The fastest way to close your account
You can close a Wells Fargo savings account by calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or using online banking if you have access. The phone route is usually fastest — you'll reach someone who can walk you through it in one call and confirm the account is closed before you hang up. Have your account number ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to verify you own the account.
If you choose to visit a branch, bring a photo ID and your account number. A banker will help you close the account and can answer questions about what happens to any remaining balance. Online closure is available for some account types through Wells Fargo's website, though savings accounts sometimes require a phone call or branch visit.
Before you close the account, make sure any automatic payments or transfers linked to it are moved to another account. Wells Fargo will not process payments from a closed account, and you don't want a bill payment or direct deposit to fail because the account no longer exists.
Key Takeaways
- Call Wells Fargo customer service, visit a branch, or use online banking to close your savings account — phone is usually the quickest option.
- Have your account number and a photo ID ready, and be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity.
- Move any automatic payments, bill payments, or direct deposits to another account before closing, so they don't fail.
- Any money remaining in the account will be sent to you by check or transferred to another account you specify.
- Ask for written confirmation that the account is closed, either in the form of a confirmation number or a letter in the mail.
What happens to money still in the account
If your savings account has a balance when you close it, Wells Fargo will not keep the money. You can ask them to transfer it to another Wells Fargo account you own, transfer it to an account at a different bank, or send you a check. Tell the banker or customer service representative which option you prefer before the account closes.
The transfer or check usually takes a few business days to process. If you choose a check, it will be mailed to the address Wells Fargo has on file for you. Make sure your mailing address is current before you close the account, or the check could be delayed or sent to the wrong place.
Closing the account over the phone
Call Wells Fargo's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your account statement. Have your account number, Social Security number, and a photo ID handy — the representative will ask for these to verify you are the account owner.
Tell the representative you want to close your savings account. They will ask you to confirm the account number, check that there are no pending transactions, and ask what you want to do with any remaining balance. Once you confirm, the account will be closed. Ask for a confirmation number and write it down — this is your proof that you requested the closure.
The account typically closes within one to three business days. If you have automatic payments or transfers set up, the representative may ask you to confirm they have been moved to another account. If you are unsure, tell them you need to check first and call back once you have updated those settings.
Closing the account at a Wells Fargo branch
Visit any Wells Fargo branch with your photo ID and account number. Tell a banker you want to close your savings account. They will pull up your account on their computer, confirm there are no pending transactions, and ask what you want to do with any balance remaining.
The banker can transfer your balance to another account when ready, or arrange for a check to be mailed to you. If you choose a check, ask when it will be mailed and confirm your mailing address is correct. The banker will give you a receipt or confirmation number showing the account has been closed.
This method works well if you have questions about your account or if you want to open a different type of account at the same time. Closing in person also gives you a paper record of the closure, which can be useful if there are any questions later.
Removing automatic payments and transfers before you close
Before closing your account, log into Wells Fargo online banking or call customer service to see what automatic payments and transfers are linked to your savings account. This includes bill payments, transfers to other accounts, and direct deposits from your employer or benefits.
For bill payments, log into the biller's website directly and update the payment method to a different account. For transfers between your own accounts, update those in Wells Fargo online banking to use a different account instead. For direct deposits, contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and give them your new account number.
Give yourself at least a week to make these changes before you close the account. This way, if a payment or deposit tries to go through after the account closes, you will have time to notice and fix it before it causes a problem.
What to do if you have a negative balance
If your account is overdrawn — meaning you owe Wells Fargo money — you will need to pay that amount before the account can be closed. The banker or customer service representative will tell you how much you owe. You can pay it with a debit card, credit card, or by transferring money from another account.
Once the negative balance is paid, the account can be closed. If you do not pay the overdraft, Wells Fargo may not close the account and may continue to charge overdraft fees. Paying it off before closing avoids this problem.
Getting confirmation the account is closed
Always ask for written proof that your account has been closed. If you close over the phone, write down the confirmation number the representative gives you. If you close at a branch, ask for a receipt or letter confirming the closure. If you close online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page.
Keep this proof for your records. If Wells Fargo later sends you a statement or tries to charge you a fee on the closed account, you can show them the confirmation and dispute it. Some people keep this proof for at least a year after closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Wells Fargo savings account online?
Some account types can be closed through Wells Fargo's website, but many savings accounts require a phone call or branch visit. Log into your online banking to see if a close account option appears. If not, call customer service or visit a branch.
How long does it take for the account to actually close?
The account usually closes within one to three business days after you request it. Any remaining balance will be transferred or mailed to you during this time. If you see the account still appearing in your online banking after a week, call customer service to confirm it has been closed.
What if I close my account and then need to reopen it?
You can open a new Wells Fargo savings account at any time by visiting a branch or explore online. It will be a different account with a new account number, so you will need to update any automatic payments or transfers that were linked to the old account.
Do I need to close my account in person, or can someone else do it for me?
Wells Fargo requires the account owner to request the closure for security reasons. If you cannot visit a branch or make a phone call yourself, you can authorize someone else to act on your behalf by giving them power of attorney, but this requires legal paperwork. Calling customer service yourself is the simpler option.
Will closing my savings account hurt my credit score?
Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not on deposit accounts like savings or checking. You can close a savings account without any impact on your credit.