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 either a checking or savings account. The initial deposit amount depends on the account type — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number.

If you are opening an account online, Wells Fargo will verify your identity through their digital process, which typically takes a few minutes. If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and have the teller run a background check through ChexSystems, which is Wells Fargo's account verification system. This check does not affect your credit score.

You can open accounts in three ways: online at wellsfargo.com, through the Wells Fargo mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person. Online and app openings are fastest — you can complete them in under 10 minutes. Branch openings take longer because a banker will walk you through options and answer questions, but you can fund the account immediately with cash or a check.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and phone number; initial deposit amounts vary by account type but some accounts have no minimum.
  • Online and mobile app openings take 5 to 10 minutes, while branch openings take 20 to 30 minutes but let you fund the account with cash on the spot.
  • Wells Fargo runs a ChexSystems check when you open an account, which does not affect your credit and is separate from a credit pull.
  • You can link checking and savings accounts together for overdraft protection, though this costs money if you actually use it.
  • Account features like debit cards, online banking, and bill pay are included with all checking accounts at no extra charge.

Opening a checking account online or through the app

Start at wellsfargo.com or open the Wells Fargo mobile app and tap "Open an Account." Select "Checking" and choose which checking product fits your needs — Wells Fargo offers several versions, including one with no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The app will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email.

Next, you will verify your identity. Wells Fargo uses a process called digital verification, which may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or to photograph your ID. This step usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. Once verified, you will choose your initial deposit method — you can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. The transfer typically posts within one to three business days.

After your deposit clears, your account is active. You will receive a debit card in the 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 bill pay through your employer or other services. You can also request a temporary digital card through the app, which you can use immediately for online purchases.

Opening a checking account in person at a branch

Visit any Wells Fargo branch during business hours with your photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or check). Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask the same questions as the online form — name, address, phone, email — and run the ChexSystems check, which takes about 5 minutes.

The banker will show you the different checking account options and explain the fees, minimum balance requirements, and features of each. Ask about any current promotions; Wells Fargo sometimes offers cash bonuses for new accounts, though these change throughout the year. Once you choose an account, the banker will process your deposit and issue you a temporary debit card on the spot, or a card number you can use immediately online.

Your permanent debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will leave the branch with a temporary card, your account number, and access to online banking. If you deposited cash, your funds are available immediately. If you deposited a check, it will clear within one to two business days depending on the check amount.

Opening a savings account

You can open a savings account at the same time as a checking account, or separately. If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, you can open a savings account online in about 5 minutes without another identity verification. If you are opening both at once, the process is the same — select "Savings" instead of or in addition to "Checking" during account setup.

Wells Fargo offers several savings products: a standard savings account, a money market account (which pays higher interest but requires a larger minimum balance), and certificates of deposit or CDs (which lock your money for a set time in exchange for a may provide interest rate). For most people starting out, the standard savings account is the simplest choice. Interest rates vary and change frequently, so check the current rate on wellsfargo.com before you open.

Link your savings account to your checking account during setup. This allows you to transfer money between them online instantly, and it sets up overdraft protection — if you overdraw your checking account, Wells Fargo can automatically transfer money from savings to cover it. This transfer costs $12.50 each time it happens, so only use it if you need it.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit through your employer or other income sources. Direct deposit is free and usually takes one to two pay cycles to activate. You can also set up bill pay through the Wells Fargo website or app to pay bills automatically or on a schedule.

Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, activate it through the app or by calling the number on the card. You can use it immediately at ATMs, stores, and online. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to use its own ATMs, but using another bank's ATM costs $2.50 per transaction unless you have a premium account type.

Set up online banking and mobile app access right away. You will need to create a username and password, and Wells Fargo will send you a code to verify your phone number. Once set up, you can check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photographing them through the app — all without visiting a branch.

Fees and account requirements

Wells Fargo checking accounts have different fee structures depending on the product. The most common account charges $12 per month, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $500 in it. Some accounts have no monthly fee but require a higher minimum balance or direct deposit to avoid fees.

Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee, but you may face a fee if you make more than six withdrawals per month — this is a federal rule that applies to most banks, though Wells Fargo sometimes waives it. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you overdraw your checking account, and Wells Fargo allows up to four overdraft fees per day. If you link savings to checking for overdraft protection, each transfer costs $12.50.

ATM fees, wire transfer fees, and stop-payment fees also apply. Ask the banker or check wellsfargo.com for the full fee schedule for the specific account you choose. Many of these fees can be avoided by maintaining minimum balances or using Wells Fargo's own ATM network.

If Wells Fargo denies your account

Wells Fargo may deny your account application if ChexSystems shows a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking problems. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it.

Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com to review your report. If there are errors, you can file a dispute. If the denial is accurate, you may be able to open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems, or wait until the negative item ages off your report — most items fall off after five years.

Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with ChexSystems issues. These accounts often have higher fees and lower limits, but they allow you to rebuild your banking history. Ask Wells Fargo if they offer this option, or research other banks in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account without a Social Security number?

No, Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN but no SSN, you can still open an account, but you will need to bring additional documentation to a branch to verify your identity.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Online account opening takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active immediately, though your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card sooner, you can request a temporary digital card through the app for online purchases.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Wells Fargo account?

The minimum deposit varies by account type. Some checking accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. Savings accounts typically have no minimum deposit. Check the specific account details on wellsfargo.com or ask a banker before you open.

Can I open a checking and savings account at the same time?

Yes, you can open both accounts in a single application, whether online or in person. Linking them together allows you to transfer money between them instantly and set up overdraft protection, though overdraft transfers cost $12.50 each.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You will need a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have one, you can apply for a state ID or passport through your state's DMV or the U.S. State Department. Once you have an ID, you can open a Wells Fargo account online or in person.