The fastest way to close your account
You can close a Wells Fargo savings account in person at any branch, by phone, or online through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app. The in-person route is usually fastest if you have a branch nearby — you walk in, tell a banker you want to close the account, and it's done the same day. By phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or statement and ask to speak with someone about closing savings. Online closure through the app or website takes a few clicks but may take a business day or two to process.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or that you've arranged what to do with any remaining money. Wells Fargo will not close an account with a balance still in it. If there's money left, you can transfer it to another account (yours or someone else's), withdraw it in cash, or ask the banker to mail you a check.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account in person at a branch, by phone, or through the Wells Fargo app or website.
- Your account balance must be zero before Wells Fargo will close it — transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- In-person closure at a branch is usually the quickest option and happens the same day.
- If you have automatic deposits or payments linked to the account, cancel or redirect them before closing to avoid problems.
- Ask for written confirmation of the closure, either in person or by requesting it after a phone or online closure.
What to do with money still in the account
If your savings account has money in it, you have three options. You can transfer the balance to another bank account — either another Wells Fargo account you own or an account at a different bank. You can withdraw the money in cash at a Wells Fargo branch or ATM. Or you can ask Wells Fargo to mail you a check for the balance.
The transfer option is usually simplest if you're moving to another bank. You'll need the account number and routing number of the account you're transferring to. If you're transferring to another Wells Fargo account, the banker can do this while you're closing. If you're transferring to a different bank, you may need to set up the transfer yourself through Wells Fargo's online banking or ask the banker to help you start it.
Stopping automatic deposits and payments
Before you close the account, check whether any automatic deposits or payments are linked to it. This includes direct deposit from your employer, automatic bill payments, or recurring transfers. If you close the account while these are still active, the transactions will fail, which can cause late fees or missed payments.
Contact your employer's payroll department to redirect your direct deposit to a different account. Log into any services where you set up automatic bill payments (your utility company, credit card company, insurance provider, or loan servicer) and update the account information there. If you're not sure which services are linked to the account, look at your last few statements to see what deposits and payments went through.
Closing in person at a branch
Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the banker at the desk that you want to close your savings account. They'll pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero (or help you move the money if it isn't), and process the closure. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the banker to print or email you a written confirmation that the account is closed.
If you have multiple accounts at Wells Fargo, be clear that you're closing only the savings account. Some people accidentally close the wrong account, so double-check the account number before the banker finalizes anything.
Closing by phone
Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They'll confirm your identity, check the balance, and walk you through what to do with any remaining money. If there's a balance, they can often transfer it to another account over the phone or arrange a check to be mailed to you.
After the closure is processed, ask the representative to email or mail you a written confirmation. Write down the date and time of the call and the representative's name in case you need to reference it later. Phone closure usually takes one to two business days to show up in your account records.
Closing through the Wells Fargo app or website
Log into your Wells Fargo account online or through the mobile app. Look for account settings or account management options — the exact location varies depending on which platform you're using. Find your savings account and look for a "close account" or "close this account" option. The app or website will ask you to confirm that the balance is zero and that you want to proceed.
Online closure usually takes one to three business days to complete. You won't get when ready confirmation the way you would in person, so log back in after a few days to verify the account is gone. If it's still showing, contact Wells Fargo by phone to check on the status.
What happens after you close
Once the account is closed, you won't be able to use the debit card linked to it. Any checks written against that account will bounce. If you set up online bill pay through that account, those payments will fail unless you've already updated them to a different account.
Wells Fargo will keep a record of the closed account for your file. If you ever need proof that the account existed or when it closed, you can contact Wells Fargo and they can provide documentation. This matters if you're disputing a charge or need to show account history for a loan or legal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to close my checking account too?
No. Closing a savings account doesn't affect any other accounts you have at Wells Fargo. You can close just the savings account and keep your checking account open, or close both separately if you want to.
What if there's a negative balance or fee on the account?
You'll need to pay the negative balance before Wells Fargo will close the account. You can do this by transferring money in from another account or depositing cash at a branch. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with closing.
Can I reopen the account after I close it?
You can open a new savings account at Wells Fargo anytime, but it will be a different account with a different number. The closed account cannot be reopened. If you think you might want the account back, consider leaving it open but unused instead of closing it.
How long does it take to close the account?
In-person closure at a branch happens the same day. Phone and online closures usually take one to three business days to process. You can verify closure by checking your account online or calling Wells Fargo to confirm.
Will closing the account hurt my credit?
Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history. Savings accounts don't show up on your credit report, so closing one has no impact on your credit.