What you need to bring and know before you walk in
Wells Fargo will ask for a government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open either account. The deposit can be as small as $25 for a checking account or $25 for a savings account, though some account types have higher minimums — you can ask about this when you call or visit a branch. You can open both accounts on the same day.
You will also need to decide whether you want to open accounts in person at a branch, over the phone, or online. Each route takes about the same amount of time to complete, though opening in person lets you ask questions as you go. If you are new to banking, a branch visit often feels less rushed.
Before you go, think about what you need the accounts for. A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, getting cash, making purchases. A savings account is for money you want to set aside and not touch as often. Wells Fargo pays a small amount of interest on savings, which means the bank pays you a tiny percentage of what you keep there. Knowing this upfront helps you choose the right account type.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and at least $25 to open either a checking or savings account at Wells Fargo.
- You can open accounts in person at a branch, by phone, or online, and the process takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes either way.
- A checking account is for everyday spending and bill payments, while a savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on.
- Wells Fargo will run a check on your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks past account problems, but this does not prevent most people from opening accounts.
- Once your account is open, you can use Wells Fargo's debit card, online banking, and mobile app to manage your money when ready.
Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Walk into any Wells Fargo branch during business hours and tell the person at the desk that you want to open a checking and savings account. They will take you to a desk or a private area and walk you through the process step by step. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or a check).
The banker will show you the different checking and savings options Wells Fargo offers and explain the differences — mainly around monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates. Ask about any account with no monthly fee if you are watching your costs. They will then fill out the paperwork with you, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history system), and set up your online banking login before you leave.
The whole visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will walk out with a debit card process in progress (it arrives in the mail in 7 to 10 days), online banking access you can use right away, and when ready access to your accounts through the Wells Fargo app.
Opening an account by phone or online
Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open accounts over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions a branch banker would — your ID information, Social Security number, and how much you want to deposit. They will explain your account options and set everything up while you are on the call. You will need to mail in a copy of your ID and provide your initial deposit by check or transfer from another bank account.
Opening online through Wells Fargo's website is faster if you already have a Wells Fargo account or a login. If you do not, you can still start the process, but you will need to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions about your financial history or by uploading a photo of your ID. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your accounts are usually ready to use the same day.
The main difference between phone and online is that the phone route lets you ask questions in real time, while online is faster if you know what you want. Both routes require you to fund your account within a few days, either by mailing a check or by transferring money from another bank account.
What happens after you open your account
Your accounts are active when ready, even before your debit card arrives. You can use online banking and the Wells Fargo mobile app to check your balance, transfer money between your checking and savings, and set up bill pay (a way to pay bills electronically without writing checks). You can also visit any Wells Fargo branch to withdraw cash or deposit checks.
Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it — Wells Fargo will send you instructions, usually by text or email. Once activated, you can use it at stores, ATMs, and online to spend money from your checking account.
Set up your online banking password and security questions the day you open your account. Write down your username and password somewhere safe (not on a sticky note on your monitor). If you forget either one, you can reset it through the Wells Fargo website or by calling customer service.
Understanding Wells Fargo's account types and fees
Wells Fargo offers several checking accounts, but the most common for someone new to banking is the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account. It has no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (usually $500) or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet either requirement, there is a small monthly fee — ask the banker what it is when you open your account, as it changes. The account comes with a debit card, online banking, and access to Wells Fargo's ATM network.
For savings, Wells Fargo offers the Wells Fargo Savings Account, which earns interest on your balance. The interest rate is very small — often less than 1 percent per year — but it is better than keeping cash at home. There is no monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance, usually $300. Some people open a savings account just to have a separate place to keep emergency money, even if the interest is tiny.
Ask about any current promotions when you open your account. Wells Fargo sometimes offers small cash bonuses (usually $50 to $200) if you meet certain conditions, like setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card purchases in your first month. These bonuses are real money, so it is worth asking.
What the ChexSystems check means for you
When you open an account, Wells Fargo runs a background check through ChexSystems, a system that banks use to track people who have had problems with past accounts — like bouncing checks repeatedly, leaving accounts overdrawn, or closing accounts with a negative balance. This check is routine and does not hurt your credit score.
If you have had banking problems in the past, ChexSystems may flag your process. This does not automatically mean Wells Fargo will reject you — many people with past issues still open accounts. If there is a problem, Wells Fargo will tell you and may ask you to explain what happened. Being honest about past mistakes usually works in your favor.
If Wells Fargo does reject your process, you can ask why and request a copy of your ChexSystems report. You have the right to see what is in it and to dispute anything that is wrong. You can also look into banks that do not use ChexSystems, though Wells Fargo is one of the largest and most accessible options.
Moving money into your new account
Your initial deposit can be cash or a check. If you are at a branch, you can hand over cash or a check and the banker will process it when ready. If you opened your account by phone or online, you will need to mail a check to the address Wells Fargo gives you, or transfer money from another bank account if you have one.
Once your account is open, you can deposit checks through the Wells Fargo mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back of the check. You can also deposit checks at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch. If someone is paying you by direct deposit (like an employer), you can set that up through your Wells Fargo online banking — you will need to give your employer your account number and routing number, which you can find on your debit card or in your online banking.
Transfers from another bank account take 1 to 3 business days. If you need money in your Wells Fargo account faster, bring cash or a check to a branch in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
Most Wells Fargo checking accounts require a minimum balance of around $500 to avoid a monthly fee, though you can also avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit. Savings accounts usually require around $300. Ask the banker what the exact requirement is for the account you choose, as it can change.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have either, you will need to get one before you can open an account. The Social Security Administration and the IRS can help you understand your options.
What if I make a mistake on my process?
If you notice an error after you open your account, contact Wells Fargo right away through the app, online banking, or by calling customer service. Most mistakes can be corrected quickly, especially if you catch them within the first few days.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both people will need to be present (in person or on the phone) with their ID and Social Security number. A joint account means both people can access the money and make decisions about it, so only open a joint account with someone you trust completely.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it?
Your checking and savings accounts are ready to use when ready through online banking and the Wells Fargo app. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash right away, you can withdraw it at any Wells Fargo branch or ATM once your account is set up.