What you need before you start
Wells Fargo lets you open a checking account entirely online from your computer or phone, and the process takes about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.
You also need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Wells Fargo will check your identity against public records and run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, Wells Fargo may deny your account.
Have your Social Security number and ID information ready before you begin. The online form will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. If you are opening the account on behalf of a minor, you will need to do this in a branch instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Wells Fargo checking account online in about 10 minutes using a valid ID, Social Security number, and a funding source.
- Wells Fargo runs a ChexSystems check, which may block your account if you have a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank.
- You must be 18 or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; accounts for minors must be opened in a branch.
- You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a wire transfer.
- Your account number and routing number are available as soon as the account opens, but it may take one to two business days for your debit card to arrive.
The online signup process, step by step
Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" in the top navigation. Select "Checking" as the account type. Wells Fargo will show you the checking account options available in your state—these vary by location, but most people see the standard Wells Fargo Checking account.
Enter your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, phone number, and current mailing address. Wells Fargo will verify your identity by checking this information against public records. If the verification fails, you will be asked to visit a branch in person or call 1-800-869-3557 to complete the process.
Once your identity is verified, you will set up online banking credentials: a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager. You will use these to log in and manage your account going forward.
Next, choose how to fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account (you will need the account number and routing number), use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type but is often $0—you can open the account and fund it later. If you do fund it when ready, the money typically appears in your new account within one to two business days.
What happens after you submit
Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your account is live when ready, and you can log in to your online banking portal right away. However, your physical debit card will arrive by mail in one to two business days.
If you need to make a purchase before your debit card arrives, you can request a temporary card number through your online account, or you can use your account number and routing number to set up bill pay or direct deposit. Some merchants will not accept a temporary card number, so check with the merchant first.
If Wells Fargo cannot verify your identity online, you will receive a message asking you to visit a branch or call their verification line. This usually happens if your address does not match public records or if your name appears differently in different databases. Bring your ID and Social Security card to the branch, or have them ready when you call.
Funding options and timing
The fastest way to fund your account is with a debit card from another bank. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV, and the transfer usually posts within one business day. Wells Fargo charges no fee for this.
Transferring from another bank account takes longer but is free. You will need the routing number and account number of the account you are transferring from. The transfer typically takes one to two business days to appear in your Wells Fargo account. If you are transferring from a smaller bank or credit union, it may take up to three business days.
A wire transfer is the fastest option if you need the money when ready, but it costs money—usually $15 to $20 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international. You can arrange a wire transfer through your current bank and have it arrive in your Wells Fargo account the same day.
You do not have to fund the account on the day you open it. Your account will remain open and active even if you leave it unfunded for several weeks. However, if you do not make any deposits or withdrawals for 12 months, Wells Fargo may close the account and send you any remaining balance by check.
Account features and fees
The standard Wells Fargo Checking account comes with online and mobile banking, bill pay, and a debit card. You can set up direct deposit, which usually posts one business day earlier than a regular transfer. There is no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month.
If you do not meet either of those requirements, Wells Fargo charges $10 per month. You can waive the fee by switching to a different account type, such as Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking, which has no minimum balance requirement but also has fewer features.
Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Wells Fargo allows up to four overdraft fees per day, so a single day of overspending could cost you $140. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have enough money.
What to do if your account is denied
If Wells Fargo denies your account, they will send you a letter explaining why. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems flag (unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank), an identity verification failure, or being on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list.
If the reason is ChexSystems, you can dispute the information by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or visiting chexsystems.com. You have the right to see what information is in your file and to add a statement if you believe the information is inaccurate.
If the reason is an identity verification failure, visit a Wells Fargo branch with your ID and Social Security card. A banker can verify your identity in person and may be able to open the account on the spot. If you do not have a branch nearby, call 1-800-869-3557 and ask about remote verification options.
If you are on the OFAC list (which is rare and usually a case of mistaken identity), you will need to contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury to have your name cleared before any bank will open an account for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo checking 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 an SSN, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but you will need to visit a branch in person to do so. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask whether your local branch can process ITIN accounts.
How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo checking account online?
The online form takes about 10 minutes to complete. Identity verification is usually when ready, but if Wells Fargo cannot verify you automatically, you may need to visit a branch or call to complete the process, which can add one to two business days. Your account is active when ready after verification, but your physical debit card arrives in one to two business days.
What if I do not have a minimum opening deposit?
You do not need to deposit money to open the account. You can open it with $0 and fund it later. However, if you do not make any deposits or withdrawals within 12 months, Wells Fargo may close the account.
Can I open a joint checking account online?
No. Joint accounts must be opened in a branch or over the phone with a banker. Both account holders must verify their identity and sign the account agreement. Call 1-800-869-3557 to schedule a phone appointment or visit a branch.
What if I forgot my online banking password?
Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Forgot Username or Password?" on the login page. Wells Fargo will ask you to verify your identity and will send you a link to reset your password by email. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or call 1-800-869-3557 for help.