What you need to bring and where to start

You can open a Wells Fargo account either online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online if you have a computer or phone and the documents ready. In person takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions as you go.

To open any account, Wells Fargo will ask for a government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.

You will also need to choose what type of account you want. A checking account is for money you use regularly — you get a debit card and checks, and you can pay bills from it. A savings account is for money you want to set aside and earn a small amount of interest on. Many people open both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address (a recent utility bill or lease works) to open an account.
  • Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready and a valid email address.
  • In-person opening at a branch lets you ask questions and sometimes get a debit card the same day, though it takes longer.
  • Wells Fargo checking accounts have a monthly fee unless you meet certain requirements, such as keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
  • You can open an account as a single person or with another person as a joint account holder.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will be asked to choose between checking, savings, or both. Select what you want and click through.

Wells Fargo will ask for your basic information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Then you will upload or photograph your ID and address proof. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the document. If the photo is blurry or cut off, the system will reject it and ask you to try again.

Next, you choose a username and password for online banking, and you set up security questions (questions only you can answer, like "What was your first pet's name?"). Wells Fargo will send a verification code to your email address — check your email and enter that code to confirm it is really you.

Once you finish, Wells Fargo will tell you whether your account opened right away or whether they need to review your information. Most accounts open within minutes. You will get a confirmation email with your account number. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 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 ID, Social Security number, and address proof with you. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment, though some branches let you schedule one online if you prefer.

A banker will sit with you and ask the same questions the online form does. They will make copies of your ID and address proof. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The banker can answer questions about fees, minimum balances, and what the debit card can do.

If you open a checking account in person, you may be able to get a temporary debit card on the spot that you can use right away. Your permanent card will arrive by mail. If you open only a savings account, your card will come by mail like the online route.

Understanding account fees and minimums

Wells Fargo checking accounts charge a monthly fee (the amount varies by account type) unless you meet one of these conditions: you keep a certain balance in the account, you set up direct deposit, or you maintain a linked savings account with a minimum balance.

Direct deposit means your paycheck or government benefit payment goes straight into your account automatically. If you set that up, the monthly fee is waived. This is the easiest way to avoid the fee if you receive regular paychecks or benefits.

Savings accounts do not have a monthly fee, but Wells Fargo pays interest on the money you keep there — the rate changes based on what the bank decides, so it may be very small. You can move money between your checking and savings accounts as many times as you want.

Setting up online and mobile banking

Once your account is open, you can log into wellsfargo.com or read the Wells Fargo mobile app to your phone. Use the username and password you created when you opened the account.

Online banking lets you see your balance, transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, and read statements. Mobile banking does the same thing from your phone. Both are free to use. You can also set up alerts — for example, Wells Fargo can text you when your balance drops below a certain amount.

If you forget your password, click "Forgot Username or Password?" on the login page and Wells Fargo will walk you through resetting it. You will need access to your email or phone to verify it is really you.

What happens if you are denied

Wells Fargo may deny your account if you have unpaid fees or a negative balance at another bank that shows up in a banking history check, or if there is a problem with your ID or Social Security number. If this happens, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining why.

If you were denied, you can call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and ask what the specific reason was. Some reasons can be fixed — for example, if there was a typo in your Social Security number, you can try again with the correct number. Other reasons, like unpaid fees at another bank, may require you to pay that debt first.

If you cannot open a regular account, some banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts designed for people with banking history problems. These accounts have higher fees but let you build a clean record.

Moving money into your new account

Once your account is open and your debit card arrives, you can put money in several ways. The simplest is to have your paycheck or benefit payment deposited directly — you give your employer or benefits office your Wells Fargo account number and routing number (both are on your checks or in online banking), and the money goes in automatically.

You can also transfer money from another bank account you own using online banking. Log in, go to "Transfer Money," and follow the steps to link your other account. The first transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days.

You can also deposit cash or checks at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch. If you use an ATM, follow the on-screen instructions. If you go to a branch, a banker will take your cash or check and deposit it for you on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before opening an account.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You need a government-issued ID to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process and cost vary by state, but most cost under $30 and take a few weeks.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people will need to be present (in person or online together) and provide their own ID, Social Security number, and address proof. Both names go on the account, and both people can access it and withdraw money.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open online, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may get a temporary card on the spot that works right away, and your permanent card arrives by mail. Business days do not include weekends or bank holidays.

What is the minimum amount I need to deposit to open an account?

Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some account types require you to keep a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees.