You can open a Wells Fargo savings account directly in the Wells Fargo mobile app in about 10 minutes
The Wells Fargo app lets you start a savings account without visiting a branch or calling anyone. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and a way to fund the account — either a debit card or a bank account at another institution. The app walks you through each step and tells you right away whether your account is open.
The process is the same whether you're a new Wells Fargo customer or already have a checking account with them. If you're new to Wells Fargo entirely, the app will also set up your online login at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- read the Wells Fargo app, tap "Open an Account," and choose "Savings Account" from the menu.
- You'll need a valid ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, and either a debit card or another bank account to fund the new account.
- The app will ask for your personal information, verify your identity, and then show you the account terms before you confirm.
- Once approved, your savings account number appears in the app when ready, though it may take one business day to show up in your online banking.
- You can set up automatic transfers from your checking account or link an external account to move money into savings.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening the app. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must not be expired. You'll also need your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), which is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who don't have a Social Security number.
For funding, you have two choices. You can use a debit card from any bank — Visa, Mastercard, or Discover — to make an initial deposit. Or you can link a checking or savings account at another bank and transfer money from there. Wells Fargo will ask you to verify the external account by depositing a small amount (usually under $1) and then confirming the deposit amount in the app a few days later.
If you're opening your first Wells Fargo account, the app will also ask for your address and phone number. Have those ready.
Step-by-step: opening the account in the app
Step 1: read and open the Wells Fargo app. If you already have a Wells Fargo account, sign in. If you're new to Wells Fargo, tap "Enroll" and follow the prompts to create your username and password.
Step 2: Find the account opening option. Once you're signed in (or enrolled), look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Add an Account." This is usually on the home screen or in a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Products." Tap it.
Step 3: Choose savings account. The app will show you different account types — checking, savings, money market. Select "Savings Account."
Step 4: Enter your personal information. The app will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. It will also ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have a Social Security number or ITIN. Enter what applies to you.
Step 5: Verify your identity. Wells Fargo will ask you to take a photo of your ID — both the front and back. Hold the ID flat, make sure the photo is clear, and follow the app's instructions. The app may also ask you security questions based on your credit history to confirm you are who you say you are.
Step 6: Review the account terms. The app will show you the savings account agreement, which explains the interest rate, monthly fees (if any), and other rules. Read through it and tap to agree.
Step 7: Fund the account. Choose whether you want to use a debit card or link an external bank account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and the amount you want to deposit. If you link an external account, you'll enter the account and routing numbers, and Wells Fargo will deposit a small amount to verify the account.
Step 8: Confirm and finish. Review everything one more time and tap "Open Account" or "Confirm." The app will process your request and show you a confirmation screen with your new account number.
What happens after you open the account
Your savings account is active in the app right away. You can see the account number, the current balance, and the interest rate. You can also start moving money into it when ready if you funded it with a debit card.
If you linked an external bank account, Wells Fargo will deposit a small amount (usually less than $1) within one to two business days. A few days after that, you'll see a prompt in the app asking you to confirm the deposit amount. Once you do, the external account is fully linked and you can transfer money between it and your Wells Fargo savings account whenever you want.
Your new account may take one business day to show up in your Wells Fargo online banking (on a computer or the website). Until then, you can only see it in the app. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Setting up automatic transfers to build savings
Once your account is open, you can set up automatic transfers from your Wells Fargo checking account to your savings account. This is one of the easiest ways to save regularly without having to remember to move money yourself.
In the app, go to your checking account, look for "Transfers" or "Move Money," and select "Set Up Recurring Transfer." Choose your savings account as the destination, pick the amount and how often you want to transfer (weekly, biweekly, monthly), and confirm. The transfer will happen automatically on the schedule you set.
You can also transfer money manually anytime you want. Just go to your checking account, tap "Transfer," choose your savings account, enter the amount, and confirm.
Common reasons the app might reject your account opening
The app may not approve your account right away if Wells Fargo cannot verify your identity. This can happen if your ID photo is blurry, if the information you entered doesn't match what's on file with the credit bureaus, or if Wells Fargo needs more information. If this happens, the app will tell you to contact Wells Fargo directly. You can call the number in the app or visit a branch with your ID.
The app may also decline if you're under 18 (Wells Fargo requires account holders to be at least 18 years old) or if you have a history with ChexSystems or Early Warning Services that Wells Fargo flags. ChexSystems and Early Warning Services are databases that track banking history. If you're flagged, you can contact Wells Fargo to discuss your options.
If your debit card is declined during funding, make sure the card is not expired and that you have enough available balance. If the card is from a bank outside the United States, Wells Fargo may not accept it. Try linking an external bank account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Wells Fargo customer already to open a savings account through the app?
No. You can open a savings account even if you've never had a Wells Fargo account before. The app will create your online login at the same time. You'll need to fund the account with a debit card or by linking an external bank account.
How much money do I need to open a savings account?
Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts, though the amount varies by account type. Check the app or Wells Fargo's website for the specific account you're opening. If you use a debit card to fund the account, you can deposit as little as $1.
Can I open a savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you can use that. The app will ask you to choose between Social Security number and ITIN. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a Wells Fargo branch in person.
How long does it take for my account to be fully set up?
Your account is active in the app when ready after approval, usually within minutes. It may take one business day to show up in your online banking on a computer. If you linked an external bank account, it takes one to two business days for the verification deposit to arrive, and then a few more days for you to confirm it in the app.
What if I want to close the savings account later?
You can close the account through the app or by calling Wells Fargo. If there's money in the account, Wells Fargo will transfer it to your checking account or send you a check. There's usually no fee to close an account.