What You Need to Open a Wells Fargo Account

To open a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, you need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. You can open an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes in a branch or online, though some account types have different requirements.

Wells Fargo offers several account types — Everyday Checking, Premier Checking, Savings, and Money Market accounts among them. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. Before you start, decide which type fits your needs, because the steps and documents required can vary slightly by account type.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and money to deposit when you open an account.
  • Wells Fargo lets you open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Different account types have different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare them before you choose.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Your account is usually ready to use when ready after you open it online or in person, though some features may take a business day to set up.

Opening an Account Online

Go to wellsfargo.com and click the "Open an Account" button, usually found near the top of the homepage. Select the account type you want — Everyday Checking, Savings, or another option — and Wells Fargo will walk you through a series of screens asking for your personal information.

You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. Have your government-issued ID handy because Wells Fargo will ask you to verify details from it. You will also choose a username and password for online banking and set up security questions.

At the end, you will choose how much to deposit into your new account. Wells Fargo accepts transfers from another bank account, a debit card, or a credit card for the initial deposit. After you submit everything, your account opens when ready and you can log in to online banking right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account at a Branch

Find your nearest Wells Fargo branch using their branch locator on wellsfargo.com, or search "Wells Fargo near me" in your phone's maps app. Bring your government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number (or ITIN), and the money for your initial deposit. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

Tell the banker you want to open an account and which type interests you. They will ask the same questions as the online form — your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment details. They will verify your ID and help you choose a username and password for online banking. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You can make your initial deposit in cash, by check, or by transferring money from another bank account. Your account opens on the spot and you can start using it when ready. Your debit card will be ordered during your visit and arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though some branches can issue a temporary card you can use right away.

Opening an Account by Phone

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to open an account by phone. A representative will walk you through the same process as online or in-branch, asking for your personal information, verifying your ID details, and setting up your username and password. Have your government-issued ID and Social Security number ready when you call.

For the initial deposit, you will need to transfer money from another bank account or arrange a wire transfer. Wells Fargo cannot process cash or check deposits over the phone. After the call, your account opens and you can log into online banking when ready. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Minimum Deposits and Monthly Fees

Wells Fargo's minimum opening deposit varies by account type. Everyday Checking typically requires $25, while Premier Checking may require $500 or more. Savings accounts often have a $25 minimum. These minimums can change, so confirm the current requirement when you open your account.

Monthly maintenance fees also vary. Everyday Checking has a monthly fee (currently around $10), but you can waive it by maintaining a minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit, or meeting other conditions. Some account types have no monthly fee at all. Ask the banker or check wellsfargo.com for the current fee structure and how to avoid fees on the account you choose.

What Happens After You Open Your Account

Your account is ready to use when ready after you open it online or in person. You can log into online banking, set up bill pay, and transfer money between accounts right away. If you opened the account online, you can use your Social Security number as a temporary identifier until your debit card arrives.

Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it at ATMs or in stores. Wells Fargo sends set up instructions with the card, or you can set up it through online banking, the mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card.

If you want to deposit checks or cash right away, you can do so at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch before your debit card arrives. You can also set up direct deposit of paychecks or other income using the routing number and account number Wells Fargo gives you when you open the account.

If You Do Not Have a Social Security Number

You can open a Wells Fargo account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or conduct financial business in the United States.

The process is the same as opening an account with a Social Security number — you provide your ITIN in place of your SSN, and Wells Fargo verifies your identity using your government-issued ID. Not all account types may be available with an ITIN, so ask a banker or call 1-800-869-3557 to confirm which accounts you can open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo account if I am under 18?

Wells Fargo offers accounts for minors, but a parent or legal guardian must open the account with you and be listed as a co-owner or custodian. You will both need to bring government-issued ID and Social Security numbers. Visit a branch or call 1-800-869-3557 to learn about youth account options.

How long does it take to open an account online?

Opening an account online usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active when ready and you can log into online banking right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Wells Fargo requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, contact Wells Fargo directly at 1-800-869-3557 to discuss other options.

Can I open multiple accounts at Wells Fargo?

Yes, you can open multiple checking and savings accounts at Wells Fargo. You might open a checking account for everyday spending and a savings account for emergencies, for example. Each account has its own number and can have different features and fee structures.

What is the initial deposit used for?

Your initial deposit becomes the opening balance in your new account. It sits in the account and is yours to use — you can withdraw it, transfer it, or leave it there. The deposit straightforward gets your account started with a balance rather than opening it at zero.