The basic steps to close your Wells Fargo account

You can close a Wells Fargo checking or savings account by visiting a branch in person, calling Wells Fargo customer service, or using online banking if the option is available for your account type. Before you close, you need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance, make sure no pending transactions are still processing, and confirm that no automatic payments or direct deposits are set to that account. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to close an account.

The process itself takes a few minutes, but the account may take several business days to fully close after you initiate the request. During that time, the account remains open and can still receive deposits or process outstanding checks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance before Wells Fargo will close your account, so transfer or withdraw all remaining money first.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic payments, bill pay transactions, or direct deposits linked to the account before closing.
  • You can close an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch, by phone at 1-800-869-3557, or through online banking if your account type supports it.
  • The account closure takes several business days to complete even after you submit the request, and outstanding checks may still clear during that time.

Prepare your account before you close it

Empty the account completely. Wells Fargo will not close an account that still holds money. Withdraw cash at an ATM or branch, or transfer the balance to another bank account you control. If you have a joint account, both account holders must agree to close it.

Cancel or redirect automatic payments and bill pay. Log into your Wells Fargo online banking or call customer service to review what transactions are set up on this account. Move any recurring payments—insurance, utilities, subscriptions, loan payments—to a different account at least a week before you close. If you miss this step, payments may fail and create late fees or service interruptions.

Stop direct deposits. Contact your employer, government benefits office, or whoever deposits money into this account and provide them with your new account number if you have one. Direct deposits can take one or two pay cycles to redirect, so start this early.

Wait for pending transactions to clear. If you have written checks that have not yet cleared, or if you made recent debit card purchases that are still processing, wait until those show up in your account history before closing. Closing an account with pending transactions can cause checks to bounce or payments to fail.

Close your account in person at a Wells Fargo branch

Bring a valid government-issued ID to any Wells Fargo branch. Tell the teller or banker you want to close the account. They will confirm the account is empty, review any final transactions, and process the closure. If you have multiple accounts at Wells Fargo, make sure you specify which one you are closing.

Ask for written confirmation of the closure. The branch should give you a receipt or letter stating the account number, the date it was closed, and the final balance. Keep this document for your records in case questions arise later.

Close your account by phone

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number and a valid ID ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the account balance is zero, and ask why you are closing the account (though you do not have to provide a detailed reason).

The representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and the date and time of the call. Ask the representative to mail you written confirmation of the closure, or note whether it will be sent to your address on file.

Close your account through online banking

Not all Wells Fargo account types allow closure through online banking. Log into your account and look for a settings or account management section. If a close account option appears, you can usually initiate the request there. If you do not see this option, you will need to close the account by phone or in person.

Online closure still requires a zero balance and no pending transactions. After you submit the request, you should receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Save this email.

What happens after you submit the closure request

The account will remain open for several business days while Wells Fargo processes the closure. During this time, any checks you wrote that have not yet cleared can still be processed. Deposits can still be received, though you should have already redirected direct deposits.

If a check clears after you have requested closure, Wells Fargo will honor it. This is why it is important to wait for all pending transactions to clear before you close. If you are concerned about a specific check, contact the person or business you wrote it to and ask whether they have deposited it yet.

Once the closure is complete, you will no longer be able to access the account online or by phone. Any remaining paperwork, such as statements or tax documents, will be mailed to the address on file or made available through Wells Fargo's document archive.

If you have a Wells Fargo credit card or loan

Closing a bank account does not close a credit card or loan account. If you have a Wells Fargo credit card, you will need to close that separately. If you have an auto loan, mortgage, or other loan through Wells Fargo, closing your bank account will not affect it, but you should make sure your loan payments are set up to come from a different account.

To close a Wells Fargo credit card, call the number on the back of the card or contact Wells Fargo customer service. Pay off the full balance first, then request closure. The card issuer will confirm the closure and may ask if you want to keep the account open for rewards or other reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Wells Fargo account if I still owe money on a loan or credit card?

Yes. Closing your bank account does not affect loans or credit cards. However, you should make sure your loan and credit card payments are set up to come from a different account before you close the bank account, or set up a payment plan so you do not miss a payment.

What if I close my account and then receive a deposit or check?

Once the account is fully closed, deposits and checks will be rejected. If you are expecting a deposit, delay closing the account until it arrives. If a check is deposited after closure, contact Wells Fargo and the check sender to resolve it.

Do I need to close my account in person, or can I do it over the phone?

You can close by phone, in person, or through online banking depending on your account type. Phone closure is fastest if you have already prepared the account. In-person closure gives you a receipt on the spot.

How long does it take for my Wells Fargo account to fully close?

The closure usually takes three to five business days after you submit the request. During this time, outstanding checks can still clear. You will no longer be able to access the account once the closure is complete.

Will closing my Wells Fargo account hurt my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly affect your credit score. Your credit is based on credit cards, loans, and payment history, not bank accounts. However, if closing the account causes you to miss a payment on a credit card or loan, that can hurt your credit.