What you need to open a Wells Fargo account

Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. You can walk into any Wells Fargo branch with these items, or you can start the process online and finish it in the branch. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement; others ask for $25 or more depending on the account type.

Bring your ID and Social Security card or number with you. If you're opening an account for someone else (a minor, for example), you'll need that person present with their own ID, plus proof that you have authority to act on their behalf. Wells Fargo will also run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you've had problems with previous accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit; most accounts require $25 or more to open.
  • Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and a negative history may prevent you from opening an account.
  • You can start online and complete the account in a branch, or explore entirely in person at any Wells Fargo location.
  • The account opens the same day if you're in a branch; online applications typically take one to three business days to process.

Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Go to any Wells Fargo branch during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and the money for your initial deposit. Tell the representative you want to open a checking or savings account and which type interests you. They'll ask questions about your income, employment, and how you plan to use the account—this is standard practice and helps them recommend the right product for you.

The representative will show you the features and fees of each account option. Review the fee schedule carefully: some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or fees for falling below a minimum balance. Ask which fees explore to the account you're considering. Once you've chosen, you'll sign paperwork, make your deposit, and receive your account number on the spot. Your debit card will arrive by mail within five to seven business days.

Starting your account online

Visit wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account." You'll enter your personal information, Social Security number, and ID details. Wells Fargo will ask about your income and employment history. You can choose your account type and set up online banking access during this process.

After you submit the online form, Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email. The account is not fully active until you complete verification in a branch. You'll need to visit a Wells Fargo location within 30 days with your ID and make your initial deposit. At that point, the account becomes fully functional. If you don't visit a branch within 30 days, Wells Fargo will close the pending account.

What happens if ChexSystems shows a problem

Wells Fargo uses ChexSystems to check whether you've had serious issues with bank accounts in the past—things like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated bounced checks. If ChexSystems shows a problem, Wells Fargo may deny your process or require you to resolve the issue first.

You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or visit chexsystems.com to request your report. If information is wrong, you can dispute it. If the issue is unpaid money owed to a bank, you may need to pay that debt or work out a payment plan before Wells Fargo will open your account. Some people in this situation turn to second-chance banking programs, though Wells Fargo does not specifically market one—you may find better options through community banks or credit unions.

Account types and what they cost

Wells Fargo offers several checking and savings accounts with different fee structures. The Wells Fargo Checking account charges a $10 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of several conditions: direct deposit of at least $500 per month, a minimum daily balance of $1,500, or linked savings account with $1,500 minimum balance. The Wells Fargo Savings account charges $5 per month unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance or have a linked checking account.

Wells Fargo also offers accounts with no monthly maintenance fee, though these may have other restrictions or lower interest rates. Ask the representative which account has the lowest fees for your situation. Pay close attention to overdraft fees—Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft transaction—and whether the account includes overdraft protection, which can link to a savings account or line of credit to prevent overdrafts.

Your debit card and online banking

Once your account is open, you'll receive a debit card by mail. The card typically arrives within five to seven business days. You can set up online banking and mobile banking when ready—the representative will help you create a username and password, or you can do this yourself at wellsfargo.com after your account opens.

With online banking, you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and monitor transactions. You can also set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. Your debit card works at any ATM and at merchants that accept Visa. If your card is lost or stolen, call Wells Fargo when ready at the number on the back of your card or 1-800-869-3557 to report it.

If Wells Fargo denies your process

Wells Fargo will tell you why your process was denied. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or fraud flags. You have the right to know the specific reason and to dispute information you believe is wrong.

If you're denied, ask whether you can reapply after resolving the issue—for example, after paying off an old overdraft or waiting a certain period of time. Some people denied at Wells Fargo open accounts at community banks or credit unions instead, which may have less strict requirements. You can also contact ChexSystems to dispute inaccurate information on your report, which may improve your chances at Wells Fargo or another bank later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account without going to a branch?

You can start online, but you must visit a branch within 30 days to complete the process and make your initial deposit. Wells Fargo does not allow fully remote account opening. If you cannot reach a branch, you may want to explore online banks instead.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, bring documentation of it. If you have neither, you will not be able to open a Wells Fargo account.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail within five to seven business days after your account opens. You can use your account number and online banking when ready; you don't have to wait for the physical card to start using your account.

What's the minimum deposit to open an account?

Most Wells Fargo accounts require $25 as an initial deposit, though some accounts have no minimum. Ask the representative which account you're opening and what its minimum is before you hand over money.

Can I open an account for my child?

Yes. Bring your child to the branch with you, along with their ID and Social Security number. You'll need to show proof that you have authority to open the account on their behalf—usually a birth certificate or custody papers. The account will be in both your names.