Documents and information Wells Fargo will ask for
Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before opening any account. Bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card to a branch, or have it ready if you open online. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.
You will also need to decide what type of account you want: a checking account, savings account, or both. Wells Fargo offers several versions of each, and the one you choose affects monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to bring the child and your own ID as the parent or guardian.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address dated within the last 60 days.
- Wells Fargo offers different account types with different fees and minimum balance rules, so decide which one fits your situation before you go in.
- You can open an account in person at a branch or online through Wells Fargo's website, and the process takes about 15 minutes either way.
- If you have unpaid fees or negative history with another bank, Wells Fargo may deny your process, so check your ChexSystems report beforehand.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening at a Wells Fargo branch takes about 15 minutes. You walk in with your documents, speak to a banker, show your ID and address proof, provide your Social Security number, and sign the account agreement. The banker will ask what type of account you want and whether you want to deposit money that day. Your account opens when ready, and you can use your debit card within one to two business days.
Opening online through wellsfargo.com takes the same amount of time but requires you to upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing them in person. You enter your Social Security number, choose your account type, and sign electronically. Wells Fargo will send you a debit card by mail, which usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days. You can start using your account online or by phone before the card arrives.
The main difference is speed: in-person gives you a debit card faster, but online is faster if you cannot get to a branch. Both routes are free to start.
Minimum balance requirements and monthly fees
Wells Fargo's most common checking account is the Everyday Checking account, which has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee as long as you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 balance. If you do neither, the monthly fee is $10. Their Savings account has no minimum balance and no monthly fee, but you earn interest on the money you keep there.
Wells Fargo also offers a Preferred Checking account with a $2,500 minimum balance requirement. If your balance falls below that, you pay $15 per month. This account comes with higher interest rates and some fee waivers, so it is only worth it if you can maintain the balance.
Read the account agreement before you open. It will list every fee Wells Fargo charges — overdraft fees, ATM fees outside their network, wire transfer fees, and others. Knowing these upfront prevents surprises later.
What happens if you have banking history issues
Wells Fargo checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a company that tracks bounced checks, unpaid overdraft fees, and fraud reports from other banks. If you have unpaid fees or a fraud case with another bank, Wells Fargo may deny your process. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com before you explore, so you know whether you will face a problem.
If ChexSystems shows unpaid fees, you have two options: pay the old bank what you owe and ask them to remove the report, or wait. Most negative items fall off ChexSystems after five years. Some banks will still open an account for you even with a ChexSystems flag, but Wells Fargo's policy is stricter than most.
If Wells Fargo denies you, ask why. They must tell you whether it was ChexSystems, your credit report, or another reason. If it was ChexSystems, you can dispute the information directly with that company.
Setting up direct deposit and online banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit through your employer's payroll system. You will need your Wells Fargo account number and routing number, both of which appear on your debit card or in your online banking portal. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to set up, but once it does, your paycheck arrives automatically on payday.
Wells Fargo's online banking portal and mobile app let you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone camera. You set up a username and password when you open your account, or you can do it later through wellsfargo.com. The app is free to read and use.
What to bring to a Wells Fargo branch
| Item | Why you need it | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Government photo ID | Proves who you are | Driver's license, passport, state ID card |
| Social Security number | Required by federal law for tax reporting | Your nine-digit SSN; you can provide it verbally |
| Proof of address | Confirms where you live | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days |
| Initial deposit (optional) | Money to put in your new account | Cash, check, or transfer from another bank |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Federal law requires banks to collect your Social Security number for tax reporting. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN, you may be able to open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but Wells Fargo's policy on this varies by branch. Call ahead to ask.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but Wells Fargo may take one to two business days to verify your identity and approve your process. You will receive an email once your account is open. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days.
What if I do not have a proof of address document?
You need something dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. If you have none, ask the Wells Fargo banker whether they will accept a lease agreement, utility bill in someone else's name with a note from them, or a letter from your landlord. Policies vary by branch.
Can I open an account for my child?
Yes. Bring your child and your own government ID and address proof. Wells Fargo offers accounts for minors, though some features are restricted until the child turns 18. Ask the banker which account type is best for a minor.
Do I need to open both checking and savings, or can I open just one?
You can open either one alone, or both at the same time. Many people open both because checking is for everyday spending and savings is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. You can always add a second account later.