What you need before you start

Wells Fargo will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. You can open an account in person at a branch, online, or by phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have everything ready, though the account may not be fully active until the next business day.

Bring your ID and know your Social Security number. If you are opening the account online or by phone, you will need to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history — Wells Fargo pulls this information to confirm who you are. Have a funding source ready: a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you are going to a branch.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Some Wells Fargo checking accounts require no minimum deposit to open, while others ask for $25 or more. Savings accounts typically have similar minimums. Check the specific account you want before you start, because the requirement varies.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open any Wells Fargo account.
  • Wells Fargo verifies your identity online or by phone using questions about your credit history, not by checking your credit score itself.
  • You can open an account at a branch, online, or by phone, and the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Some account types have no minimum deposit requirement, while others ask for $25 or more at opening.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after opening.

Opening an account at a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask which account type you want — Wells Fargo offers several, including basic checking, interest-bearing checking, and savings accounts with different fee structures.

The banker will collect your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. They will verify your identity by looking at your ID and asking a few questions. If you are funding the account from another bank, you can provide that account number and routing number, or you can deposit cash or a check at the branch.

You will sign documents before you leave. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready, though your permanent card arrives by mail. Your account is usually active the same day, and you can start using it right away if you received a temporary card number.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and click the link to open an account. You will choose your account type, enter your personal information, and upload a photo of your ID. Wells Fargo will ask you security questions based on your credit history to verify your identity — these are questions only you should know the answer to, like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which lender issued this account."

After you answer the questions correctly, you will set up online banking login credentials and choose how to fund the account. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money, or you can provide a debit card number. The initial deposit processes within one to two business days.

Your account number appears on screen after you finish, so you can use it when ready for direct deposits or transfers. Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can use your account number and routing number for electronic transfers, or use your temporary card number for online purchases.

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: personal information, account type, and identity verification through security questions. Have your ID handy so you can read information from it if the representative asks.

You will need to provide a funding source — either another bank account or a debit card to link. The representative will set up your online banking access and give you your account number before you hang up. Your debit card and any checks you order arrive by mail.

Phone opening takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your account is active the same day, though transfers from another bank may take one to two business days to process.

Identity verification and security questions

Wells Fargo uses a third-party verification service to confirm your identity when you open an account online or by phone. The service pulls information from your credit history and asks you multiple-choice questions about addresses you have lived at, accounts you have opened, or loans you have taken out. You do not need good credit to pass this — the questions are just checking that you are who you say you are.

If you cannot answer the questions correctly, or if the system cannot verify you, Wells Fargo will ask you to open the account in person at a branch instead. Bring your ID and Social Security number to the branch, and the banker can open the account without the security questions.

This verification step usually takes a few minutes. If you get stuck, you can call Wells Fargo customer service and ask to speak with someone who can help you through the questions, though you may still need to visit a branch to complete the process.

What happens after you open the account

Your account is active when ready, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. In the meantime, you can use your account number and routing number for direct deposits, bill payments, or transfers. If you opened online or by phone, you received a temporary card number you can use for online shopping right away.

Your first statement arrives about 30 days after opening. It shows any deposits or withdrawals you made during that period. You can view your account balance and transaction history online or through the Wells Fargo mobile app as soon as your account is open.

If you ordered checks when you opened the account, they arrive separately from your debit card, usually within 7 to 14 business days. You can reorder checks anytime through online banking or by calling customer service.

Account types and what they cost

Wells Fargo offers several checking and savings account options. The most common checking account is the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet either requirement, the monthly fee is around $10, though this varies by region.

The Wells Fargo Preferred Checking account offers higher interest rates and more features, but requires a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. The Wells Fargo Savings Account earns interest on your balance, with the rate depending on how much money you keep in the account.

Ask the banker or check the Wells Fargo website for the current fee structure and interest rates before you open. Account features and costs change periodically, and what applies to one account type may not explore to another.

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 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. You will need to bring documentation of your ITIN when you open in person, or provide it when you open online or by phone.

What if the identity verification questions are wrong or I cannot answer them?

If you cannot answer the security questions correctly, or if the system says it cannot verify you, you can open the account in person at a Wells Fargo branch instead. Bring your government ID and Social Security number, and the banker will complete the account opening without the security questions. This usually takes the same amount of time as the online process.

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

Your account is active the same day you open it. You can use your account number for direct deposits and transfers when ready. If you opened online or by phone, you received a temporary card number for online purchases. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to go to a branch if I already bank with Wells Fargo?

No. If you already have a Wells Fargo account, you can open a second account online or by phone without visiting a branch. The process is the same, and you may be able to skip some of the identity verification steps since Wells Fargo already has your information on file.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Wells Fargo account?

Some Wells Fargo checking accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, while others ask for $25 or more. Savings accounts typically require a minimum deposit as well, though the amount varies by account type. Check the specific account details before you open to know what you need to bring.