You can open a Wells Fargo savings account directly in the app in about 10 minutes
The Wells Fargo app lets you start a savings account without visiting a branch or calling anyone. You'll need your phone, a valid ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card or bank account). The app walks you through each step, and your account is usually ready to use the same day.
This process works whether you're a new Wells Fargo customer or already have a checking account with them. If you're brand new to Wells Fargo entirely, the app will set up your online login at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wells Fargo app, tap "Open an Account," and choose "Savings" from the account types shown.
- You'll need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
- The app asks you to verify your identity by taking a photo of your ID and answering security questions based on your credit history.
- Once approved, you can fund your account when ready using a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.
- Your new savings account number appears in the app right away, though it may take one business day to show up in your online banking profile.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening the app. You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You'll also need your Social Security number and proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address on it.
Have a way to fund your account ready. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking account at another bank (you'll need the routing number and account number), or you can transfer money from an existing Wells Fargo account if you have one. You don't have to fund it right away, but having this information ready speeds up the process.
Step-by-step: opening your account in the app
Open the Wells Fargo app and log in if you already have an account, or tap "Enroll" if you're new to Wells Fargo. Once you're in, look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Add Account" — this is usually on the home screen or under a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Services."
Select "Savings Account" from the list of account types. The app will show you the different savings products Wells Fargo offers — these may include a basic savings account, a money market account, or accounts with different interest rates. Choose the one that fits what you need, then tap "Continue" or "Next."
The app will ask for your personal information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. Enter these exactly as they appear on your ID. Then provide your current address and confirm how long you've lived there.
Identity verification: the photo ID step
Wells Fargo will ask you to take a photo of your ID using your phone's camera. Open your ID to the page with your photo and information, position it in the frame the app shows you, and take a clear photo. The app will also ask you to take a "selfie" — a photo of your face — to confirm it matches your ID.
After the photos, the app moves to security questions. These are questions about your credit history that only you should know the answers to — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is a credit card you've held?" Answer based on your actual history. If you don't recognize any of the options, select "None of the above."
The verification usually takes a few minutes. If the app approves you right away, you'll see a confirmation screen. If Wells Fargo needs more information, they'll tell you what to do next — sometimes this means uploading a document or calling a phone number to verify by voice.
Funding your new account
Once your account is open, the app will ask if you want to fund it now. You can skip this step and fund it later, or do it right away. If you choose to fund it now, select your funding method: a debit card from another bank, a checking account at another bank, or a transfer from an existing Wells Fargo account.
If you use a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). If you use another bank account, enter the routing number and account number — you can find these on a check or by logging into that bank's website. Enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm.
Transfers from a debit card usually show up in your Wells Fargo savings account within one business day. Transfers from another bank account may take one to three business days, depending on the other bank. You'll see a notification in the app when the money arrives.
What happens after your account opens
Your savings account number appears in the Wells Fargo app when ready after approval. You can start using it right away — you can set up direct deposit, transfer money to it, or link it to other services. However, it may take up to one business day for the account to show up in your Wells Fargo online banking profile if you access Wells Fargo through a web browser.
Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email with your account details. You don't need a physical debit card for a savings account — you can only withdraw money through transfers, ATMs, or in-branch withdrawals. If you want to link this savings account to a checking account for easier transfers, you can do that in the app under "Manage Accounts" or "Transfer Money."
Troubleshooting common problems
If the app says your identity verification failed, it usually means the photo of your ID wasn't clear enough or your selfie didn't match your ID photo. Try again with better lighting and make sure your whole face is visible. If it fails a second time, the app will offer you the option to verify by phone instead — a Wells Fargo representative will ask you security questions and confirm your identity that way.
If you're a new Wells Fargo customer and the app asks you to set up online banking before opening a savings account, complete that step first. You'll create a username and password, and Wells Fargo will send you a verification code by email or text. Once your online banking is set up, you can go back to opening the savings account.
If your funding method is declined, check that the card number or account number is correct and that the account has enough money to cover the transfer. Some banks block transfers to new accounts as a fraud prevention measure — if this happens, contact the other bank and ask them to allow the transfer, then try again in the Wells Fargo app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a savings account in the Wells Fargo app?
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Identity verification happens right away, and your account number appears in the app when ready after approval. If Wells Fargo needs to verify your identity by phone instead of through photos, the call may add another 5 to 10 minutes.
Do I need an existing Wells Fargo account to open a savings account in the app?
No. You can open a savings account even if you've never banked with Wells Fargo before. The app will set up your online banking login at the same time. If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, the process is faster because Wells Fargo already has your information on file.
What if I don't have a government-issued ID?
You'll need a valid photo ID to open an account. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a passport works. If you don't have any of these, you'll need to visit a Wells Fargo branch in person with whatever ID you do have and speak to a banker about your options.
Can I open a savings account in the app if I'm under 18?
Wells Fargo offers accounts for minors, but they usually require a parent or guardian to open the account with you. The app may not let you complete the process on your own. Contact Wells Fargo directly or visit a branch to ask about youth savings accounts and what documents you'll need.
What's the minimum amount I need to deposit to open a savings account?
Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later. However, some accounts may have minimum balance requirements to earn interest — the app will show you these details before you finish opening the account.