Open the app and go to Accounts
Start by opening the Wells Fargo mobile app on your phone and signing in with your username and password. Once you're logged in, look at the bottom of the screen for the navigation menu — you'll see tabs like "Accounts," "Pay," "Invest," and "More." Tap Accounts.
The Accounts tab shows all the accounts currently linked to your app. At the top or bottom of your account list, you'll see a button or link that says something like "Add Account" or a plus sign (+). This is where you start the process of connecting a new savings account.
Choose whether the account is at Wells Fargo or another bank
When you tap to add an account, the app will ask you whether the savings account you want to add is at Wells Fargo or at a different bank. If you already have a Wells Fargo savings account and just need to link it to your app, select the Wells Fargo option. The app will show you a list of your existing Wells Fargo accounts that aren't yet in the app.
If your savings account is at a different bank — Chase, Bank of America, a credit union, or any other institution — select the option for external or outside accounts. This process is slower because the bank needs to verify you own the account, but it's the same method Wells Fargo uses to link any account from another financial institution.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wells Fargo app, sign in, tap Accounts, and look for the Add Account button or plus sign.
- If the savings account is already a Wells Fargo account, the app will show it in a list and you can link it immediately.
- If the savings account is at another bank, you'll need to verify ownership by providing the account and routing numbers or by confirming small deposits.
- The entire process takes five to ten minutes for Wells Fargo accounts and one to three business days for accounts at other banks.
- Once linked, you can view the account balance in the app and transfer money between accounts, but you cannot manage the account itself through Wells Fargo.
Enter the account details for a Wells Fargo savings account
If you're adding a Wells Fargo savings account, the app will display a list of your existing Wells Fargo accounts. Find the savings account you want to add and select it. The app will ask you to confirm your identity — usually by entering the last four digits of your Social Security number or answering a security question. Once confirmed, the account is linked and appears in your Accounts list immediately.
You do not need to enter account numbers or routing numbers for Wells Fargo accounts because the bank already has this information on file. The linking happens instantly because both accounts are in the same system.
Provide account information for savings accounts at other banks
If you're adding a savings account from another bank, you'll need to enter the account number and routing number. You can find both on a check from that account, on your bank statement, or by logging into that bank's website or app. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to the bank's location; the account number is unique to your account.
After you enter these numbers, Wells Fargo will verify ownership in one of two ways. The most common method is microdeposits: Wells Fargo sends two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to the external account within one to two business days. You then return to the Wells Fargo app, enter the exact amounts of those deposits, and the account is verified. Some banks allow instant verification through a connection service called Plaid, which asks you to log into the external bank's app to confirm ownership — this method completes in minutes.
Confirm the account and set permissions
Once the account is verified, Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm the account nickname and type. You can name it something like "Emergency Savings" or "High-Yield Savings" to keep track of it in your app. The app will also ask what you want to do with this account — typically "View Only" or "Transfer Money." If you select View Only, you can see the balance but cannot move money. If you select Transfer Money, you can send funds between this account and your Wells Fargo accounts.
Choose the permissions that match how you plan to use the account. You can change these settings later by going back to the account details in the app.
What you can and cannot do with a linked external account
Once a savings account from another bank is linked to your Wells Fargo app, you can view the current balance and transfer money between that account and your Wells Fargo checking or savings accounts. You cannot, however, manage the external account itself through Wells Fargo — you cannot deposit checks, set up automatic payments, or change settings on that account. To do those things, you need to log into the other bank's app or website directly.
Transfers from your Wells Fargo account to an external savings account usually arrive within one to three business days. Transfers from an external account into Wells Fargo may take longer depending on the other bank's processing speed. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee for these transfers, but the other bank might.
Troubleshooting if the account won't link
If you enter the account and routing numbers but the app says the account cannot be found, double-check that both numbers are correct. A single wrong digit will cause the verification to fail. If the numbers are correct, the account might be registered under a different name than your Wells Fargo account — for example, if your savings account is in a trust or a business name. Contact the other bank to confirm the account is set up to receive transfers.
If microdeposits don't arrive after three business days, the account information may be incorrect or the other bank may not accept transfers to that account type. You can cancel the verification process in the Wells Fargo app and try again with corrected information, or contact Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account from a credit union?
Yes. Credit union savings accounts link the same way as bank accounts — you provide the account and routing number, and Wells Fargo verifies ownership through microdeposits or instant verification. The routing number for a credit union is on your checks or available on the credit union's website.
Will adding an account to the Wells Fargo app affect my credit score?
No. Linking an external account is not a credit inquiry and does not appear on your credit report. Wells Fargo only verifies that you own the account; it does not check your creditworthiness.
What if I want to remove a linked account from the app?
Go to the Accounts tab, find the linked account, and look for a settings or menu icon (usually three dots or a gear). Select "Remove Account" or "Unlink Account." The account itself is not closed or affected — it simply stops appearing in your Wells Fargo app. You can re-add it anytime.
Can I transfer money from a linked savings account to pay a Wells Fargo credit card?
You can transfer from a linked savings account to a Wells Fargo checking account, and then use that checking account to pay your credit card. You cannot transfer directly from an external savings account to a credit card payment, but the two-step process takes only a few minutes.
How many external accounts can I link to Wells Fargo?
Wells Fargo does not publish a specific limit, but most customers can link multiple accounts without issue. If you're trying to link more than five or six external accounts and the app rejects one, contact Wells Fargo customer service to ask about account limits.