What you need before you start

Wells Fargo requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. You will also need to choose how much money to deposit to start the account — Wells Fargo does not have a minimum opening deposit requirement, so you can open with as little as $1.

If you are opening an account in person at a branch, bring your ID and Social Security number or ITIN. If you are opening online, you will need the same information plus a valid email address and phone number. Have a recent utility bill or other address proof ready if Wells Fargo asks to confirm where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN to open a Wells Fargo checking account, with no minimum deposit required.
  • You can open an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch, online through their website, or by phone with a representative.
  • The account opens when ready if you explore in person or online, though it may take one to two business days for your debit card to arrive by mail.
  • Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so past account closures or unpaid fees at other banks may affect whether they open an account for you.
  • Once your account is open, you can start using it to receive direct deposits, pay bills, and withdraw cash at Wells Fargo ATMs and branches.

Opening an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and the amount you want to deposit. Tell the employee you want to open a checking account. They will ask you questions about how you plan to use the account — whether you expect direct deposits, how often you plan to write checks, and whether you want online banking turned on.

The employee will show you the checking account options Wells Fargo offers. Most people choose their basic checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a small balance. The employee will fill out the paperwork, run a check on your banking history, and hand you a temporary debit card on the spot. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.

The whole process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Your account is ready to use when ready — you can start using the temporary card right away at Wells Fargo ATMs and at stores that accept debit cards.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Checking" from the account type options. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, email address, and phone number.

Wells Fargo will ask for your current address and will likely ask you to verify it by answering questions about your address history — this is a security step to confirm you are who you say you are. You will then choose how much to deposit and how you want to fund it (from another bank account, a debit card, or by mailing a check).

Once you submit, Wells Fargo checks your banking history and usually approves you within minutes. Your account opens when ready and you can log in to online banking right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. If you need cash before then, you can withdraw from any Wells Fargo branch using your ID.

Opening an account by phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will ask for your photo ID information, Social Security number or ITIN, and the amount you want to deposit. Have your ID in front of you so you can read the details to them.

The representative will walk you through the account options and answer questions about fees and features. Once you agree, they will run a background check on your banking history. If you are approved, they will set up your account and mail you a debit card and checks. You can start using the account once the representative confirms it is open, though you will need to wait for your card to arrive to use it at stores.

What Wells Fargo checks before opening your account

Wells Fargo uses a system called ChexSystems to look at your banking history with other banks. ChexSystems keeps a record of accounts you have closed, overdrafts you did not pay, and fees you owe at other financial institutions. If you have unpaid overdraft fees or closed an account with a negative balance in the past five years, Wells Fargo may deny your process.

You can check your own ChexSystems report for free before you explore by going to chexsystems.com and requesting a copy. If there are errors on your report, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems. If there are accurate negative items, you may need to pay off old fees or overdrafts before Wells Fargo will open an account for you.

Wells Fargo also runs a credit check, though a low credit score alone will not stop them from opening a checking account. They are looking for identity theft risk and patterns of financial mismanagement, not your credit score.

Fees and account features to understand

Wells Fargo's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. If you do neither, the fee is $10 per month. Direct deposit means your paycheck or benefits payment goes straight into your account electronically — most employers and government programs offer this.

You get unlimited debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals at Wells Fargo machines. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost $2.50 each. You can write checks from your account, and Wells Fargo provides your first box of checks free. Online banking and bill pay are free.

Overdraft fees explore if you spend more than you have in your account. Wells Fargo charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and you can be charged multiple times in a single day. You can turn off overdraft protection so transactions are declined instead of charged a fee — ask about this when you open your account.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits program your account number and routing number. Wells Fargo's routing number is 121000248. You can find your account number on your temporary debit card or in your online banking login.

You can also transfer money into your account from another bank using online bill pay or by visiting a Wells Fargo branch with a check or cash. Your debit card will arrive by mail and you can start using it at stores, restaurants, and online once it arrives. You can also withdraw cash at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch using your ID before your card arrives.

Set up online banking as soon as your account opens so you can check your balance, see transactions, and set up bill pay. You will need your account number and a password you create. Wells Fargo offers free mobile banking through their app, which lets you check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks by taking a photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Wells Fargo denies my process?

Wells Fargo will tell you why they denied your account. Most denials are because of unpaid overdraft fees or negative balances at other banks showing up on ChexSystems. Check your ChexSystems report, pay off any old fees, and try again in a few months. Some banks are more flexible than Wells Fargo — a community bank or credit union may open an account for you while you work on fixing your banking history.

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, Wells Fargo will accept it. You will need to bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID. The process is otherwise the same.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

Your account is ready to use when ready after you open it, whether you explore in person, online, or by phone. You can start receiving direct deposits or transfers right away. Your physical debit card arrives in five to seven business days, but you can withdraw cash at a Wells Fargo branch using your ID before then.

What is the difference between Wells Fargo checking accounts?

Wells Fargo offers a basic checking account with no monthly fee if you have direct deposit or keep a $500 balance, and a premium account with higher balance requirements but extra features like higher interest rates and fee waivers. Most people start with the basic account. You can change to a different account type later if your needs change.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present or must open it themselves online or by phone. A parent cannot open a checking account in a child's name at Wells Fargo — they can open a joint account where both names appear, or a custodial savings account designed for minors.