The basic steps to close a Wells Fargo account

You can close a Wells Fargo account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Wells Fargo's website. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service line for your account type. When you call, have your account number ready and tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you are leaving and may offer to keep you as a customer, but you can decline.

Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you have arranged to move any remaining money. If you have automatic payments set up (like bill pay or direct deposits), those will stop working once the account closes, so you need to update those with your new bank first. Wells Fargo will not close an account with an outstanding balance or pending transactions.

After you request closure, the account typically closes within a few business days. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. Keep this letter in case you need proof later that the account was closed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on your card or statement, have your account number ready, and tell them you want to close the account.
  • Move any remaining money out of the account and cancel or redirect any automatic payments, direct deposits, or bill pay before you close.
  • Wells Fargo will not close an account that has a balance owed or pending transactions waiting to clear.
  • The account closes within a few business days, and you will receive a written confirmation in the mail.
  • If you have a credit card with Wells Fargo, closing the account may affect your credit score, so consider keeping it open if you do not owe a balance.

What to do with your money before closing

Empty your account completely before you request closure. You can transfer money to another bank account using an external transfer, withdraw it as cash, or write a check to yourself. If you have direct deposit set up (like a paycheck or government benefit), you must change that with your employer or the agency sending the money before you close the account. Once the account is closed, any deposits sent to it will bounce back.

The same applies to automatic bill payments. Log into your Wells Fargo account online or call to see which companies are pulling money from this account each month. Contact each one separately and give them your new bank account number, or switch to paying them manually. This step takes time, so do it before you call to close.

Closing in person versus by phone or online

Calling is usually fastest because you can close the account when ready and get a confirmation number on the same call. You will need your account number and possibly your Social Security number to verify your identity. If you are closing a joint account, both owners may need to be on the call, depending on how the account is set up.

Closing in person at a Wells Fargo branch means you can hand over any debit cards or checks and ask the banker to destroy them in front of you. This can be reassuring if you are worried about the card being used after closure. You will still need to empty the account first and redirect automatic payments.

Online closure is available for some account types through the Wells Fargo website, but not all. Log in, look for account settings or account management, and see if a closure option appears. If it does not, phone or in-person closure is your only choice.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your debit card will stop working once the account closes, usually within a few business days. You do not have to do anything to the card itself — it will straightforward decline at checkout. If you want to be extra cautious, you can cut it up or ask a banker to destroy it when you close in person.

Any checks you have printed for this account will also stop working. If you have written checks that have not cleared yet, contact the people or companies you sent them to and let them know the account is closing. Give them your new account number if you want them to redeposit to the new account, or arrange another way to pay them.

Fees and what to watch for

Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to close a checking or savings account. However, if your account has an outstanding balance — money you owe the bank — they will not close it until that is paid. This sometimes happens if you have overdraft fees or other charges that put the account in the negative.

Some Wells Fargo accounts have a minimum balance requirement or a monthly maintenance fee. If you are closing because of these fees, make sure you do not have any pending charges that will hit the account after you request closure. Ask the banker or phone representative to confirm the account balance is truly zero before you hang up.

Closing a credit card versus a checking account

Closing a Wells Fargo credit card works differently than closing a checking account. You can pay off the balance and request closure by phone or online, but closing a credit card can lower your credit score because it reduces the total credit available to you. If you have no balance on the card and it has no annual fee, many people keep it open for this reason.

If you do close a credit card, pay off the entire balance first. Then call the number on the back of the card and ask to close it. You will receive a confirmation that the account is closed. Unlike a checking account, a closed credit card can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, which is normal and does not hurt you.

What to do if you have problems closing the account

If Wells Fargo refuses to close your account, the most common reason is that the account still has a balance or pending transactions. Ask the representative to tell you the exact balance and what transactions are pending. Wait for those to clear, then try again.

If you believe there is an error or if the bank is not cooperating, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online at consumerfinance.gov. You can also contact your state's banking regulator or attorney general's office. These agencies investigate complaints and can pressure banks to resolve disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my account online?

Some Wells Fargo account types allow online closure through the website, but not all. Log in and look for account settings to see if the option is available. If not, you will need to call or visit a branch in person.

What if I have a pending direct deposit that has not hit yet?

Wait for the deposit to clear before you close the account, or change the direct deposit to your new bank first. Once the account is closed, any deposits sent to it will be returned to the sender, which can delay your money by several days.

Will closing my account hurt my credit?

Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Closing a credit card may lower your score slightly because it reduces available credit, but the effect is usually small and temporary if you have no other issues.

How long does it take for the account to fully close?

Most Wells Fargo accounts close within a few business days of your request. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks. If you need proof of closure sooner, ask for a confirmation number when you close.

What if I forgot to redirect a bill payment before closing?

Contact the company or service that was being paid from that account right away and give them your new bank account number. They can usually reprocess the payment to the new account. If the payment was due soon, call them by phone rather than waiting for mail to arrive.