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 valid ID, and a funding source (a debit card or existing Wells Fargo account). The app walks you through each step, shows you the account options available to you in real time, and tells you when your new account is ready to use.

The process is fastest if you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, because the app already knows your identity and can fund the savings account when ready from your existing balance. If you're new to Wells Fargo, the app will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus, which usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Wells Fargo app, tap the menu icon, select "Open an Account," and choose "Savings Account" to begin.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and either a debit card or an existing Wells Fargo account to fund the new account.
  • If you're an existing Wells Fargo customer, your new savings account is usually ready to use when ready after you complete the steps in the app.
  • New customers may wait up to 24 hours for identity verification, though most accounts are confirmed within a few minutes.
  • The app shows you the interest rate, monthly fees, and minimum balance requirements for each savings account type before you commit.

Step-by-step process in the Wells Fargo 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, then create a login or sign in if you already have one.

Once you're signed in, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select "Open an Account." The app will show you account types you can open. Tap "Savings Account."

The app displays the savings account options Wells Fargo offers in your state. Read the details for each one—interest rate, monthly maintenance fee, and minimum opening deposit. Select the account that fits your needs and tap "Continue" or "Next."

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. The app will ask for your Social Security number. This is how Wells Fargo verifies your identity and checks for fraud. Tap "Continue."

How to fund your new account

The app asks how you want to fund the account. If you're an existing Wells Fargo customer, you can transfer money from your checking account when ready. Enter the amount you want to deposit (this may have a minimum, usually $25 or $100 depending on the account type) and confirm.

If you're new to Wells Fargo, you can fund the account with a debit card from any bank. Enter your debit card number, expiration date, and CVV. The app will process the deposit, and the funds appear in your new savings account once identity verification is complete.

Some debit cards may be declined by the app's fraud detection system, especially if the card is brand new or the address doesn't match Wells Fargo's records. If this happens, try a different debit card or visit a Wells Fargo branch in person to fund the account.

What happens after you submit

If you're an existing Wells Fargo customer, your savings account is usually active when ready. You can see it in the app under "Accounts," transfer money to it, and set up automatic transfers the same day.

If you're a new Wells Fargo customer, the app shows a message saying your account is pending verification. This typically takes a few minutes to a few hours. Wells Fargo uses information from credit bureaus and fraud databases to confirm your identity. In rare cases, verification takes up to 24 hours.

While your account is pending, you cannot withdraw money or use the debit card (if one is issued). You'll receive an email or notification in the app when verification is complete and your account is ready to use. Check your email, including spam folders, for messages from Wells Fargo.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the app says "Account opening not available," Wells Fargo may not offer that account type in your state, or you may not meet the requirements for that specific account. Try selecting a different savings account type from the list. If all options are grayed out, contact Wells Fargo to find out what's blocking the opening.

If your debit card is declined during funding, the app usually shows an error message. Try a different debit card, or fund the account with an existing Wells Fargo account if you have one. If you have no other funding option, you can open the account with a $0 balance and fund it later by transferring money from another bank using the account number and routing number.

If you don't receive a verification email after 24 hours, open the Wells Fargo app and check the account status under "Accounts" or "Open an Account." If the account still shows as pending, contact Wells Fargo customer service through the app (tap the menu, then "Contact Us") or call 1-800-869-3557.

Account types available in the Wells Fargo app

Wells Fargo offers several savings account types through the app. The most common is the Wells Fargo Way2Save Savings Account, which has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $25 minimum balance or make one automatic transfer per month from a checking account. Interest rates vary and are posted on Wells Fargo's website.

Some states and account holders may see the Wells Fargo Savings Account, which has different fee and interest structures. The app shows you which accounts are available to you based on your location and profile. Compare the interest rate, monthly fee, and minimum balance for each before you choose.

If you're under 18, Wells Fargo offers student savings accounts with different terms. If you're 65 or older, you may see senior savings options. The app filters the list to show only accounts you're may be able to access to open.

Moving money into your savings account after opening

Once your account is open and active, you can transfer money into it from your Wells Fargo checking account using the app. Tap "Transfer," select your checking account as the source and your new savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer is when ready.

You can also set up automatic transfers. In the app, go to "Transfers," then "Set Up Recurring Transfer." Choose your checking account, your savings account, the amount, and how often you want the transfer to happen (weekly, monthly, etc.). This is useful for building savings without having to remember to transfer manually.

If you want to transfer money from a bank account outside Wells Fargo, use the "External Transfer" or "Add External Account" option in the app. You'll need the account number and routing number of the other bank. Wells Fargo will verify the account by depositing small amounts, which takes one to two business days. After verification, you can transfer money between the accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo savings account if I don't have a checking account?

Yes. You can open a savings account as your first Wells Fargo account. You'll need to fund it with a debit card from another bank or have it verified through the identity check process. Some branches may require you to open a checking account at the same time, but the app usually allows a savings-only account.

How long does it take for my new savings account to show up in the app?

If you're an existing customer, it appears when ready. If you're new to Wells Fargo, it shows up once identity verification is complete, which is usually within a few hours but can take up to 24 hours. You'll see a notification in the app when it's ready.

What's the minimum deposit to open a Wells Fargo savings account?

The minimum opening deposit is usually $25 or $100, depending on the account type and your state. The app shows the exact minimum for each account before you open it. Some accounts allow a $0 opening deposit if you fund it within a certain timeframe.

Can I open multiple savings accounts in the Wells Fargo app?

Yes. Once your first savings account is open, you can open additional savings accounts for different goals. Each account has its own number and can be managed separately in the app. There's no limit to how many savings accounts you can have with Wells Fargo.

What if I'm denied when I try to open an account?

The app will show a message explaining why. Common reasons include a ChexSystems report issue, unpaid fees from a previous Wells Fargo account, or fraud concerns. Contact Wells Fargo customer service to understand the specific reason and whether it can be resolved. You may need to visit a branch in person.