Yes, you can convert a Wells Fargo checking account, but the process and options depend on which account type you have and which one you want

Wells Fargo does not call it a "conversion" — they treat it as closing one account and opening another. You keep your existing account open while the new one processes, then decide when to move your money and close the old one. The bank does not charge a fee to open a new checking account, but some account types have monthly maintenance fees that you can avoid by meeting balance or deposit requirements.

The most common reason to convert is to switch from a standard checking account to one with better terms — lower fees, higher interest, or fewer requirements. Wells Fargo offers several checking products aimed at different situations: basic accounts with no monthly fee, accounts that waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance, and accounts tied to investment or wealth management services.

You can start the process online, by phone, or in a branch. Online is fastest if you already have a Wells Fargo login. By phone, call the number on the back of your debit card. In a branch, bring your ID and ask to open a new account type.

Key Takeaways

  • Wells Fargo treats account conversion as opening a new account and closing the old one, not as a single transaction.
  • You can open a new checking account online, by phone, or in a branch with no opening fee, but some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees unless you meet balance or deposit thresholds.
  • Your routing number and account number will change when you switch accounts, so you must update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or transfers before closing the old account.
  • Wells Fargo will not automatically move your money between accounts — you transfer the balance yourself once the new account is ready.
  • Closing an account too soon after opening it may trigger a review, so wait at least 30 days before closing the old account after the new one is funded.

What happens to your money and account numbers when you convert

Your current account and its routing and account numbers stay active until you close them. When you open a new checking account, Wells Fargo assigns you a completely different account number and, depending on which account type you choose, possibly a different routing number. This matters because any automatic payments, direct deposits, or recurring transfers linked to your old account will continue hitting the old account even after you open the new one.

Before you close the old account, you must update the account number with your employer (for direct deposit), your bank or loan servicer (for automatic bill payments), and any other organization that pulls money from or deposits money into that account. This process usually takes three to five business days to take effect. Once you have updated everything, transfer your remaining balance from the old account to the new one. You can do this through Wells Fargo's online banking, by phone, or in a branch.

Do not close the old account immediately after opening the new one. Wait at least 30 days. If you close an account within days of opening it, Wells Fargo's fraud detection system may flag the activity and freeze or review your new account.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Wells Fargo's checking accounts fall into a few categories based on fees and requirements. The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. The Wells Fargo Premier Checking account charges $15 per month unless you maintain a $10,000 minimum daily balance or have a combined balance of $25,000 across linked Wells Fargo accounts. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Checking account has no monthly fee and offers cash back on debit card purchases.

If you currently pay a monthly fee and want to stop, switching to Everyday Checking or Active Cash Checking eliminates the charge. If you want to keep a Premier account but avoid the fee, you must maintain the required balance. Some people open a second savings account and link it to their checking account to reach the combined balance threshold — this counts toward the $25,000 requirement.

Fee structures change, so log into your Wells Fargo account or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the current terms for the account type you are considering.

How to open a new account online or in a branch

Online is the fastest route. Log into your Wells Fargo account, go to the "Open an Account" section, and select the checking account type you want. You will answer questions about your employment, income, and the reason for opening the account. The process takes about 10 minutes. Wells Fargo will review your application and, if approved, the new account opens within one business day. You can then transfer money into it.

If you prefer to open an account in a branch, bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security number. A banker will walk you through the account options, explain the fees and requirements, and open the account on the spot. The account is usually active the same day, though transfers may take until the next business day to appear.

By phone, call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to open a new checking account. A representative will guide you through the options and take your information. This method is slower — the account may not open for two to three business days — but it works if you cannot visit a branch or access online banking.

What to do with automatic payments and direct deposits before you close the old account

This is the step most people forget, and it causes payments to bounce or deposits to land in the wrong place. Start by listing every automatic payment and deposit linked to your old account. Check your last three months of bank statements to find them all. Common ones include payroll direct deposit, mortgage or loan payments, utility bills, insurance premiums, and subscription services.

For each one, update the account number with the organization. If it is payroll, contact your employer's HR or payroll department. If it is a bill payment, log into the biller's website or call them directly. If it is a transfer from another bank, update it in that bank's online system. Each change usually takes three to five business days to take effect, so do this as soon as your new account is open.

After you have updated everything and waited five business days, make a test deposit or small payment to confirm it is hitting the new account. Once you are certain, transfer any remaining balance from the old account to the new one and close the old account.

Closing your old Wells Fargo checking account

You can close an account online, by phone, or in a branch. Online, log into your account, find the account settings, and select "Close Account." By phone, call 1-800-869-3557 and ask to close the account. In a branch, bring your ID and ask a banker to close it. The process is instant — the account closes immediately, though any pending transactions may still post for a few days.

Before you close, make sure the account balance is zero or transfer any remaining money to your new account. If there is a negative balance (you owe the bank money), you must pay it before closing. Wells Fargo will not close an account with an outstanding balance.

After you close, keep your old debit card but do not use it. Cut it up or shred it once you are certain no transactions are still pending. If you receive a check or payment meant for the old account after it closes, the bank will return it to the sender. This is why waiting at least 30 days and updating all automatic payments first is critical.

What to do if you have overdraft protection or linked accounts

If your old checking account has overdraft protection — a link to a savings account or credit line that covers overdrafts — that protection ends when you close the account. If you want overdraft protection on your new account, you must set it up separately. Log into your Wells Fargo account or call 1-800-869-3557 to link a savings account or credit line to your new checking account.

If you have multiple Wells Fargo accounts linked together for balance transfers or combined balance requirements, closing one account may affect the others. For example, if you use a linked savings account to meet the $25,000 combined balance threshold for Premier Checking, closing the checking account does not affect the savings account — but closing the savings account will. Before you close any account, review which other accounts are linked to it and whether closing it will trigger new fees on the remaining accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my old account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit, not deposit accounts. You can close a checking account without any impact on your credit.

Can I convert my account if I have an outstanding balance or owe the bank money?

You can open a new account at any time, but you cannot close the old one until the balance is zero. If you owe the bank money (a negative balance), you must pay it first. Once the old account is settled, you can close it and move to the new account.

How long does it take to open a new Wells Fargo checking account?

Online applications are approved within one business day. In-branch applications are usually approved the same day. Phone applications take two to three business days. Once approved, the account is active and you can transfer money into it immediately.

What if I have checks printed with my old account number?

Checks printed with your old account number will not work once you close that account. Order new checks from Wells Fargo with your new account number before you close the old account. You can order checks online, by phone, or in a branch. They usually arrive within five to seven business days.

Can I reopen a Wells Fargo checking account I closed?

Yes, but only if you closed it in good standing (no negative balance or fraud). If you closed it within the last 90 days, Wells Fargo may reopen it without a new application. If it has been longer, you will need to open a new account. Call 1-800-869-3557 to ask whether your old account can be reopened.