Wells Fargo checking account fees vary by account type and how you use the account

Wells Fargo does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on most of its checking accounts. However, the bank does charge fees for specific actions — overdrafts, wire transfers, stop payments, and other services. The amount you pay depends on which checking account you hold and what you do with it.

The three main checking accounts at Wells Fargo are the Everyday Checking, Preferred Checking, and Premium Checking. Everyday Checking has no monthly fee. Preferred Checking also has no monthly fee but requires a higher balance or direct deposit to avoid fees on certain services. Premium Checking has no monthly fee but is designed for customers with larger balances and offers additional benefits.

Understanding which fees explore to your account type helps you predict what you will actually pay each month. The fee structure is straightforward once you know the rules for your specific account.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on Everyday Checking, Preferred Checking, or Premium Checking accounts.
  • Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction on most Wells Fargo checking accounts, and the bank can charge up to three overdraft fees per day.
  • Wire transfer fees range from $15 for domestic outgoing wires to $45 for international outgoing wires, depending on the account type and wire direction.
  • Stop payment requests cost $30 per request on most accounts, and returned item fees are $35 when a check or ACH payment bounces.
  • Preferred Checking waives certain service fees if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or receive direct deposits of $500 or more per month.

Overdraft and returned item fees

An overdraft occurs when you spend more money than you have in your account. Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft transaction on Everyday Checking and Preferred Checking. The bank can charge up to three overdraft fees per day, meaning you could pay $105 in a single day if three separate transactions overdraw your account.

Wells Fargo also charges $35 when a check or ACH payment is returned due to insufficient funds. This is separate from the overdraft fee — if a check bounces, you pay the returned item fee, and the person or business who deposited the check may also charge you a fee on their end.

Premium Checking customers pay the same $35 overdraft fee, but the account is designed for customers with higher balances who are less likely to overdraft. Wells Fargo offers an overdraft protection service that links your checking account to a savings account or credit line, which can prevent overdrafts from occurring in the first place.

Wire transfer and money movement fees

Wells Fargo charges different amounts depending on whether you send money domestically or internationally. A domestic outgoing wire transfer costs $15 on Everyday Checking and $0 on Preferred Checking if you meet the balance or direct deposit requirement. International outgoing wires cost $45 on Everyday Checking and $0 on Preferred Checking with the same conditions met.

Incoming wire transfers are free on all three account types. If someone sends you money via wire, you will not pay a fee to receive it. However, if you request that Wells Fargo reverse or cancel a wire that has already been sent, the bank may charge a fee depending on whether the wire has been delivered.

ACH transfers — the electronic transfers you use to move money between your Wells Fargo account and other banks — are free on all checking accounts. This is the cheapest way to move money between institutions if you are not in a hurry, since ACH transfers typically take one to three business days.

Stop payment and check-related fees

If you write a check and then want to prevent it from being cashed, you can request a stop payment. Wells Fargo charges $30 per stop payment request on Everyday Checking and Preferred Checking. This fee applies whether the stop payment is successful or not.

Cashier's checks — checks issued by the bank itself rather than from your account — cost $10 each at Wells Fargo. Money orders cost $5 each. These are useful if you need to send a may provide payment but do not want to mail a personal check.

If you order checks from Wells Fargo, the cost depends on the style and quantity you order. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee for ordering checks, but you pay the printing cost directly. You can also order checks from third-party printers, which are often cheaper than ordering through the bank.

How Preferred Checking waives fees

Preferred Checking waives wire transfer fees and some other service charges if you meet one of two conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or receive direct deposits totaling $500 or more per month. If you meet either condition, outgoing domestic and international wire transfers are free, and certain other fees are reduced or waived.

The $500 minimum balance is calculated daily, meaning your balance must stay at or above $500 every single day of the month. If your balance drops below $500 on even one day, you lose the fee waiver for that month. Direct deposits must be recurring and must total at least $500 in a calendar month — a single large deposit counts if it meets the threshold.

Preferred Checking still charges overdraft fees ($35) and returned item fees ($35) even if you meet the balance or direct deposit requirement. The fee waiver applies only to wire transfers and certain other service fees, not to overdraft-related charges.

Account maintenance and other service fees

Wells Fargo charges $25 if you request an expedited replacement debit card. A standard replacement debit card is free and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, you pay the expedited fee.

Notary services at Wells Fargo branches are free for account holders. If you need a document notarized, you can visit your local branch without paying a fee. Some branches may have limited availability, so calling ahead is a good idea.

Paper statements cost $2 per month if you opt out of electronic statements. Wells Fargo encourages customers to use online statements to reduce paper waste, and charges a small fee if you request paper copies instead. You can view your statements online for free at any time.

Fees that changed or were removed

Wells Fargo previously charged a $12 monthly maintenance fee on Everyday Checking, but removed this fee in 2020. The bank also eliminated overdraft fees for customers under 18 years old. These changes mean that basic checking at Wells Fargo now costs nothing per month, though service fees still explore when you use certain features.

The bank has made other changes to its fee structure over time in response to customer feedback and competition from other banks. Before opening an account or making decisions based on fees, check the current Wells Fargo fee schedule on their website or ask a banker at your local branch, since fee amounts and conditions can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Wells Fargo charge a monthly fee just for having a checking account?

No. Everyday Checking, Preferred Checking, and Premium Checking all have zero monthly maintenance fees. You only pay fees when you use certain services, such as overdrafting your account, sending a wire transfer, or requesting a stop payment.

What is the overdraft fee at Wells Fargo?

The overdraft fee is $35 per transaction. Wells Fargo can charge up to three overdraft fees per day, so if three transactions overdraw your account on the same day, you could pay $105 in fees. You can avoid overdraft fees by linking your checking account to a savings account for overdraft protection.

How much does it cost to send money to another bank?

ACH transfers to other banks are free and take one to three business days. Wire transfers cost $15 for domestic wires and $45 for international wires on Everyday Checking, but are free on Preferred Checking if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or receive $500 in monthly direct deposits.

Can I avoid fees on Preferred Checking?

You can avoid wire transfer fees and certain service fees on Preferred Checking by maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance or receiving direct deposits of $500 or more per month. Overdraft fees and returned item fees still explore regardless of which condition you meet.

What happens if a check I write bounces?

Wells Fargo charges a $35 returned item fee when a check bounces due to insufficient funds. The person or business who tried to deposit the check may also charge you a fee, so the total cost can be higher than just the Wells Fargo fee.