What you need before you start

Wells Fargo lets you open a checking account entirely online without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, bank account number, or transfer from another bank. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Have your ID and Social Security number ready before you begin. Wells Fargo will verify both during signup. If you're funding the account with a transfer from another bank, you'll need that bank's routing number and your account number there.

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid address. Wells Fargo does not open accounts for people outside the United States, even if they have a U.S. address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and a funding source (debit card or bank account) to open an account online.
  • The online signup process takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready with a debit card or schedule a transfer from another bank.
  • Wells Fargo will verify your identity during signup and may ask follow-up questions if your information doesn't match their records.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use the account online right away.
  • If verification fails, you can visit a Wells Fargo branch in person with your ID to complete the account opening.

The online signup steps

Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" or "Open Checking." You'll see options for different checking accounts — Wells Fargo offers several types with different monthly fees and minimum balances. Read the fee schedule for each one before you choose, because some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.

Select the account type you want, then enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Wells Fargo will ask for your Social Security number next. This is where they verify your identity against credit bureaus and government records.

After identity verification, you'll set up login credentials — a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager. You'll use them to log into your account when ready after signup.

Next, choose how to fund the account. You can enter a debit card number (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) and transfer money right away, or you can provide your routing number and account number from another bank and schedule an ACH transfer. If you use a debit card, the money appears in your Wells Fargo account within one business day. If you use an ACH transfer, it typically takes three to five business days.

What happens after you submit

Wells Fargo sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. The email contains your temporary account number and instructions for logging in.

You can log into your account online or through the Wells Fargo mobile app when ready. You'll see your account number, routing number, and available balance. You can set up bill pay, transfer money, and deposit checks by phone right away.

Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until they arrive, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit with your employer, or you can use the mobile app to deposit checks by taking a photo.

If identity verification fails

Sometimes Wells Fargo cannot verify your information online — this happens most often if your name, address, or Social Security number doesn't match what's in their database or credit bureaus. If this occurs, Wells Fargo will tell you during signup and offer two options: try again with different information, or visit a branch in person.

If you choose to visit a branch, bring your government ID and Social Security card (or a document with your Social Security number on it). A banker will open the account for you on the spot, and you can fund it when ready. This route takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the branch.

Do not call Wells Fargo customer service to ask them to override a failed verification. They cannot complete account opening over the phone — you must either try the online process again or visit a branch.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Wells Fargo checking accounts have a monthly maintenance fee that varies by account type. The most common accounts charge between $10 and $15 per month. However, most of these fees are waived if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or link a Wells Fargo savings account with a certain balance.

Read the fee schedule for the specific account you're opening. It lists exactly what waives the fee. If you plan to use direct deposit from your job, the fee is almost always waived automatically once the first deposit posts.

If you don't meet any waiver condition, the fee posts on the same day each month. You can remove it by meeting a waiver condition, or you can close the account and open a different one — though closing and reopening accounts frequently can affect your banking history.

Using your account before the debit card arrives

Your account is fully functional online the moment you finish signup. You can transfer money in and out, set up bill pay to pay companies directly from your account, and receive direct deposits from your employer.

To receive a direct deposit, give your employer your Wells Fargo account number and routing number (you'll see both in your online account). Direct deposits typically post within one to two business days of your employer sending them.

You can also deposit checks without a physical card by using the Wells Fargo mobile app. Open the app, go to "Deposit a Check," take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The bank holds the check for a few days while it clears, then the money appears in your account.

You cannot withdraw cash or make in-person purchases until your debit card arrives. If you need cash before then, you can transfer money from your Wells Fargo account to another bank account you own, then withdraw from that bank's ATM.

Linking your new account to other banks

Once your Wells Fargo account is open, you can link it to accounts at other banks for transfers. In your Wells Fargo online account, go to "Transfer Money" and select "Link an External Account." Enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there.

Wells Fargo will make two small test deposits (usually under $1) to that account to verify you own it. Check the other bank's account for these deposits — they'll appear within one to two business days. Then return to Wells Fargo and enter the amounts of those deposits to confirm the link.

Once confirmed, you can transfer money between Wells Fargo and that account. Transfers out of Wells Fargo take one to three business days. Transfers into Wells Fargo typically take one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number for all account holders. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you may be able to open an account at a branch in person, but you'll need to call Wells Fargo ahead of time to confirm they can process it. The online process does not accept ITINs.

What if I don't have a debit card to fund the account?

You can fund the account with an ACH transfer from another bank instead. Provide your routing number and account number from that bank, and Wells Fargo will pull the money. It takes three to five business days to arrive. You can also visit a branch and deposit cash or a check in person.

How long does it take to open an account?

The online signup process takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification is when ready in most cases. Your account is ready to use online when ready after you finish. Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open more than one checking account at Wells Fargo?

Yes. You can open multiple checking accounts online, and each one has its own account number and debit card. However, each account is subject to the monthly maintenance fee unless you meet a waiver condition for that specific account.

What if I made a mistake on my process?

If you notice an error before you finish signup, go back and correct it. If you've already completed the process, log into your account and go to "Profile" or "Account Settings" to update your name, address, or phone number. You cannot change your Social Security number or date of birth online — contact Wells Fargo customer service or visit a branch to make those changes.