You can close most Wells Fargo accounts online through your account settings, but the method depends on the account type
Wells Fargo lets you close checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes and happens when ready once you confirm. However, some account types — including investment accounts, credit cards, and retirement accounts — require a phone call or in-person visit to close.
Before you start, make sure your account balance is zero. If you have money in the account, you'll need to transfer it out first. Wells Fargo won't let you close an account with a remaining balance through their online system.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be closed online through your Wells Fargo account dashboard or mobile app in a few minutes.
- You must have a zero balance before closing; any remaining funds need to be transferred to another account first.
- Credit cards, investment accounts, and retirement accounts cannot be closed online and require a phone call to Wells Fargo customer service.
- Once you close an account online, it closes when ready, so make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are set up elsewhere beforehand.
- Closed accounts remain on your credit report for a period of time, which may affect your credit score temporarily.
Steps to close a checking or savings account online
Log into your Wells Fargo account on their website or open the Wells Fargo mobile app. Navigate to the account you want to close and look for a settings or account options menu — this is usually represented by a gear icon or three horizontal lines. Select the option to close the account.
Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm that your balance is zero and that you want to proceed. You may also see a message asking why you're closing the account; this is optional to answer. Once you confirm, the account closes when ready. You'll receive a confirmation message on screen and should receive an email confirmation within a few minutes.
Keep the confirmation email for your records. If you need proof of closure later — for a mortgage process, job background check, or other reason — you can show this email or log back into your account to view the closed account status.
What to do before closing your account
Check for any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to the account you're closing. These include subscription services, insurance payments, utility bills, loan payments, or gym memberships. Update each one with a new payment method at least a week before you close the account, or they may fail and create late fees or service interruptions.
If you receive direct deposits — paychecks, government benefits, tax refunds — update your employer or the paying agency with your new account information. Direct deposits sent to a closed account may be returned or delayed, which can affect when you receive money.
Review your last few statements to catch any payments you might have forgotten about. Some people have old subscriptions or services they no longer use but that still charge monthly; closing the account is a good time to cancel these entirely rather than just moving them.
Account types that require a phone call to close
Wells Fargo credit cards must be closed by phone. Call the number on the back of your card or contact Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your card number and account information ready. The representative will confirm your identity, discuss your reason for closing (optional), and process the closure.
Investment accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts (IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and others) also require a phone call. These accounts have tax and regulatory rules that Wells Fargo handles differently than deposit accounts. Call the investment services line or visit a branch to close these accounts.
If you have a Wells Fargo business account, the process may differ depending on your account structure and who is authorized to make changes. Contact your business banking representative or call 1-800-869-3557 to discuss closure options.
What happens to your credit after closing an account
Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these are not credit accounts. However, if you close a credit card or line of credit, it may temporarily lower your score. This happens because closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio.
The closed account will remain visible on your credit report for seven to ten years, depending on whether the account was in good standing when you closed it. Lenders and employers can still see that the account existed and was closed, which is normal and expected.
If you're concerned about the timing of closing a credit card — for example, if you're about to explore for a mortgage or loan — you may want to wait until after that process is processed. The temporary score dip usually recovers within a few months.
What to do if you can't close your account online
If the close account option doesn't appear in your online dashboard, your account type may not support online closure. This is common for credit cards, investment accounts, and some specialty accounts. Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to close these accounts instead.
You can also visit a Wells Fargo branch in person to close any account type. Bring your ID and account information. A representative can close the account on the spot and provide you with written confirmation. This is useful if you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you have questions about the closure process.
If you're having trouble accessing your online account or the close option isn't working, try logging out completely and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if you're using a computer. If the problem persists, call customer service — they can walk you through the process or close the account for you over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Wells Fargo account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen a closed account within a certain timeframe, though Wells Fargo's exact policy on this varies. Contact customer service at 1-800-869-3557 to ask whether your specific account can be reopened and what steps are involved. If too much time has passed, you may need to open a new account instead.
Will I get a refund if my account has a negative balance?
You cannot close an account with a negative balance online. If your account is overdrawn, you must deposit money to bring it to zero before closing. Once the balance is zero, you can proceed with closure. If you have questions about fees or the negative balance, call customer service before closing.
How long does it take for a closed account to stop showing up online?
A closed account usually disappears from your active accounts list when ready after closure, but it may remain visible in your account history or statements section for several months. This is normal. The account will stay on your credit report for seven to ten years.
Do I need to close my account in person if I have multiple accounts?
No. You can close multiple checking and savings accounts online one at a time through your dashboard. Each account closes independently. If you have credit cards or investment accounts, those still require a phone call, but you can handle all of them in one call with a representative.
What if I closed my account but still see charges on it?
Contact Wells Fargo when ready at 1-800-869-3557. Charges on a closed account may indicate a delayed payment that was processed after closure, or a billing error. A representative can investigate and help resolve the issue. Keep your closure confirmation email handy when you call.