What you need to open a Wells Fargo account
Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You'll also need a current mailing address and, for some account types, a minimum opening deposit that ranges from $0 to $25 depending on which account you choose.
If you don't have a Social Security number, Wells Fargo can open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need to bring the original ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return showing your ITIN. Non-U.S. citizens may also use a passport and visa or travel document as proof of identity.
Have your information ready before you start: your full legal name as it appears on your ID, date of birth, phone number, and email address. If you're opening a joint account, both account holders need to be present with their own IDs and Social Security numbers or ITINs.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, current address, and an opening deposit (which may be $0 for some accounts).
- Wells Fargo offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different minimum deposit requirements and monthly fees.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch, and each method takes a different amount of time.
- Once your account opens, you can request a debit card, set up direct deposit, and link external accounts for transfers.
Opening an account online
The online process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home. Go to wellsfargo.com, select "Open an Account," and choose the account type you want. You'll enter your personal information, Social Security number or ITIN, address, phone number, and email. Wells Fargo will ask security questions to verify your identity, then show you the account terms and fees.
After you review and accept the terms, you'll need to fund the account with your opening deposit. You can transfer money from another bank account using routing and account numbers, or link a debit card to make an immediate deposit. Wells Fargo will send you a confirmation email, and your account is usually active within one business day.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or make transfers. If you need a card faster, you can visit a branch and request a temporary card or expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Visiting a Wells Fargo branch takes 20 to 30 minutes and you walk out with immediate access to your account. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your opening deposit. A banker will review account options with you, answer questions about fees, and help you choose the right account for your needs.
The banker will enter your information into the system, verify your identity, and process your opening deposit. You'll sign the account agreement and receive your account number on the spot. If you request a debit card in person, some branches can issue a temporary card immediately or order expedited delivery.
Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using the branch locator on wellsfargo.com. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially on weekends or holidays, and to ask whether the branch has a banker available without an appointment.
Opening an account by phone
You can call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account with a representative. Have your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, address, and opening deposit information ready. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The representative will walk you through account options, verify your identity by asking security questions, and process your opening deposit.
After the call, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and temporary access details. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online banking and mobile app access immediately after your account opens, usually within one business day.
Account types and opening deposit requirements
| Account Type | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Checking | $0 | $0 with direct deposit or $12.95 without |
| Wells Fargo Savings | $0 | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Money Market | $25 | $0 with $25,000+ balance or $12.95 without |
| Wells Fargo Student Checking | $0 | $0 (for up to six years) |
The checking account with no monthly fee requires either a direct deposit or a linked external account transfer each month. If you don't meet this requirement, the $12.95 monthly fee applies. The savings account has no minimum balance and no monthly fee, making it a straightforward option if you only want to save.
Student accounts are free for six years from the date you open them, after which they convert to a standard checking account. You'll need to provide proof of enrollment, such as a student ID or enrollment letter from your school.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active immediately, though it may take one business day for full online access. You can log into Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app using your username and password to view your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Set up direct deposit by providing your employer with your account number and Wells Fargo's routing number (121000248 for most accounts). Direct deposit usually posts within one to two business days of your employer sending the payment. You can also transfer money from another bank using the external transfer feature in online banking, which typically takes one to three business days depending on the other bank.
If you need to deposit checks, you can use Wells Fargo's mobile check deposit feature through the app, visit an ATM, or go to a branch. Mobile deposits usually post within one business day. You can also set up automatic transfers between your Wells Fargo accounts or to external accounts on a schedule you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your original ITIN letter from the IRS or a recent tax return showing your ITIN, along with your photo ID and proof of address. The process is the same as opening with a Social Security number.
What's the difference between opening online and in person?
Online takes about 10 minutes and you can do it anytime, but your debit card arrives by mail. In person takes 20 to 30 minutes, but you can request a temporary card or expedited delivery on the spot. Both methods result in an active account within one business day.
Do I need an opening deposit to open a checking or savings account?
No opening deposit is required for Wells Fargo Checking or Savings accounts. The Money Market account requires a $25 minimum opening deposit. You can fund your account immediately after opening or within a few days using a transfer from another bank.
How do I avoid the monthly fee on my checking account?
Set up direct deposit or link an external bank account and transfer money at least once per month. Either action waives the $12.95 monthly fee. If you don't meet either requirement, the fee applies automatically.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must be present (in person or by phone) with their own photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN. You'll both sign the account agreement, and both names appear on the account. Either person can access the account and make transactions.