You can add a savings account to Wells Fargo online, by phone, or in person—the fastest route is online through your existing account

If you already have a Wells Fargo checking account and want to open a savings account, you do not need to start from scratch. You can link a new savings account to your current login in minutes through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app. The process is straightforward: log in, choose the account type you want, answer basic questions about how you plan to use it, and fund it. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.

If you do not have an existing Wells Fargo account, you will need to open one first—either online or at a branch. Once that account is active, adding a savings account to it takes the same steps as above.

The alternative routes—calling customer service or visiting a branch—work if you prefer to talk to someone, but they take longer. Phone lines typically have wait times of 15 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day. A branch visit is fastest if one is near you and not busy, but you cannot predict that.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a savings account online through your Wells Fargo login in under 10 minutes without visiting a branch.
  • You will need to fund the account with an initial deposit; the minimum varies by account type but is often $0 to $25.
  • Your new savings account will be linked to the same login and customer number as your existing Wells Fargo accounts.
  • If you do not have a Wells Fargo account yet, you must open a checking account first before you can add a savings account.

Opening a savings account online through your existing login

Log into Wells Fargo's website or open the mobile app. On the home screen, look for a button or menu option labeled "Open an Account" or "Add Account"—the exact wording varies slightly between the website and app. Click or tap it.

You will be asked to choose the type of account you want. Select "Savings" from the list. Wells Fargo offers several savings products: a basic savings account, a money market account, and certificates of deposit (CDs). For most people, the basic savings account is the right choice. Read the brief description of each to confirm which one matches what you need.

Answer the questions about how you plan to use the account. These are straightforward: Will this be for personal use or a business? Do you want online-only access or do you want a debit card? Some savings accounts come with a debit card; others do not. Choose based on your preference. You will also confirm your Social Security number and current address—Wells Fargo already has this information on file, so you are confirming it rather than entering it fresh.

Fund the account. You will be asked for an initial deposit. The minimum deposit varies by account type—it may be $0, $25, or $100. You can fund it from another Wells Fargo account you own, from an external bank account, or by check. If you transfer from another Wells Fargo account, the money moves when ready. If you transfer from an external account, it typically takes one to three business days. Once you submit, your account is open and you can begin using it right away, even if the deposit is still in transit.

Adding a savings account by phone

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week; early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be shorter. Have your Social Security number, current address, and a form of ID ready.

Tell the representative you want to open a savings account. They will walk you through the same questions you would answer online: account type, how you plan to use it, and initial deposit method. The representative can also answer questions about the different savings products Wells Fargo offers, which some people find helpful if they are unsure which account fits their needs.

The representative will confirm your information, process the account opening, and arrange the initial deposit. The account is active when ready, though the deposit may take a few business days to arrive if it is coming from an external bank.

Opening a savings account at a Wells Fargo branch

Visit a Wells Fargo branch near you. Bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security number. If you want to fund the account with cash or a check, bring that as well.

Tell a representative you want to open a savings account. They will show you the account options, explain the differences, and help you choose. They will then complete the paperwork (or guide you through it on a tablet or computer) and process the account opening on the spot.

If you fund the account in person with cash or a check, the money is available when ready. If you arrange a transfer from an external bank account, it takes one to three business days. Your account is active as soon as the representative completes the paperwork, regardless of when the deposit arrives.

What happens after you open the account

Your new savings account will appear in your Wells Fargo login alongside any other accounts you have. You can transfer money between your savings account and checking account when ready through online banking or the mobile app. You can also set up automatic transfers if you want to move money on a regular schedule—for example, $50 every payday.

Your savings account comes with a routing number and account number. If you need to receive a direct deposit or a wire transfer into the savings account, you will need these numbers. You can find them in the account details section of your online banking profile or by calling customer service.

Interest accrues on the balance in your savings account according to the rate Wells Fargo is offering at the time you open it. Rates change frequently and vary based on market conditions. You can check your current rate in your account details or by calling customer service.

If you do not have a Wells Fargo account yet

You must open a checking account before you can add a savings account. Wells Fargo does not allow you to open a savings account as your first account with the bank.

Open a checking account using the same three methods: online, by phone, or at a branch. The process is identical to opening a savings account—you choose the account type, answer basic questions, and fund it with an initial deposit. Once your checking account is active, you can then add a savings account to your profile using the steps above.

If you want both a checking and savings account, you can open them together at a branch or by phone. A representative can walk you through opening both in one visit or call. Online, you will need to complete the checking account first, then add the savings account afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a savings account without visiting a branch?

Yes. You can open one online through your Wells Fargo login or by calling customer service. Both take 10 to 20 minutes. You do not need to visit a branch unless you prefer to.

What is the minimum deposit to open a savings account?

The minimum varies by account type. Some Wells Fargo savings accounts require $0 to open; others require $25 or $100. You will see the minimum when you choose the account type during the opening process.

How long does it take for money to show up in my new savings account?

If you transfer from another Wells Fargo account you own, the money appears when ready. If you transfer from an external bank, it takes one to three business days. If you deposit cash or a check in person at a branch, it is available right away.

Can I have multiple savings accounts with Wells Fargo?

Yes. You can open as many savings accounts as you want and link them all to the same login. Some people use multiple accounts to save for different goals—one for emergencies, one for a vacation, one for a down payment, for example.

What if I want to close my savings account later?

You can close it online, by phone, or at a branch. You will need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance first. Once the account balance is zero, the representative or system will close it. There is no penalty for closing a savings account.