You can open a Wells Fargo savings account directly in the mobile app in about 10 minutes
The Wells Fargo app lets you start a savings account without visiting a branch or calling. You'll need your Social Security number, a government ID, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card or a transfer from an existing Wells Fargo checking account. The app walks you through each step and tells you right away whether your account is open.
The whole process happens on your phone. Once you finish, your new savings account number appears in the app, and you can move money into it the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wells Fargo app, tap the menu icon, and select "Open an Account" to start a new savings account without leaving home.
- You will need your Social Security number, a valid government ID, and either a debit card or an existing Wells Fargo account to fund the new savings account.
- The app confirms whether your account opened successfully before you finish, so you know right away if there was a problem.
- After your account opens, you can transfer money into it using the app's transfer feature or set up automatic deposits from your paycheck.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the app. You'll need your Social Security number, which Wells Fargo uses to check your identity and run a background check. Have a valid government ID ready — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The app will ask you to confirm information from your ID, so make sure it matches what you have on file.
You also need a way to fund the account. If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, you can transfer money from that account into your new savings account. If you don't have a Wells Fargo account yet, you'll need a debit card from any bank to make an initial deposit. Wells Fargo doesn't require a minimum opening deposit, but you do need to put some money in to set up the account.
Step-by-step: opening the account in the app
Open the Wells Fargo app and sign in with your username and password. If you don't have the app yet, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once you're signed in, look for the menu icon — usually three horizontal lines in the top left or bottom right corner, depending on your phone.
Tap the menu and look for an option that says "Open an Account" or "New Account." Select "Savings Account" from the account types shown. The app will ask you to confirm your personal information: your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. Check each answer carefully before moving forward, because mistakes here can slow down the process.
Next, the app asks you to verify your identity using your government ID. You'll take a photo of the front and back of your ID with your phone's camera. Make sure the photo is clear and all four corners of the ID are visible. The app uses this to confirm you are who you say you are.
Funding your new account
After your identity is verified, the app asks how you want to fund the account. If you have an existing Wells Fargo checking account, select that option and choose how much to transfer. You can move money over right away, and it usually shows up in your savings account within minutes.
If you're funding with a debit card from another bank, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). The app will process a small test deposit — usually a few cents — to make sure the card is valid. You may see this charge on your statement, but it's temporary. Once the test clears, you can make your actual deposit.
What happens after you submit
The app tells you whether your account opened successfully before you finish. If it says your account is open, you're done — your new savings account number appears in the app, and you can start using it right away. If the app says there was a problem, it will explain what went wrong. Common reasons include a mismatch between your ID and the information you entered, or a problem with the debit card you tried to use.
Once your account is open, you can see it in the app's account list. You can transfer money between your savings and checking accounts, set up automatic transfers, or deposit checks using the app's mobile deposit feature. Your savings account comes with a debit card if you want one, though you can also just use transfers to move money in and out.
If something goes wrong during setup
If the app rejects your ID photo, take a new one in good lighting and make sure all edges of the ID are visible. If your debit card is declined, check that the card number, expiration date, and CVV are entered exactly as they appear on the card. Some banks block test deposits from unfamiliar apps — if that happens, try again in a few minutes or use a different card.
If you get stuck and the app won't let you move forward, you can call Wells Fargo customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or checking account card. They can walk you through the problem or open the account over the phone instead. You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch in person if you prefer to open the account that way.
Setting up automatic deposits and transfers
Once your savings account is open, you can set up automatic deposits from your paycheck. In the app, go to your new savings account and look for "Set Up Direct Deposit" or a similar option. You'll need your employer's routing number and your account number, which the app displays for you. Give this information to your payroll department, and they can send part or all of your paycheck directly to your savings account.
You can also set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account on a schedule — for example, $50 every Friday. In the app, go to "Transfers," select your checking account as the source and your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and choose how often you want the transfer to happen. This is a straightforward way to build savings without having to remember to move money manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Wells Fargo customer already to open a savings account in the app?
No. If you don't have a Wells Fargo checking account, you can still open a savings account using a debit card from another bank to fund it. However, if you already have a Wells Fargo account, using that to fund your savings account is faster and easier.
How long does it take for the account to open?
The app usually tells you whether your account opened within a few minutes of you submitting your information. Once it's open, you can use it right away. If the app needs to verify something, it may take a few hours, and Wells Fargo will contact you with next steps.
What's the minimum amount I need to deposit to open the account?
Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for savings accounts opened in the app. However, you do need to fund the account with at least some money to set up it — even a small amount like $1 works.
Can I open more than one savings account?
Yes. You can open multiple savings accounts in the app and use them for different goals — one for emergencies, one for a vacation, one for a car, for example. Each account has its own number and can be managed separately in the app.
What if my ID photo keeps getting rejected?
Make sure you're in good lighting and all four corners of your ID are visible in the photo. If the app keeps rejecting it, call Wells Fargo customer service or visit a branch — they can verify your identity in person and open the account that way instead.