What you need to open a Wells Fargo account
Wells Fargo requires two pieces of identification and proof of your current address before you can open an account. You will also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but many checking accounts require $25 or less to start.
For identification, bring a government-issued ID like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one of those, Wells Fargo will accept a tribal ID or military ID. You will also need a second form of ID — this can be a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill in your name.
To prove your address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a permanent address, ask the branch whether they can use a shelter address or a mail forwarding service.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government ID, a second form of identification, and proof of your current address before opening an account.
- Most Wells Fargo checking accounts require an initial deposit of $25 or less, though some savings accounts may ask for more.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online — each route takes a different amount of time and requires different documents.
- Wells Fargo will run a background check through ChexSystems, which may delay approval if you have had banking problems in the past.
- Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, request a debit card, and begin using online banking the same day.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walking into a Wells Fargo branch with your documents is the fastest way to open an account if you want to use it when ready. Bring your two forms of ID, proof of address, and your initial deposit — you can pay this with cash, a check, or a debit card from another bank.
A banker will ask you which type of account you want. Wells Fargo offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. If you are new to banking, a basic checking account is usually the right choice because it lets you deposit paychecks, pay bills, and withdraw cash without monthly fees if you meet straightforward requirements like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
The banker will also ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and employment information. They will run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you have never had a bank account or your history is clean, approval is usually when ready. If you have had overdrafts or closed accounts with unpaid fees, approval may take a few days or be denied.
Once approved, you will receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few days. You can start using your account when ready, though your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account online or by phone
Wells Fargo allows you to start an account online or by calling 1-800-869-3557, but you will still need to verify your identity in person before you can withdraw money or use a debit card.
If you open online, you will enter your personal information, Social Security number, and address on the Wells Fargo website. You will upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Wells Fargo will review these documents and run the ChexSystems check. This usually takes one to three business days.
After approval, you must visit a branch in person to complete the account opening. Bring your original ID documents — the bank will not set up your account without seeing them face-to-face. At that point, you can deposit your initial deposit and receive a debit card.
Opening by phone follows a similar path: a banker takes your information over the phone, you mail in copies of your documents, and then you visit a branch to finish. This route typically takes longer than opening in person or online because of mail delays.
What happens if ChexSystems denies you
If Wells Fargo denies your account because of your ChexSystems report, you have the right to see what information is in that report. You can request a free copy from ChexSystems by visiting chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623.
Common reasons for denial include unpaid overdraft fees from a previous bank, a history of bounced checks, or fraud reported by another bank. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the information is correct but old, some banks will still open an account for you if you agree to use a second-chance checking program, which usually comes with higher fees or stricter rules.
Wells Fargo does not advertise a second-chance program, but some branches will work with you if you explain your situation. Call ahead or ask a banker in person whether they have options for people with banking problems in their past.
Setting up direct deposit and online banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your account without you having to visit a branch. Ask your employer's payroll department for the direct deposit form. You will need to provide your Wells Fargo account number and routing number, which you can find on the bottom left of your checks or by logging into online banking.
Wells Fargo online banking is free and lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. You can set this up the same day you open your account by visiting wellsfargo.com or using the Wells Fargo mobile app.
When you first log in, Wells Fargo will ask you to create a username and password. You will also set up a security question and answer. Keep this information private — do not share your password or answer with anyone, even if they say they work for Wells Fargo.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Wells Fargo checking accounts do not charge a monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: keep a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500. If you do not meet any of these, the account costs $12 per month.
Other fees explore if you overdraw your account (spend more than you have), use an ATM outside the Wells Fargo network, or request a paper statement. Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft, though they will waive one per year if you call and ask. Out-of-network ATM fees are $2.50 per transaction.
Savings accounts have different rules. Most require a $25 minimum balance and pay interest on the money you deposit. The interest rate changes based on how much money is in the account and what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates nationally.
What to do if you cannot visit a branch
If you live far from a Wells Fargo branch or cannot leave your home, you have limited options. Wells Fargo does not offer fully remote account opening — you must visit a branch in person at some point to verify your identity and receive your debit card.
However, you can start the process online or by phone and then visit a branch when it is convenient. Some people open the account online, wait for approval, and then visit a branch weeks later to complete it. During that waiting period, you cannot use the account, but it does not cost you anything.
If you have mobility issues or a disability, call your nearest Wells Fargo branch and explain your situation. Some branches will send a banker to your home or arrange a video call to verify your identity, though this is not may provide and depends on the branch manager's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo account without a Social Security number?
No. Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you do not have one, you may be able to open an account at a credit union or community bank instead — some of these institutions use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as an alternative. Call ahead to ask.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch, it takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and are approved when ready. Online, it takes one to three business days for Wells Fargo to review your documents, plus the time it takes you to visit a branch to finish. By phone, it usually takes longer because of mail delays.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
Call your nearest Wells Fargo branch and ask whether they will accept a shelter address, a mail forwarding service address, or a trusted friend's address as your proof of residence. Policies vary by branch, so asking first saves a wasted trip.
Can I open more than one account at Wells Fargo?
Yes. Once your first account is open, you can open additional checking or savings accounts by visiting a branch or calling. You do not need to bring documents again — Wells Fargo already has your information on file.
What happens to my account if I do not use it?
Wells Fargo will not close your account for inactivity, but if you do not make a deposit or withdrawal for a long time, the bank may mark it as dormant. You can reactivate it by visiting a branch or logging into online banking. If you have money in the account, it stays there — the bank does not take it.