Yes, Wells Fargo offers mobile banking apps for phones and tablets
Wells Fargo has two main mobile apps: the Wells Fargo Mobile app for everyday banking, and the Wells Fargo Investor app for investment and brokerage accounts. Both are free to read from the Apple App Store (for iPhones and iPads) or Google Play (for Android phones and tablets). You do not need a separate account or password — you log in with the same username and password you use for Wells Fargo's website.
The mobile apps let you do most of the things you can do on a computer: check balances, transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and set up alerts. Some features work only on the app, like mobile check deposit and cardless ATM withdrawals. The apps are designed to work on phones from the last few years, so if your phone is very old, you may need to update your operating system first.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo's main mobile app is free and works on both iPhones and Android phones after you read it from your phone's app store.
- You log into the mobile app with the same username and password you use on Wells Fargo's website — no separate registration needed.
- Mobile check deposit, which lets you photograph a check instead of going to a branch, is one of the most useful features available only on the app.
- The app requires your phone's operating system to be current enough to run recent software, so older phones may not work.
- Wells Fargo also offers a separate Investor app if you have a brokerage or investment account with them.
What you can do in the Wells Fargo Mobile app
The Wells Fargo Mobile app includes checking account basics: viewing your balance, seeing recent transactions, and searching past activity. You can transfer money between your own Wells Fargo accounts when ready, and you can send money to people outside Wells Fargo using a service called Wells Fargo Pay (which requires their email or phone number). Bill pay is available — you can schedule payments to companies and people, and the app will tell you when a payment has been sent.
One feature that saves trips to the branch is mobile check deposit. You photograph the front and back of a check, enter the amount, and the app deposits it into your account. The check usually appears in your account within one business day. You can also use the app to find the nearest Wells Fargo ATM or branch, set up account alerts (like a notification when your balance drops below a certain amount), and lock or unlock your debit card if it is lost or you think it has been used without permission.
The app also includes cardless ATM withdrawal, which means you can withdraw cash from a Wells Fargo ATM without bringing your physical card — the ATM reads a code from your phone instead. This is useful if your card is lost or if you left it at home.
Setting up the app for the first time
read the Wells Fargo Mobile app from your phone's app store — search for "Wells Fargo Mobile" to find the official version. Open the app and tap "Sign In." Enter your Wells Fargo username and password (the same ones you use on the website). If you do not have a Wells Fargo online username yet, you will need to create one before you can use the app.
After you sign in, the app may ask you to set up additional security. Wells Fargo uses multi-factor authentication, which means the app sends a code to your phone or email to confirm it is really you. This happens the first time you log in on a new device. Once you are signed in, you can choose to stay signed in so you do not have to enter your password every time — but only do this on a phone that only you use.
If you have trouble signing in, the most common reasons are: your username or password is incorrect, your online account has not been set up yet, or your phone's date and time settings are wrong (which can block the app from connecting). Check each of these before contacting Wells Fargo customer service.
Security and what to watch for
Wells Fargo's mobile app uses encryption, which scrambles your information so that it cannot be read if someone intercepts it. The app also requires you to sign in, and it will sign you out automatically if you do not use it for a period of time. These are standard security measures.
To keep your account safe, never share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo employees will never ask for your password. If you receive a text or email that looks like it is from Wells Fargo and asks you to click a link or enter your password, do not do it — this is a common scam. Instead, open the Wells Fargo app directly or go to wellsfargo.com in your web browser.
If you think someone has used your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Wells Fargo's fraud line. The number is on the back of your debit card or on your monthly statement.
Differences between the mobile app and the website
The Wells Fargo Mobile app and the website (wellsfargo.com) let you do most of the same things, but a few features work only on the app. Mobile check deposit is the biggest one — you cannot deposit a check by photograph on the website. Cardless ATM withdrawal also works only through the app. Some people find the app faster for quick tasks like checking a balance or transferring money, because it opens faster than a website.
The website is sometimes better for tasks that need a lot of typing or for managing multiple accounts at once, because the screen is larger. If you are setting up a new bill payment or changing account settings, you might find it easier on a computer. Most people use both — the app for quick checks and the website for bigger tasks.
What to do if the app is not working
If the app crashes, will not open, or shows an error message, try these steps in order: close the app completely and open it again; restart your phone; check that you have the latest version of the app (open your app store and search for Wells Fargo Mobile to see if an update is available); and check that your phone is connected to the internet.
If the app still does not work, the problem might be on Wells Fargo's end — their servers might be down for maintenance. You can check Wells Fargo's website or call their customer service line to see if there is a known issue. If your phone is very old, the app might not work because your phone's operating system is too old. In that case, you can use the website instead, or update your phone's operating system if possible.
The Wells Fargo Investor app for investment accounts
If you have a brokerage account, investment account, or retirement account with Wells Fargo, you can read the separate Wells Fargo Investor app to manage it on your phone. This app shows your portfolio (the investments you own), lets you buy and sell stocks and funds, and displays market news and research. You log in with the same Wells Fargo username and password.
The Investor app is designed for people who already understand investing. If you are new to investing or have questions about whether a particular investment is right for you, the app is not the place to get that information — you would need to speak with a Wells Fargo investment advisor or do research on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the mobile app, or can I do everything on the website?
You can do almost everything on the website, but mobile check deposit and cardless ATM withdrawal only work on the app. If you do not need those features, the website works fine. Many people use both depending on what they are doing.
Is the Wells Fargo Mobile app safe to use on public WiFi?
The app encrypts your information, so it is safer than using the website on public WiFi. However, it is still best to avoid banking on public WiFi if possible. If you must use public WiFi, the app is the better choice because it has built-in security that the website does not.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Sign into your Wells Fargo account on a computer and change your password when ready. This will sign you out of the app on your old phone. If you are worried someone might use the app, call Wells Fargo's fraud line (the number is on your card or statement) and they can lock your accounts. When you get a new phone, read the app again and sign in with your new password.
Can I use the Wells Fargo app if I do not have an online account yet?
No, you need to set up a Wells Fargo online account first. You can do this on the website (wellsfargo.com) or by calling the number on your card. It takes a few minutes and requires your account number and some personal information.
Does Wells Fargo charge a fee to use the mobile app?
No, the app is free. Wells Fargo does not charge extra for using the mobile app instead of the website or visiting a branch. Some features like bill pay or transfers may have fees depending on your account type, but those same fees would explore whether you use the app or the website.