What you need to open an account at Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You can open an account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes in a branch and roughly 10 minutes online, though online accounts may take a day or two to fully set up.

Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and current address. If you don't have a Social Security number, Wells Fargo will accept an ITIN. You'll also need to decide which type of account you want before you start — checking, savings, or both — because the requirements and features differ slightly.

Wells Fargo performs a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud at other banks, Wells Fargo may deny your request or place restrictions on your account. You can request your ChexSystems report before you explore if you're concerned about your history.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN to open any Wells Fargo account.
  • Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, so past overdrafts or fraud at other banks may affect whether you're accepted.
  • Opening an account takes 15 minutes in a branch or about 10 minutes online, though online accounts need a day or two to set up fully.
  • You can open an account in person, online, or by phone, and you should decide whether you want checking, savings, or both before you start.
  • Wells Fargo offers different account types with different monthly fees, so compare the options to find one that matches how you plan to use it.

Opening an account in a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell the representative you want to open a new account. They'll ask you which type — Wells Fargo Checking, Wells Fargo Savings, or both — and whether you want any additional features like overdraft protection or linked accounts.

The representative will enter your information into their system, run the ChexSystems check, and show you the fee schedule for each account type. Most checking accounts have a monthly maintenance fee that ranges from $0 to $15, depending on the account. You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or meeting other requirements that vary by account type.

Once you've chosen your account and agreed to the terms, you'll sign documents and receive a debit card on the spot. Your account is active when ready, though you may not be able to use the debit card for 24 hours. You'll receive checks in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened a checking account.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You'll enter your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Wells Fargo will ask you to create a username and password for online banking, then verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history.

The online process asks you to choose your account type and review the fee schedule. You can select whether you want overdraft protection and whether you want to link this account to an existing Wells Fargo account. At the end, you'll review and electronically sign the account agreement.

Your account opens when ready, but you won't receive a debit card or checks until they arrive by mail — typically 7 to 10 business days for the card and 10 to 14 days for checks. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay as soon as it opens, but you can't use the debit card until it arrives. If you need a card faster, you can visit a branch and request an expedited card, though this may cost extra.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo's customer service line at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you want to open a new account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: your name, address, Social Security number, and which account type you want. They'll verify your identity using security questions and explain the fees and features available.

Phone applications take longer than online or in-branch — typically 20 to 30 minutes — because the representative must read and explain all terms. You'll need to provide your information verbally and confirm it multiple times. Once you've agreed to the terms, your account opens and you'll receive your debit card and checks by mail within the same timeframe as online accounts.

The phone route is useful if you have questions during the process or if you're uncomfortable with online banking. However, you cannot open a joint account by phone; joint accounts require at least one person to be present in a branch or to open online with both account holders' information.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you can log into Wells Fargo's online banking portal or mobile app using the username and password you created. You can set up bill pay, transfer money between your own accounts, and receive direct deposits. If you opened online or by phone, you'll be waiting for your debit card and checks to arrive by mail.

Your first debit card transaction may be declined if Wells Fargo's fraud system flags it as unusual. This is normal and happens to many new accounts. If this occurs, call the number on the back of your card and confirm the transaction with a representative. After a few successful transactions, the fraud filters typically relax.

If you need to deposit money before your debit card arrives, you can visit a Wells Fargo branch and deposit cash or checks directly into your new account. You can also set up direct deposit from your employer or another bank account to fund your new Wells Fargo account when ready.

Account types and their differences

Wells Fargo offers several checking and savings account types, each with different fees and features. Wells Fargo Checking is the standard option and typically has a $10 monthly maintenance fee that you can waive by maintaining a $500 minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Wells Fargo Platinum Checking has a higher minimum balance requirement but may offer additional features.

Savings accounts work similarly — Wells Fargo Savings has a monthly maintenance fee that you can waive with a minimum balance. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions, so the rate you receive when you open your account may not be the same six months later. You can check current rates on Wells Fargo's website before you open.

Some accounts come with overdraft protection, which means Wells Fargo will cover a transaction if your balance goes negative, then charge you a fee. This is optional — you can decline overdraft protection when you open your account. If you do have it and overdraw your account, Wells Fargo charges an overdraft fee of around $35 per transaction, though this varies.

If Wells Fargo denies your account request

Wells Fargo may deny your account request if ChexSystems shows a history of fraud, repeated overdrafts, or unpaid fees at other banks. If this happens, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free within 60 days of the denial.

You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website. If you successfully dispute an error, you can reapply to Wells Fargo. If the information is accurate, you may need to wait a period of time before reapplying — typically one to two years, depending on the reason for the denial.

Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history issues. Wells Fargo does not currently offer this product, but other banks do. You can research alternatives if Wells Fargo denies you, or you can contact Wells Fargo directly to ask whether they'll reconsider your process after a certain period has passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes, but both account holders must be present in a branch or both must provide their information online. You cannot open a joint account by phone. Both people will need their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. The account will be in both names and either person can access it and make transactions.

Do I need an initial deposit to open an account?

No. Wells Fargo does not require an opening deposit. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, if your account sits empty for an extended period, Wells Fargo may close it due to inactivity, typically after 12 months with no transactions.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you opened your account in a branch, you may receive a temporary card when ready that you can use for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card. If you opened online or by phone, you'll need to wait for the card to arrive by mail.

What if I'm under 18?

Wells Fargo requires account holders to be at least 18 years old to open an account independently. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must open a custodial account with you. The adult will be the primary account holder and you'll be an authorized user until you turn 18.

Can I open multiple accounts at Wells Fargo?

Yes. You can open multiple checking and savings accounts as long as you meet the requirements for each one. Some people open separate accounts for different purposes — one for bills, one for savings, one for a specific goal. Each account will have its own fees and minimum balance requirements.