What you need before you start

Opening a Wells Fargo account takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or in person, and you can do it the same day. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you go to a branch.

Wells Fargo offers several account types for different needs: a basic checking account, a savings account, or both together. The checking account lets you write checks and use a debit card. The savings account earns a small amount of interest on money you leave there. You can open just one or both at the same time.

You do not need to have had a bank account before, and you do not need a large amount of money to start. Wells Fargo's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a small balance — the exact amount changes, so ask when you open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Wells Fargo account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch with your ID and Social Security number.
  • You will need to fund the account with at least a small deposit — either from another bank account, a debit card, or cash at a branch.
  • Wells Fargo's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance.
  • After opening, your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number to receive deposits before the card arrives.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and choose the account type you want — checking, savings, or both. You will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and a phone number.

Next, you will create a username and password for online banking. Make the password strong — use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Write it down somewhere safe, because you will need it to log in later.

Wells Fargo will ask how you want to fund the account. You can link a debit card from another bank, provide the routing and account number from another bank account, or choose to fund it later. If you use a debit card or another account, the money transfers right away — usually within one business day.

At the end, Wells Fargo sends a confirmation email. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to confirm your identity. Your account is then active, and you can log in to see your account number and routing number. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using the branch locator on wellsfargo.com. Bring your government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and money to deposit — at least $25 in cash or a debit card from another bank.

Walk in during business hours and tell a representative you want to open an account. They will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will also ask which account type you want and how much you want to deposit.

The representative will print out the account agreement for you to sign. Read it or ask them to explain anything you do not understand. Once you sign, your account opens when ready. You will get a temporary debit card on the spot (or within a few days), and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Ask the representative for your account number and routing number before you leave. You will need these if someone wants to send you money by direct deposit or bank transfer before your debit card arrives.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use the moment it opens, even though your debit card is still in the mail. You can receive money through direct deposit using your account number and routing number. You can also transfer money in from another bank account online.

When your debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Wells Fargo app. The app is free to read on iPhone or Android. Once activated, you can use the card to buy things, withdraw cash from ATMs, and check your balance anytime.

Set up online banking if you have not already. Log in at wellsfargo.com with the username and password you created. From there you can see your balance, move money between accounts, pay bills, and set up alerts if your balance gets low.

If you do not have a Social Security number

Wells Fargo can open an account for you with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number.

Bring your ITIN documentation and a government-issued photo ID to a branch. The process is the same as opening an account in person. If you are opening online, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to ask about ITIN accounts, because the online form may not show that option.

If you have had banking problems before

Wells Fargo checks your banking history using ChexSystems, a company that tracks closed accounts and unpaid fees at other banks. If you closed an account with a negative balance or left money owed, Wells Fargo may deny your process.

If this happens, you can ask Wells Fargo why. Sometimes the issue is a mistake or an old debt you have already paid. You can also check your own ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what is listed about you. If there is an error, you can dispute it.

If Wells Fargo declines you, look for a second-chance checking account at a local credit union or community bank. These accounts are designed for people rebuilding their banking history and often have lower fees.

Fees and things to know

Wells Fargo's basic checking account (called "Wells Fargo Checking") has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. If you do neither, there is a $10 monthly fee. Ask which option works best for your situation when you open the account.

Overdraft fees happen when you spend more money than you have. Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft. You can turn off overdraft protection so purchases are declined instead of charging a fee — ask the representative or change this in your online settings.

ATM withdrawals are free at any Wells Fargo ATM. If you use another bank's ATM, you may be charged a fee by that bank. Wells Fargo does not charge you, but the other bank will.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo account?

Online accounts take about 10 to 15 minutes and are active the same day. In-person accounts at a branch also open the same day. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to receive deposits before it arrives.

Can I open an account if I do not have a job?

Yes. Wells Fargo does not require proof of income or employment. You only need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and money to deposit. Students, retirees, and people not currently working can all open accounts.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You will need to go to a branch in person. Bring two forms of ID — a passport, state ID, driver's license, military ID, or tribal ID. Wells Fargo may also accept a school ID or work ID as a second form. Call your local branch first to ask what they accept.

Can I open an account with someone else's money?

The account must be in your name, and you must be the one opening it. However, someone else can give you money to deposit. Once the account is open and in your name, the money is yours to use.

What is the difference between checking and savings?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — it comes with a debit card and checks. A savings account earns interest and is meant for money you keep there longer. Most people open both: checking for everyday spending and savings for emergencies or goals.