Wells Fargo Premier Checking is a mid-tier account with higher balance requirements and more perks than standard checking

Wells Fargo Premier Checking sits between their basic checking account and their wealth management accounts. It requires you to keep a higher balance, charges a monthly fee unless you meet that balance threshold, and gives you things like higher ATM reimbursement, priority customer service, and waived fees on certain services. The account is designed for people who keep several thousand dollars in their Wells Fargo accounts and want to reduce fees and get faster service.

The core trade-off is simple: maintain a higher balance, or pay a monthly maintenance fee. If you do not keep enough money in the account, you will pay roughly $15 per month (the exact fee varies by region and changes over time, so check your local Wells Fargo branch or their website for your area's current rate). If you do maintain the minimum balance, the account costs nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • Premier Checking requires a minimum daily balance to waive the monthly fee; if your balance drops below that threshold, you pay a maintenance charge each month.
  • The account includes ATM fee reimbursement up to a certain amount per month, which covers out-of-network ATM charges Wells Fargo would normally debit from your account.
  • You get priority phone support and access to Premier customer service, meaning shorter wait times when you call with questions or problems.
  • Wells Fargo waives certain service fees for Premier members, such as wire transfer fees and overdraft protection fees, though some waivers have limits.
  • Your debit card and checks work the same as any other Wells Fargo checking account; the difference is in fees, support speed, and ATM reimbursement.

Minimum balance requirement and monthly fee

Premier Checking requires you to keep a minimum daily balance in the account. That balance amount varies by state and region; Wells Fargo sets different thresholds for different markets. Common minimums range from $2,500 to $10,000, but you need to confirm the exact number for your location by calling your branch or logging into your online account.

If your balance falls below the minimum on any day of the month, you will be charged the monthly maintenance fee. The fee is not prorated—you pay the full amount even if you dipped below the minimum for a single day. Some people keep a separate savings account with Wells Fargo and link it to their checking to avoid overdrafts and accidental fee charges.

ATM reimbursement and out-of-network fees

Premier Checking includes ATM fee reimbursement, which means Wells Fargo refunds charges you incur when you use an ATM that is not part of the Wells Fargo network. The reimbursement has a monthly cap—typically $15 per month, though this can vary. If you use out-of-network ATMs and rack up $20 in fees, Wells Fargo refunds $15 and you absorb the remaining $5.

This matters if you travel frequently or live in an area without many Wells Fargo branches. Standard Wells Fargo checking accounts do not include this reimbursement, so you would pay the full out-of-network fee every time. With Premier, those fees come back to you up to the monthly limit.

Waived fees and priority service

Premier Checking waives certain fees that would normally apply to your account. Wire transfer fees are often waived for Premier members, which saves you $15 to $25 per outgoing wire. Overdraft protection fees may also be waived, and some service fees for account maintenance or research requests are reduced or eliminated.

You also get access to a dedicated Premier customer service line, which typically has shorter hold times than the standard customer service number. If you need to dispute a transaction, report fraud, or ask questions about your account, calling the Premier line means you reach someone faster. This matters most if you bank during business hours and need quick resolution.

Who should consider Premier Checking

Premier Checking makes sense if you keep several thousand dollars in Wells Fargo accounts anyway and use out-of-network ATMs regularly. If you maintain a $5,000 balance and pay $20 per month in out-of-network ATM fees, the reimbursement and waived wire fees will save you money compared to a standard account.

It does not make sense if you keep less than the minimum balance, because the monthly fee will outweigh any savings. It also does not make sense if you rarely use out-of-network ATMs or wire money, because those are the main perks. In that case, Wells Fargo's basic checking account or a checking account at a different bank may be cheaper.

How to open or switch to Premier Checking

You can open Premier Checking at any Wells Fargo branch, by phone, or online through their website. If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account, you can ask your branch to convert it to Premier Checking. The conversion is usually instant, and your existing debit card and account number stay the same.

Before you switch, confirm the minimum balance requirement for your region and make sure you can maintain it. Ask your branch representative or customer service to explain all the fees and waivers in writing so you have a record. Some branches offer promotional bonuses for opening Premier Checking, though these are temporary and vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my balance drops below the minimum for one day?

You will be charged the full monthly maintenance fee. Wells Fargo does not prorate the fee or give you a grace period. If you are close to the minimum, set up a transfer from savings to checking before the end of the month to avoid the charge.

Can I link my Premier Checking to a savings account to cover the minimum?

Yes. Many people keep the minimum balance in a linked savings account and transfer money as needed. The minimum balance requirement typically applies only to the checking account itself, not to your total Wells Fargo balance, so confirm this with your branch.

Does Premier Checking come with overdraft protection?

Wells Fargo offers overdraft protection as an optional service, which you can link to a savings account or credit card. Premier Checking waives the fee for this service, but you still have to set it up. Without it, overdrafts will be declined or charged an overdraft fee.

Is the ATM reimbursement automatic or do I have to request it?

The reimbursement is automatic. Wells Fargo tracks your out-of-network ATM fees each month and credits them back to your account up to the monthly limit. You will see the credit appear in your transaction history within a few days of the ATM charge.

Can I downgrade from Premier Checking back to standard checking?

Yes. You can call your branch or visit in person to downgrade. There is no penalty for downgrading, and your account number and existing transactions stay on record. You lose the Premier perks immediately, so make sure you understand what fees will apply to your account going forward.