What you need before you start

Wells Fargo requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. You'll also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but most checking and savings accounts require a minimum of $25 to $100. If you're opening an account online, you can use a debit card, credit card, or bank account from another institution instead of cash.

If you don't have a photo ID yet, get one before you go to the branch. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number.

Have your current address ready. If you've moved recently and your ID doesn't match, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Wells Fargo uses this to verify your address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and a minimum deposit of $25 to $100 depending on the account type.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch, online through Wells Fargo's website, or by phone — each method takes 15 minutes to an hour.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID and Social Security number.
  • Wells Fargo will run a ChexSystems check, which looks at your banking history with other institutions — a poor history may delay or prevent opening an account.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, request a debit card, and link external accounts for transfers.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell the representative you want to open a new account. They'll ask which type — checking, savings, or both — and walk you through the options. Most branches are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on Wells Fargo's website.

The representative will ask for your address, phone number, email, and employment information. They'll explain the account features, fees, and minimum balance requirements. You'll sign paperwork and provide your initial deposit. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account opens when ready, and you'll receive a temporary debit card on the spot or by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you have a poor banking history — missed payments, overdrafts, or fraud — Wells Fargo may decline to open an account. The representative will tell you on the spot if that's the case.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account." You'll choose your account type and answer questions about your personal information, address, and employment. You'll upload a photo of your ID and provide your Social Security number. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Wells Fargo will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. If verification is successful, your account opens within minutes and you can log in when ready. You'll fund the account by transferring money from another bank account or by providing a debit or credit card number. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If Wells Fargo cannot verify your identity online, you'll be asked to visit a branch in person or call 1-800-869-3557 to complete the process by phone with a representative.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to open an account. Have your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit method ready. The representative will ask the same questions as the online process — your address, employment, and banking history. The call takes 20 to 30 minutes.

The representative will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus. If successful, your account opens during the call. You'll fund it by providing a debit card, credit card, or another bank account number. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times vary, especially during lunch hours and early morning.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready, but your debit card arrives by mail. Until it arrives, you can transfer money between your Wells Fargo accounts online, set up direct deposit using your account and routing numbers, and pay bills through the Wells Fargo website or app. You can also withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch using your temporary card number.

Set up online banking right away. Go to wellsfargo.com, click "Sign On," and select "Enroll in Online Banking." You'll create a username and password. This lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone or computer.

If you have direct deposit from an employer or government benefit, give your employer or benefits administrator your account number and Wells Fargo's routing number (121000248 for most accounts). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start.

Account types and what they cost

Wells Fargo offers several checking and savings accounts. The most common are the Everyday Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit, and the Way2Save Savings account, which charges $5 per month unless you maintain a $500 balance or set up automatic transfers of $25 or more per month.

If you don't meet the minimum balance, you'll pay a monthly maintenance fee — usually $10 to $15 depending on the account. You can waive fees by setting up direct deposit or keeping a higher balance. Ask the representative which account fits your situation before you open it.

Wells Fargo also charges overdraft fees ($35 per transaction) if you spend more than your balance. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, though then your card will be declined instead of charging a fee.

If Wells Fargo declines your account

Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you have a poor history, Wells Fargo may decline to open an account. The representative will tell you this happened and why.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to request it. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Correcting errors can take 30 to 45 days.

If you're declined, you can try again after 90 days. In the meantime, you might open an account at a bank or credit union that doesn't use ChexSystems, such as some online banks or community banks. Once you've rebuilt your banking history, Wells Fargo may reconsider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and initial deposit. The process is the same as opening with a Social Security number.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card faster, ask the branch representative about expedited shipping options when you open your account — some branches can issue a temporary card when ready.

What's the minimum deposit to open an account?

Most Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100. The exact amount depends on the account type. Ask the representative which accounts have the lowest opening deposit if you're working with limited funds.

Can I open an account if I've been declined before?

Yes, but Wells Fargo will check your ChexSystems history again. If your previous decline was due to overdrafts or closed accounts, waiting 90 days and rebuilding your banking history elsewhere improves your chances. You can also ask a Wells Fargo representative whether your specific situation has changed enough to reconsider.

Do I need to open both checking and savings, or can I open just one?

You can open either one alone. Many people start with checking because it's easier to use for everyday purchases, but you can open a savings account later if you want to save money separately. There's no requirement to have both.