You can open a Wells Fargo savings account online without visiting a branch, using just your computer or phone
Wells Fargo lets you start a savings account from home through their website or mobile app. The process takes about 15 minutes and requires a few pieces of information: your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your current address, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). You'll choose your account type, set up online access, and be ready to use it the same day in most cases.
The main savings accounts Wells Fargo offers online are the Wells Fargo Way2Save Savings Account and the Wells Fargo Gold Savings Account. Way2Save has a lower opening deposit requirement and is designed for people building savings. Gold Savings has higher interest rates but requires a larger opening deposit. Both can be opened entirely online.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Social Security number, government ID, current address, and a funding method to open an account online.
- Wells Fargo offers two main savings accounts online: Way2Save (lower opening deposit) and Gold Savings (higher interest rates, larger deposit required).
- The online process takes about 15 minutes and you can start using the account the same day.
- You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can access your account online or through the app when ready.
- If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, opening a linked savings account is faster because Wells Fargo already has your information on file.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current mailing address, and your date of birth. Wells Fargo will verify this information against their records.
You also need a way to fund the account. You can use a debit card from another bank, transfer money from another bank account, or arrange a wire transfer. If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, you can transfer money from that account to your new savings account. The opening deposit amount depends on which account type you choose — Way2Save requires a lower minimum, while Gold Savings requires more.
Have your phone or computer ready with a stable internet connection. Wells Fargo's website and app both work for opening an account, though some people find the app faster on mobile devices.
The step-by-step process on Wells Fargo's website
Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "Savings Accounts" section. Click on the account type you want (Way2Save or Gold Savings). Wells Fargo will ask whether you are a new customer or already have an account with them. Select the correct option.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Wells Fargo will verify this against their records. You will then choose how to fund the account — either with a debit card from another bank, a transfer from another bank account, or a wire transfer. If you choose a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you choose a bank transfer, provide your routing number and account number.
Review the account terms and conditions, then sign electronically. Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email with your account number and online login information. You can log in to your account when ready through the Wells Fargo website or app, even though your physical debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account through the Wells Fargo mobile app
read the Wells Fargo mobile app from your phone's app store. Tap "Open an Account" or look for a menu option labeled "New Customer" or "Accounts." The app will walk you through the same steps as the website: personal information, account type selection, and funding method.
The app may ask for permission to access your phone's camera so you can photograph your ID instead of typing the information. This can speed up the process. After you submit your information, the app will confirm your account number and let you log in right away.
Some people find the app easier on a phone because the screen is smaller and the steps feel more guided. Others prefer the website on a computer because they can see more information at once. Both routes work equally well.
What happens after you submit your information
Wells Fargo usually confirms your account within minutes to a few hours. You will receive an email with your account number, routing number, and instructions for logging in online. At this point, your account is open and you can use it, even though you have not received your physical debit card yet.
Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still move money in and out of your savings account through the Wells Fargo website or app, or by transferring money from another account you own. You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch in person and ask them to issue a temporary card if you need one right away.
If Wells Fargo cannot verify your information automatically, they may call or email you to confirm details. This is normal and usually takes one business day to resolve. Keep your phone number and email address current so they can reach you.
If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account
The process is faster if you are already a Wells Fargo customer. Log into your existing Wells Fargo account online or through the app. Look for an option like "Open Another Account" or "Add an Account." Wells Fargo already has your information on file, so you will only need to choose your account type and funding method.
You can fund the new savings account by transferring money from your existing checking account. This transfer happens when ready, and your savings account is ready to use right away. You will still receive a debit card in the mail, but you do not have to wait for it to start using the account.
Common reasons the online process might not work
Wells Fargo may not be able to verify your information if your address, name, or Social Security number does not match their records exactly. If this happens, they will contact you by phone or email. Make sure the information you enter matches your government ID and any other documents Wells Fargo asks for.
If you are a new customer and Wells Fargo cannot verify you automatically, you may need to visit a branch in person or call their customer service line to complete the account opening. This is less common but can happen if your credit history or identity verification raises questions. Having your ID and Social Security card ready will speed this up.
Some people have trouble funding the account if they enter their debit card or bank account information incorrectly. Double-check the card number, expiration date, routing number, and account number before submitting. If the funding method is rejected, you can try a different method or contact Wells Fargo customer service for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Contact Wells Fargo directly to ask whether they accept ITINs for savings accounts in your state.
Do I have to use my debit card right away?
No. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you do not have to set up it or use it. You can move money in and out of your savings account through the Wells Fargo website or app without ever using the card. Many people keep the card for emergencies or ATM withdrawals.
What is the difference between Way2Save and Gold Savings?
Way2Save has a lower opening deposit requirement and is designed for people starting to save. Gold Savings requires a higher opening deposit but pays a higher interest rate on your balance. Interest rates change over time, so check Wells Fargo's current rates when you decide which account to open.
Can I open a savings account if I have had problems with banks before?
It depends. Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you owe money to another bank, have unpaid overdrafts, or have had an account closed for fraud, Wells Fargo may deny your process. If this happens, you can ask Wells Fargo why and dispute incorrect information. Some banks offer second-chance accounts if you have had past problems.
How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?
The opening deposit amount varies by account type. Way2Save typically requires a lower opening deposit than Gold Savings. Check Wells Fargo's website or call their customer service line to confirm the current minimum for each account type, as these amounts can change.