough to read the expiration date and your name.
Next, you'll choose how to fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account (enter the routing and account numbers), use a debit card, or skip funding for now and add money later. If you transfer from another bank, the money typically arrives in one to three business days. If you use a debit card, the funds appear in your Wells Fargo account when ready, though the charge may take a day or two to show on your debit card statement.
Review the account terms and disclosures, then submit. You'll see a confirmation screen with your new account number. Wells Fargo will send you a debit card and checks by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account by phone or in person
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about account types and fees. You'll still need to provide your ID and Social Security number, and you can fund the account with a debit card or bank account number during the call.
If you prefer to open an account in person, find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using the branch locator at wellsfargo.com. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—a debit card, checkbook from another bank, or cash. A banker will complete the paperwork and you can fund the account when ready. You'll leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, and a permanent card will arrive by mail.
What happens if Wells Fargo denies you
If Wells Fargo denies your account because of your ChexSystems record, you have the right to see what information they used to make that decision. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or go to chexsystems.com to request your report. You can dispute inaccurate information—for example, if an overdraft was paid or if fraud was resolved—and ChexSystems must investigate within 30 days.
While you wait for a ChexSystems dispute to be resolved, you can open an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems or that offers second-chance checking. Some credit unions and online banks have looser requirements. Once your ChexSystems record is corrected, you can reapply to Wells Fargo.
If Wells Fargo offers you a second-chance account, read the terms carefully. These accounts often have higher monthly fees, lower spending limits, or a waiting period before you can overdraft. Some second-chance accounts convert to a standard account after 12 months of good standing.
Funding your account and using it right away
Once your account is open, you can deposit money in several ways. If you funded it during account opening, that money is already there. You can also transfer money from another bank (one to three business days), deposit cash at a Wells Fargo ATM or branch, or set up direct deposit from your employer or a government benefit.
Wells Fargo will give you a temporary debit card number you can use online or over the phone when ready. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, you can go to any Wells Fargo branch and withdraw using your ID and account number.
Your account comes with online banking and a mobile app. You can check your balance, transfer money between your Wells Fargo accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people through Wells Fargo's bill pay service. These features are free.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Wells Fargo's Everyday Checking account has a $10 monthly service fee, but you can waive it by keeping a $500 minimum balance or setting up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. The Premier Checking account costs $30 per month and is waived with a $25,000 minimum balance or $5,000 in linked savings. Savings accounts have no monthly fee but earn interest that varies with the market.
If you fall below the minimum balance or miss a direct deposit requirement, the fee will be charged. You can change your account type at any time—call Wells Fargo, visit a branch, or log into your online account to switch to a different product if your situation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo account?
Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you'll know whether you're approved when ready. By phone or in person, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account right away with a temporary card number or at a branch.
What if I don't have a government ID?
Wells Fargo requires a government-issued ID to open an account. If you don't have one, you can get a state ID from your local DMV or a passport from the U.S. State Department. Some branches may accept other forms of ID—call ahead to ask before you visit.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must be present (in person or on the phone) and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Joint account holders have equal access to the money and both are responsible for overdrafts or fees. You can specify whether the account requires both signatures to withdraw money or just one.
What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
You can open a Wells Fargo account if you have a valid passport or visa and a U.S. address. You'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Visit a branch to open an account in person, as the online form requires a Social Security number.
Can I open an account if I'm on ChexSystems?
It depends on what's on your record. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud, Wells Fargo may deny you. You can request your ChexSystems report and dispute inaccurate information. While you resolve it, look for banks that don't use ChexSystems or that offer second-chance accounts with higher fees but fewer restrictions.