The fastest way to add a savings account

Open the Wells Fargo mobile app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Accounts" or "Add Account," then choose "Link an existing account." The app will ask whether the account is at Wells Fargo or another bank. If it's a Wells Fargo savings account you already own, the app usually finds it automatically and you just confirm it. If it's at a different bank, you'll enter the routing number and account number from a check or statement, then verify ownership by confirming two small deposits the bank sends to that account — this takes a few business days.

The whole process takes about five minutes if the account is already at Wells Fargo. If you're linking an account from another bank, the verification step adds three to five business days before you can see the account in your app.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo savings accounts you already own appear automatically in the app; you just need to confirm them.
  • Savings accounts at other banks require you to enter the routing and account numbers, then verify two small deposits.
  • Verification of outside accounts takes three to five business days, during which you cannot move money between accounts in the app.
  • You can link multiple savings accounts from Wells Fargo or other banks to the same mobile app login.

Adding a Wells Fargo savings account you already have

If you opened a Wells Fargo savings account in a branch or online but haven't linked it to the app yet, the app usually knows about it. Open the app, go to the menu, and select "Add Account" or "Accounts." The app displays all Wells Fargo accounts associated with your login. Tap the savings account you want to add, review the account details to make sure it's the right one, and confirm. The account appears in your app when ready.

If the account doesn't show up in the list, it may be registered under a different login or Social Security number. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the account is linked to your current login, then try adding it again.

Linking a savings account from another bank

To add a savings account held at a different bank, you'll need the routing number and account number. Find these on a check, a bank statement, or by logging into that bank's website. In the Wells Fargo app, select "Add Account," then choose "Link an existing account" and "Account at another bank."

Enter the bank name, routing number, and account number. Wells Fargo will then send two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to that account. You'll receive them within three to five business days. Once they arrive, go back into the Wells Fargo app, select the account you're verifying, and enter the exact amounts of both deposits. After you confirm the amounts correctly, the account is verified and linked.

Until you complete the verification step, you cannot transfer money between the Wells Fargo account and the linked account in the app. You can still see the account listed, but it shows as "pending verification."

What to do if verification deposits don't arrive

If you don't see the two small deposits in the other bank's account after seven business days, log into that bank's app or website and search for recent deposits. Sometimes they appear under a different name or description than you expect. If you genuinely cannot find them, contact Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and ask them to resend the verification deposits.

You can also ask Wells Fargo to verify the account using a different method. Some customers can verify by answering security questions about their other bank account instead of waiting for deposits, though this option is not available for all account types or banks.

Managing multiple savings accounts in the app

Once you've added one savings account, you can add more. Each account appears as a separate tile on your main accounts screen. You can transfer money between any of your linked accounts directly in the app, as long as they're all verified. If you want to hide an account from the main view without removing it, some versions of the app let you mark it as "hidden" — check your app's settings to see if this option is available.

If you remove an account from the app, the account itself still exists at the bank. You're only removing it from your app view. You can add it back later by following the same steps.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app won't let you add an account, first check that you're using the most recent version of the Wells Fargo app. Go to your phone's app store, search for Wells Fargo, and update if a newer version is available. Then close the app completely and open it again.

If you're still having trouble, the account may be frozen, closed, or flagged for security reasons. Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the account is active and in good standing. They can also tell you whether there are any blocks preventing you from linking it to the app. If the account is at another bank, contact that bank directly to confirm they allow third-party apps to verify accounts using the deposit method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a savings account from a credit union?

Yes. Use the same process as you would for any other bank: select "Link an existing account," enter the credit union's routing number and your account number, and verify the two small deposits. Some credit unions process these deposits more slowly than banks, so allow up to seven business days.

What if I don't have a check to find the routing number?

Log into your other bank's website or app and look for account details or statements. The routing number is usually listed there. You can also call the bank directly and ask for the routing number — they'll give it to you over the phone. Do not share your full account number with anyone except Wells Fargo's official app.

Do I need to tell Wells Fargo I'm adding an account from another bank?

No. The app handles the entire process. Wells Fargo sends the verification deposits automatically once you enter the account information. You don't need to call or visit a branch unless something goes wrong.

Can someone else add my savings account to their Wells Fargo app?

No. To link an account, you must verify it by confirming the deposit amounts, which only the account holder can see. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access.

How long does it take to transfer money between linked accounts?

Transfers between Wells Fargo accounts in the app are usually when ready. Transfers to or from accounts at other banks take one to three business days, depending on the other bank's processing time.