What you need to open a Wells Fargo checking account

Wells Fargo will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it — it usually needs to be from the last 60 days.

You'll also need to decide whether you want to open the account in person at a branch or online. If you open online, you can do it from home, but you'll still need to verify your identity through the Wells Fargo website or app. If you open in person, bring your documents to any Wells Fargo branch and a banker will walk you through the process on the spot.

Have a small amount of money ready to deposit. Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but many people deposit at least $25 to $100 to start using the account right away.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account.
  • Wells Fargo lets you open a checking account online through their website or app, or in person at a branch.
  • The account opens when ready if you open it online, or within a few minutes if you open it in person.
  • Once your account is open, you can order a debit card, set up direct deposit, and start using the account right away.

Opening an account online through Wells Fargo's website or app

Go to wellsfargo.com or open the Wells Fargo mobile app and look for the option to open a new account. You'll be asked to enter your personal information: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The website will walk you through each step, and you can stop and come back later if you need to — your progress is saved.

When you reach the identity verification step, Wells Fargo will ask you to take a photo of your government ID using your phone or computer camera. Make sure the photo is clear and shows all four corners of the ID. You may also be asked to answer security questions based on your credit history, or to verify your phone number by entering a code Wells Fargo texts to you.

Once your identity is verified, you'll choose which type of checking account you want. Wells Fargo offers several options, such as Everyday Checking and Premier Checking. Read the features of each one — they differ in monthly fees, overdraft protection, and rewards. For most people new to banking, Everyday Checking is the simplest choice.

After you choose your account type and review the terms, your account opens when ready. You can then set up a debit card, link an external bank account if you want to transfer money in, or start using your account number to set up direct deposit with your employer.

Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using the branch locator on wellsfargo.com. Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You do not need to call ahead — you can walk in during business hours and ask to open a checking account.

A banker will sit with you, ask you the same questions the online form would ask, and help you choose an account type. They will verify your identity by looking at your documents and may ask you a few security questions. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you leave, the banker will give you your account number and routing number. You can use these right away to set up direct deposit or transfer money in. Your debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary card to use when ready in some cases.

What happens after your account opens

Your checking account is ready to use as soon as it opens, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can transfer money into the account from another bank, deposit cash at a Wells Fargo ATM, or have your paycheck deposited directly using your new account number and routing number.

If you opened online, you can order a debit card through the Wells Fargo app or website. If you opened in person, the banker will order one for you. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs using your account number, or use your account for online payments and transfers.

Set up online banking and mobile banking so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone or computer. You can do this through the Wells Fargo website or app using the username and password you created when you opened your account.

Understanding Wells Fargo checking account fees

Wells Fargo's Everyday Checking account has a monthly maintenance fee, but the fee is waived if you meet one of these conditions: keep a minimum daily balance of $500, have direct deposit set up, or maintain a linked savings account with a certain balance. Ask the banker or check the account details online to see which option is easiest for you.

Other fees you should know about: overdraft fees (charged if you spend more than you have), out-of-network ATM fees (charged if you use an ATM that is not Wells Fargo), and wire transfer fees. You can avoid most of these by keeping track of your balance and using Wells Fargo ATMs.

Wells Fargo offers overdraft protection, which means the bank can transfer money from a linked savings account to cover a purchase if you do not have enough in checking. This prevents overdraft fees but costs money each time it happens. You can turn this feature on or off in your account settings.

If you already have a Wells Fargo account

If you already have a savings account or another checking account with Wells Fargo, opening a second checking account is faster. You can do it online in a few minutes using your existing login, or ask a banker at the branch to add a new account to your profile.

You will still need to choose an account type and review the terms, but you will not need to verify your identity again. The new account opens when ready, and you can start using it right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you have an ITIN, bring it instead of a Social Security number. If you do not have either, you may not be able to open an account at Wells Fargo, but other banks have different rules — ask about their options.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Your account opens when ready after identity verification is complete. You can use your account number right away, but your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have proof of my current address?

Wells Fargo needs proof of address from the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your new name yet, ask the banker if they will accept a lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a recent bank statement from another bank showing your new address.

Can I open a checking account if I have been denied before?

Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts. If you were denied in the past, ask Wells Fargo why — sometimes the issue can be resolved, or you may be able to open an account now if enough time has passed. Some banks have second-chance checking accounts if Wells Fargo declines you.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance?

Wells Fargo's Everyday Checking does not require a minimum balance to open the account, but you need to meet one condition to avoid the monthly fee: keep $500 in the account, set up direct deposit, or link a savings account. If you cannot do any of these, the monthly fee applies.