Call Wells Fargo or visit a branch to close your savings account
You can close a Wells Fargo savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Wells Fargo's website. The fastest route is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or savings account statement — you'll reach a representative who can walk you through the closure in about 10 minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, bring your ID and account number to any Wells Fargo branch during business hours.
Before you close the account, make sure your balance is zero or move any remaining money to another account. Wells Fargo will not close an account with a negative balance — you'll need to pay that first. If you have automatic transfers or bill payments linked to this savings account, cancel or redirect those before closing, or they will fail after the account shuts down.
Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to close a savings account. Once closed, the account cannot be reopened — if you change your mind later, you'll need to open a new account instead.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on your card or statement, visit a branch with your ID, or use Wells Fargo's online banking to close your savings account.
- Your account balance must be zero before Wells Fargo will close it; transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- Cancel any automatic transfers, bill payments, or direct deposits tied to the account before closure to prevent failed transactions.
- There is no fee to close a Wells Fargo savings account, and closed accounts cannot be reopened.
- Keep your final account statement or confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later.
What to do with your money before closing
Move your remaining balance to another account — either another Wells Fargo account or an account at a different bank. You can transfer money online if both accounts are in your name, or withdraw cash at a Wells Fargo ATM or branch and deposit it elsewhere. If the balance is small, some people simply withdraw it as cash.
If your savings account has a negative balance (you owe Wells Fargo money), you must pay that amount before the account can close. Wells Fargo will not close an account in the red. You can pay the negative balance by transferring money from another account, depositing cash at a branch, or using a debit card or check.
Redirect automatic payments and deposits before closing
Check whether any money regularly flows into or out of this savings account. Look at your last few statements or log into online banking to see recurring transfers. Common examples include direct deposit of a paycheck, automatic bill payments, transfers from a checking account, or recurring transfers to savings apps.
Contact your employer, biller, or the other financial institution to change the account number or routing number on file. If you don't redirect these before closing, the transaction will fail — your paycheck might bounce back to your employer, or a bill payment might not go through. Redirecting usually takes a few business days, so do this at least a week before you plan to close the account.
Close the account by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent account statement. Have your account number and ID ready. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will confirm your identity, check that your balance is zero, and ask whether you want any remaining funds transferred to another account or mailed as a check.
The representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down or ask them to email it to you. This number is your proof that you requested closure. The account typically closes within one to three business days, though Wells Fargo sometimes takes longer if there are pending transactions.
Close the account in person at a branch
Bring your ID and your account number to any Wells Fargo branch. Tell the teller or banker you want to close your savings account. They will verify your identity, confirm your balance is zero, and process the closure. If you have money in the account, they can transfer it to another account or give you a cashier's check on the spot.
Ask for a written confirmation of closure. Some branches print this immediately; others mail it. Keep this confirmation with your records. If the branch is busy, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Close the account online
Log into your Wells Fargo online banking account and look for account settings or account management. Some Wells Fargo accounts can be closed through the website, though not all savings accounts offer this option — it depends on the account type and your region. If you don't see a close account option, you'll need to call or visit a branch instead.
If the online option is available, follow the prompts to confirm your identity and request closure. You should receive a confirmation number on screen or by email. Write it down. The account will close within one to three business days.
What happens after you close the account
Once closed, the account number is deactivated and cannot be used. Any attempt to deposit or withdraw from that account will fail. If you set up automatic payments or transfers to this account after closure, those transactions will bounce back to the sender.
Wells Fargo will mail you a final statement showing the closure date and any remaining balance or fees. Keep this statement for your tax records and in case you need proof of closure later. If you don't receive a final statement within 30 days, call Wells Fargo to request one.
If you later decide you want a Wells Fargo savings account again, you can open a new one at any time. The old account cannot be reopened, but opening a new account is straightforward and can be done online, by phone, or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Wells Fargo savings account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before Wells Fargo will close the account. Transfer money from another account, deposit cash, or use a debit card to bring the balance to zero. Once the balance is paid, you can proceed with closure.
How long does it take for a Wells Fargo savings account to close?
Most accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. If there are pending transactions or holds on the account, it may take longer. You'll receive a confirmation number when you request closure; use that to check status if you don't see the account disappear from your online banking within a week.
What if I have a pending direct deposit or bill payment when I close the account?
The transaction will fail and bounce back to the sender. Redirect your direct deposit and bill payments to a different account at least a week before you close. If a transaction fails after closure, contact the sender to resubmit it to your new account number.
Do I need to close my Wells Fargo checking account if I close my savings account?
No. Your savings and checking accounts are separate. You can close one without affecting the other. If you want to close both, you'll need to request closure for each account separately.
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit appear on your credit report.