What you need to open a Wells Fargo account

Wells Fargo requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can open an account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes in a branch and roughly the same time online, though online accounts sometimes need verification by mail if the system flags your information.

You will also need to choose which type of account fits your situation. Wells Fargo offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Most people start with a checking account paired with a savings account. Each account type has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates — these change periodically, so check their current terms before you decide.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open any Wells Fargo account.
  • Opening in person at a branch is fastest if you need the account when ready; online opening takes the same time but may require mail verification.
  • Wells Fargo charges monthly maintenance fees on most accounts unless you meet balance requirements or set up direct deposit.
  • You can link accounts together once they are open, which lets you transfer money between them when ready.

Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your ID, proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. Tell the representative you want to open a new account. They will ask you which type of account you want and whether you want to add a savings account at the same time.

The representative will run a ChexSystems check — a banking history report that shows whether you have had problems with previous bank accounts. This takes a few minutes. If you have never had banking issues, this step is invisible. If there is a problem on your record, the representative will tell you whether Wells Fargo can still open the account or whether you need to resolve something first.

Once the account is approved, you will receive a debit card on the spot or within 7 to 10 business days by mail, depending on the branch. Your account number and routing number are available when ready, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day if you need to.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and phone number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — these questions pull from public records and are designed to confirm you are who you say you are.

Once you pass identity verification, you choose your account type and set an initial password. At this point, your account is open and you have an account number. However, Wells Fargo may send a verification letter to your address on file. If they do, you will need to confirm receipt of that letter before you can deposit money or use the account fully. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers, and you can move money between Wells Fargo accounts you already own.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and phone number. They will verify your identity using security questions.

Phone opening takes about the same time as in-person or online, but you will still receive a verification letter by mail if Wells Fargo needs to confirm your address. Your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. This method works well if you cannot visit a branch or prefer to talk to a person, but it does not speed up the process.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Most Wells Fargo checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee — currently $10 to $15 depending on the account type, though this amount changes. You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with a minimum balance.

Savings accounts also charge monthly fees unless you meet balance requirements. Money market accounts typically have higher minimum balance requirements but may offer higher interest rates. Read the fee schedule for the specific account you are considering before you open it, because the fee structure determines whether the account actually costs you money each month.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit when ready using your account number and routing number (Wells Fargo's routing number is 121000248 for most accounts, though some regions use different numbers — the bank will confirm yours). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to set up, so your first deposit may not arrive on schedule.

You can also transfer money from another bank into your Wells Fargo account using an external transfer. This takes 1 to 3 business days depending on the other bank. If you need money in your account faster, you can visit a Wells Fargo branch and deposit a check or cash in person.

Your debit card arrives by mail and is active as soon as you receive it. You will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Wells Fargo app. Once activated, you can use it to withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM or any ATM in the Allpoint network, which includes over 55,000 ATMs worldwide.

If Wells Fargo declines to open your account

Wells Fargo may decline your account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your ChexSystems record, or if you appear on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list. If this happens, ask the representative or call back and ask why. Some issues can be resolved — for example, if you paid off an old overdraft, Wells Fargo may reopen your case.

If you cannot open an account at Wells Fargo, you have other options. Credit unions, online banks, and community banks often have less strict approval standards. You can also use a second-chance banking program, which is designed for people who have had banking problems in the past. These accounts usually have higher fees but let you rebuild your banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Wells Fargo account?

No. Wells Fargo does not require an opening deposit. However, most accounts charge a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other requirements. Check the fee schedule for your account type to see what waives the monthly charge.

Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring the same documents — photo ID, proof of address, and your ITIN — whether you open in person, online, or by phone.

How long does it take to use my Wells Fargo account after I open it?

If you open in person at a branch, your account is ready to use when ready. You can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day. If you open online or by phone, your account opens right away, but Wells Fargo may send a verification letter that takes 3 to 5 business days to confirm. Your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days by mail.

What is the difference between a Wells Fargo checking account and a savings account?

A checking account is designed for frequent deposits and withdrawals — you get a debit card and checks. A savings account is designed to hold money and earn interest, with limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month. Most people open both at the same time, using checking for daily spending and savings for emergency funds.

Can I open multiple accounts at Wells Fargo?

Yes. You can open as many accounts as you want. Many people open a checking account and a savings account together, and some open additional savings accounts for specific goals. Once accounts are open, you can transfer money between them when ready using the Wells Fargo app or website.