What you need before you start

Wells Fargo requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number or ITIN to open a checking account. You will also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but most standard checking accounts require $25 to $100 to open. If you are opening the account online, you can fund it when ready from another bank account you control.

Have your current bank's routing and account numbers ready if you plan to transfer money electronically. If you are opening in person at a branch, you can deposit cash or a check instead. Wells Fargo will also ask for your contact information: a current address, phone number, and email.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100 to open most Wells Fargo checking accounts.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready from another bank; in-branch applications are completed on the spot.
  • Wells Fargo offers multiple checking account types with different monthly fees, minimum balances, and features — compare them before you choose.
  • Your account is typically active within one business day if you open online, or when ready if you open at a branch.

Opening an account online

Go to wellsfargo.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the checking account type you want — Wells Fargo offers the Everyday Checking, Preferred Checking, and Prime Checking accounts, each with different fee structures and balance requirements. Read the account details carefully because monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance thresholds differ.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Wells Fargo will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. This verification is when ready in most cases, but can take up to 24 hours if additional review is needed.

Link a bank account from another institution to fund your new account. Enter the routing number and account number from that bank, then choose your initial deposit amount. Wells Fargo will make two small test deposits to that account within one to two business days to confirm you own it — you will need to verify those amounts in your online banking to complete the link. Once verified, your Wells Fargo account is active and you can begin using it.

Opening an account at a Wells Fargo branch

Find your nearest branch using the branch locator on wellsfargo.com. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit in cash or check form. Walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though you may wait depending on how busy the branch is.

A Wells Fargo representative will walk you through the account options and help you choose the right checking account for your needs. They will collect your information, verify your identity on the spot, and process your initial deposit. Your account is active when ready, and you will receive a debit card and checks by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Choosing between account types

Wells Fargo's three main checking accounts differ in monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and perks. Everyday Checking has a $5 monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit. Preferred Checking costs $10 per month (waived with a $2,500 minimum balance or direct deposit) and includes higher ATM reimbursement limits and other benefits. Prime Checking is $20 per month (waived with a $15,000 minimum balance) and is designed for customers who want premium features and higher transaction limits.

If you cannot maintain a minimum balance, direct deposit is the easiest way to waive the monthly fee on Everyday or Preferred Checking. Direct deposit means your paycheck or government benefits are deposited automatically into your account each pay period. If you do not have direct deposit and cannot maintain the minimum balance, you will pay the monthly fee unless you meet other waiver criteria — check the account details page for the full list.

What happens after you open your account

Your account number and routing number are available when ready in your online banking portal or mobile app, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can use these numbers to set up direct deposit, transfer money, or pay bills right away. Your debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days; checks take 10 to 14 business days.

You can request a temporary debit card at the branch if you opened in person and need one when ready. If you opened online, you can order a replacement card through your online banking portal and choose expedited delivery for a fee, or wait for standard delivery at no charge.

Identity verification and potential delays

Wells Fargo uses automated systems to verify your identity during the online process process. In most cases, verification is when ready and your account opens the same day. If the system cannot verify you automatically — because your name does not match records exactly, your address is new, or your credit history is limited — Wells Fargo will contact you by phone or email to complete verification manually.

This manual review usually takes 24 hours but can take up to 5 business days in complex cases. Wells Fargo may ask you to provide additional documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement to confirm your address. If you are opening in person at a branch, the representative can often resolve verification issues on the spot.

Funding your account and getting started

If you opened online, your account is funded through the transfer you set up from another bank. That transfer typically clears within one to two business days. You can also deposit checks using the Wells Fargo mobile app — take a photo of the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. Mobile check deposits usually clear within one business day.

Once your account is open and funded, you can set up bill pay through your online banking portal, transfer money to other accounts, or use your debit card at any Wells Fargo ATM or merchant. If you need cash before your debit card arrives, you can withdraw from any Wells Fargo branch using your account number and ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Wells Fargo checking account if I have had banking problems before?

Wells Fargo checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, during the process process. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or other negative history, your process may be denied. If you are denied, you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what caused the denial and dispute any errors.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and initial deposit. The process process is the same, though verification may take longer because Wells Fargo has fewer records to check against.

Do I need to have money in the account to keep it open?

No, but you will pay a monthly maintenance fee if your balance falls below the minimum required for your account type, unless you have direct deposit or meet other fee waiver criteria. You can keep the account open with a zero balance and pay the monthly fee, or close it anytime without penalty.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you opened at a branch, you can request a temporary card when ready. If you opened online, you can order expedited delivery through your online banking portal for a fee, which typically arrives within 2 to 3 business days.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person at a branch, or both must complete the online process together. Each person needs their own photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN. Both names appear on the account and both have full access to the funds.