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 fastest if you have a local branch — bring your ID and account number, and the process takes minutes. If you prefer phone or online, expect the closure to take effect within one to three business days after you complete the request.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out or withdraw it first. Wells Fargo will not close an account with a remaining balance. You should also check for any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account — those can cause problems if the account closes while they're still processing.
If your account is overdrawn or has an outstanding balance owed to Wells Fargo, the bank may not let you close it until that's settled. Contact the branch or call customer service to find out the exact amount owed and your options for paying it.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring your account balance to zero before Wells Fargo will close the account — transfer or withdraw all remaining money first.
- In-person closure at a branch is the quickest option and takes just a few minutes with your ID and account number.
- Phone and online closures take one to three business days to process after you submit the request.
- Check for pending transactions and automatic payments before closing, because those can fail or cause delays if the account shuts down while they're in progress.
- If your account is overdrawn or you owe Wells Fargo money, you must settle that debt before the bank will close the account.
Closing in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your government-issued ID and your account number (or your debit card). Tell the teller you want to close your savings account. They will confirm your account balance is zero, verify your identity, and process the closure on the spot. The account will be closed when ready, though it may take a day or two for the closure to show up in your online banking.
If you have a small balance remaining — usually under $25 — some branches will let you withdraw it in cash right there. Ask the teller whether that's an option at your location. If your balance is larger, transfer it to another account or withdraw it at the ATM before you go to the branch.
Bring any debit cards or checks linked to the account. The teller may ask you to destroy them in front of you, or they may tell you to cut them up yourself at home and throw them away. Either way, do not use them after the account is closed.
Closing by phone with Wells Fargo customer service
Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 (the number for savings accounts). Have your account number and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will ask you to confirm your identity, verify that your balance is zero, and then process the request.
The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. The account closure will take effect within one to three business days. You can check your online banking to confirm the account is gone, though it may lag by a day.
If you have pending transactions or automatic payments, mention them to the representative. They can note it in your file so there's a record that you closed the account while those were still processing — that protects you if something goes wrong.
Closing online or through the Wells Fargo app
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking or mobile app. Go to the account settings or account management section (the exact location varies depending on which platform you're using). Look for an option to close the account or manage accounts. Select your savings account and choose "close account."
Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm your identity and verify that your balance is zero. Once you submit the request, you'll get a confirmation number on screen. Take a screenshot or write it down. The closure will process within one to three business days.
Online closure is convenient if you're doing this outside of branch hours, but you won't have a person to talk to if something goes wrong. If you have questions about pending transactions or automatic payments, call customer service instead — they can walk you through the closure and make sure nothing gets stuck.
What to do with money still in the account
If your savings account has money in it, you have three options: transfer it to another account, withdraw it in cash, or withdraw it as a check. The transfer is usually fastest — you can move money to another Wells Fargo account or to an account at a different bank within one to two business days.
To transfer within Wells Fargo, log into online banking, go to the transfer section, and move the money to your checking account or another savings account. To transfer to a different bank, you'll need the other bank's routing number and your account number there. That can take one to two business days to clear.
If you want cash, go to a Wells Fargo ATM or branch and withdraw it. If the amount is large, the branch may ask you to come back the next day so they can have enough cash on hand. You can also request a cashier's check from the branch — they'll write a check for the full balance, and you can deposit it wherever you want.
Stopping automatic payments and transfers before you close
Before you close the account, log into your online banking and check whether any automatic payments, bill pay transfers, or recurring transfers are linked to this savings account. If there are, you need to stop them or change them to a different account first.
To stop an automatic payment, go to the bill pay or transfers section and cancel the payment. To change it to a different account, edit the payment and select a different account as the source. Do this at least a few days before you plan to close the account, so there's time for the changes to take effect.
If you close the account while an automatic payment is still scheduled, the payment will fail. That can trigger a late fee from whoever you owe money to, and it can also cause problems with your credit if the payment was for something like a loan or credit card. Check your account thoroughly before closing.
What happens to your debit card and checks
Once your savings account is closed, your debit card and any checks linked to that account will stop working. You don't have to do anything special — they'll straightforward be rejected if you try to use them. However, it's a good idea to cut them up or destroy them so they can't be used by someone else.
If you have checks still in a checkbook, you can throw them away. If you have a debit card, cut it in half and throw it away. Some people prefer to shred them. The point is to make sure they can't be used after the account is closed.
If you're worried about fraud or identity theft, you can also call Wells Fargo and ask them to flag the card and checks as closed. They'll make a note in their system, which adds an extra layer of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit report. Closing a savings account is purely a banking transaction.
What if I have a negative balance or owe Wells Fargo money?
You must pay the amount owed before Wells Fargo will close the account. Call customer service or visit a branch to find out exactly how much you owe and what payment methods they accept. Once the debt is paid, you can proceed with closing the account.
Can I reopen a Wells Fargo savings account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new savings account with Wells Fargo at any time after closing one. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, suspicious activity, or violation of Wells Fargo's terms, the bank may refuse to open a new account for you. If you're unsure whether you'll be able to reopen, ask the representative closing your account.
How long does it take for the account to completely disappear from my online banking?
Usually one to three business days. The account will stop working when ready, but it may still show up in your account list for a day or two. Once it disappears, it's fully closed. If it's still showing up after a week, call customer service to confirm the closure went through.
What if I have a joint account — can I close it without the other person?
No. If the account is joint, both account holders must consent to closing it. You'll need to contact the other person and either close it together in person, or have them call customer service to authorize the closure. Wells Fargo will not close a joint account without permission from all owners.