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 checking or savings accounts. You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or in-branch, though your account may not be fully active until the next business day.
The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, while others have no minimum. Wells Fargo will also run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to verify you have not had problems with previous accounts. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, Wells Fargo may deny your application or require you to pay off old fees first.
You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening the account online, you will need to verify your identity through their digital system, which may ask you security questions based on your credit history or require you to upload a photo of your ID.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit; most accounts require $25 minimum or none at all.
- Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, and may deny you if you owe fees from a previous account.
- Online accounts activate within one business day; in-branch accounts may be ready the same day.
- You can fund your new account with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash deposit at the branch.
Opening an account online
Go to wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market—and answer questions about your personal information, employment status, and annual income. Wells Fargo uses this information for regulatory compliance, not to deny you based on income alone.
Upload or photograph your government ID and provide your Social Security number. Wells Fargo's system will verify your identity in real time. If verification fails, you will be asked to provide additional information or visit a branch in person. Once verified, choose your initial deposit method: debit card, bank transfer from another bank, or a Wells Fargo transfer if you already have an account there.
Review the account terms, including monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Wells Fargo offers accounts with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Accept the terms and submit. Your account number will appear on screen immediately, but you will not be able to use the debit card or make transfers until the next business day.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit to any Wells Fargo branch. A banker will walk you through the account application on a tablet or computer. The process is the same as online, but the banker can answer questions and help if you run into problems with identity verification.
If you bring cash, the banker will deposit it immediately and your account will be active the same day. If you transfer funds from another bank, the transfer may take one to three business days to arrive. Ask the banker which account type has no monthly fee or the lowest fee structure for your situation—Wells Fargo offers different accounts for different needs, and the banker can recommend one based on how you plan to use it.
You will receive a debit card on the spot or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the branch. Ask whether the card is ready to use immediately or if you need to activate it by phone or online first.
Funding your new account
You can fund your Wells Fargo account with a debit card, a bank transfer from another bank, or cash at the branch. If you use a debit card, the funds appear in your Wells Fargo account immediately, though the charge may take one to three days to post to your original bank. If you transfer from another bank using ACH (Automated Clearing House), the transfer typically takes one to three business days.
If you already have a Wells Fargo account, you can transfer between your own accounts instantly online or through the Wells Fargo app. If you are depositing cash at a branch, bring your new account number or ID so the teller knows which account to credit. Cash deposits are available immediately.
Some employers and government agencies allow you to set up direct deposit to your new Wells Fargo account. You will need to provide your new account number and Wells Fargo's routing number (021000021 for most Wells Fargo accounts). Direct deposit usually begins within one to two pay periods after you submit the request to your employer.
What happens if Wells Fargo denies your application
Wells Fargo may deny your account application if ChexSystems shows unpaid fees or fraud from a previous account, if your identity cannot be verified, or if you have an outstanding negative balance at another bank. If denied, Wells Fargo will send you a letter explaining the reason within 30 days.
If the denial is based on ChexSystems, you can dispute the information by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website. You have the right to see what information is in your ChexSystems file and to correct errors. If you owe fees from a previous account, paying them off and waiting 30 to 90 days may allow you to reapply.
If you cannot open a account at Wells Fargo, consider a second-chance banking program or a credit union, which may have less strict verification requirements. Some credit unions and online banks do not use ChexSystems at all.
Account types and monthly fees
Wells Fargo offers several checking and savings accounts with different fee structures. The Everyday Checking account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee, waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Clear Access Banking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it an option for people who cannot maintain a balance.
Savings accounts include the Wells Fargo Savings account, which earns interest and has a $5 monthly fee (waived with a $500 minimum balance), and the Wells Fargo Money Market account, which typically requires a higher minimum balance but offers higher interest rates. Interest rates change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and vary by account type.
Ask the banker or check wellsfargo.com for current fee schedules and interest rates before you open. Some accounts waive fees for students, seniors, or military members, so mention your status when you apply.
Activating your debit card and setting up online banking
Your Wells Fargo debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Before you use it, you must activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your Wells Fargo online account and selecting "Activate Card." Some cards are ready to use immediately; others require activation before the first transaction.
Set up online banking and the Wells Fargo mobile app as soon as your account is open. Go to wellsfargo.com, select "Sign On," and choose "Enroll" to create your username and password. You will need your account number and Social Security number. Once enrolled, you can view your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photograph through the app.
Enable two-factor authentication for security. Wells Fargo will send a code to your phone or email when you log in from a new device. This protects your account if your password is compromised. You can also set up alerts to notify you of large transactions, low balances, or failed transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Wells Fargo account?
Online accounts take 10 to 15 minutes to open and are active by the next business day. In-branch accounts take about 15 to 20 minutes and may be active the same day if you deposit cash. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a government photo ID?
You will need a government-issued ID to open an account at Wells Fargo. If you do not have one, you can obtain a state ID card from your local DMV. Some credit unions and online banks may have different requirements; contact them to ask.
Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I have been denied before?
If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can dispute the information or pay off old fees and wait 30 to 90 days before reapplying. If you were denied for identity verification, bring additional documents to a branch in person, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Do I need direct deposit to avoid monthly fees?
Direct deposit is one way to waive monthly fees on some Wells Fargo accounts, but maintaining a minimum balance also works. The Clear Access Banking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, so it is an option if you cannot set up direct deposit.
What is the minimum opening deposit?
Most Wells Fargo accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some accounts have no minimum. Check the account details before you open to confirm the opening deposit for the account type you want.