You can open another Wells Fargo checking account online, by phone, or in a branch

Wells Fargo lets you open a second checking account without closing your first one. You can do this through their website, by calling 1-800-869-3557, or by walking into a branch with your ID. The process takes about 15 minutes online or in person, though the account becomes active when ready for some account types and within one to three business days for others.

The main reason people open a second account is to separate spending categories—one for bills, one for everyday expenses, one for savings goals. Another reason is to keep a backup account if your primary one has a problem. Wells Fargo does not charge you for having multiple checking accounts, though each account has its own monthly maintenance fee (currently $10 for most standard accounts, though this varies by account type and can be waived with direct deposit or a minimum balance).

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a second Wells Fargo checking account online at wellsfargo.com, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or in any branch without closing your existing account.
  • You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works).
  • Each checking account carries its own monthly maintenance fee unless you meet the waiver requirements, such as setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.
  • The new account becomes usable when ready for online and mobile banking, though debit cards and checks may take five to ten business days to arrive.
  • Wells Fargo will run a soft credit check and review your ChexSystems history, but this does not affect your credit score.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid government ID ready. Wells Fargo will ask for your current address and a phone number. If you are opening the account online, you will also need to provide proof of address—a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If you already have a Wells Fargo account, the process is faster because Wells Fargo already has most of your information on file. You will still need to confirm your identity, but you will not need to provide documents again. If you are opening your first Wells Fargo account and want a second one when ready after, you must complete the first account opening fully before starting the second.

Opening online through the Wells Fargo website

Go to wellsfargo.com and look for "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" in the top navigation. Select "Checking" and choose which type of checking account you want (Wells Fargo Everyday Checking is the standard option). You will be asked to enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number.

Wells Fargo will ask you to upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. Take a clear photo of both sides of your ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement. The upload process usually takes less than a minute. After you submit, Wells Fargo runs a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) and performs a soft credit inquiry. This does not lower your credit score. You will see whether you are approved within minutes, and the account opens when ready for online and mobile use.

Your debit card will arrive in five to ten business days. Checks can be ordered when ready through the Wells Fargo website or by calling the number on your new account materials. If you need to deposit money right away, you can transfer funds from your existing Wells Fargo account when ready through online banking, or you can visit a branch to make a deposit in person.

Opening by phone or in a branch

Call 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to open a second checking account. Have your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address ready. The representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process. They will verify your identity by asking security questions about your existing Wells Fargo account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account opens the same day, and your debit card ships within five to ten business days.

If you prefer to open the account in person, visit any Wells Fargo branch with your government ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. A banker will complete the process on a computer while you are there. You can fund the account when ready by depositing cash or a check, or by transferring money from another account. You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot in some branches, though this varies by location—call ahead to ask.

Understanding monthly fees and how to avoid them

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking currently charges $10 per month, but you can waive this fee in several ways. The most common is to set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month from your employer or a government benefit. You can also waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $500 or more, though this balance requirement applies to each account separately—your second account needs its own $500 minimum.

If you do not meet either requirement, the $10 fee will be charged to each account every month. Some people open a second account specifically to keep it at zero balance for emergencies, which means they accept the $10 monthly fee as the cost of having a backup account. Others link their second account to their primary account and keep just enough in it to avoid the fee. Wells Fargo offers other account types with different fee structures—Wells Fargo Prime Checking, for example, has a higher minimum balance requirement but may offer different benefits—so you can choose the account type that fits your situation.

What happens after your account opens

Your new account is ready to use for online and mobile banking when ready. You can log into Wells Fargo's website or mobile app and see your new account listed alongside your existing accounts. You can transfer money between your two accounts when ready at no cost. You can also set up bill pay, mobile deposits, and external transfers from this new account right away.

Your physical debit card arrives in five to ten business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or to receive transfers from other people. You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch and request a temporary card or make withdrawals using your ID. Checks can be ordered when ready through the website or by calling the number provided with your account opening confirmation.

Linking your accounts and managing them together

Once both accounts are open, they appear together in your Wells Fargo online banking and mobile app. You can transfer money between them when ready and at no cost. Many people use this to move money from their primary account to their secondary account when they need to separate funds. You can also set up automatic transfers—for example, moving $200 to your second account every payday to cover a specific bill.

Each account has its own debit card, its own PIN, and its own transaction history. You can set different usernames or nicknames for each account in the app to keep them straight. If you lose one debit card, you can freeze or replace it without affecting your other account. If your primary account is compromised, your second account remains separate and unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a second Wells Fargo checking account if I have had problems with my bank account before?

Wells Fargo checks your ChexSystems history, which is a record of closed accounts and banking problems. If you were reported for overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, you may be denied. However, ChexSystems records typically fall off after five years. If you were denied, you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what is listed and dispute any errors.

How long does it take to receive my debit card for the new account?

Standard delivery is five to ten business days. If you need a card faster, visit a Wells Fargo branch and ask about rush delivery or temporary card options. Some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot, though this varies by location. You can also use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfers before your physical card arrives.

Will opening a second checking account hurt my credit score?

No. Wells Fargo performs a soft credit inquiry, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. A hard inquiry (the kind that affects your score) only happens when you are borrowing money, such as explore for a credit card or loan. Opening a bank account is not considered borrowing.

Can I have different account types at Wells Fargo, like one checking and one savings?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account, or multiple accounts of each type. Each account type has different features and fees. Savings accounts typically earn interest but have withdrawal limits, while checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions. You can manage all of them together in your online banking.

What if I want to close one of my accounts later?

You can close either account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-869-3557, or using online banking. If your account has a balance, you can transfer it to your other account or withdraw it. If you close an account that still has pending transactions, those may still process, so make sure the account has enough funds or is empty before you close it.