Can I request a fee waiver if I don't meet the requirements?

Yes. Wells Fargo may, at their discretion, grant a one-time courtesy fee waiver if you call customer service and explain your situation.

How do I set up direct deposit to avoid fees?

Provide your employer with Wells Fargo's routing number and your account number. You can find this info on a check, in the Wells Fargo app or through online banking.

What happens if my balance temporarily drops below the minimum requirement?

As long as your balance meets the requirement by the end of the statement period, you should still qualify for the waiver. If it remains below for the full cycle, the monthly fee will apply.

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How To Avoid Wells Fargo Monthly Service Fees

January 2, 2026

5 min Read

Written by Terence Loose

Edited by Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™

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Bank fees are frustrating for customers, no matter the tax bracket, especially when they seem to chip away at your hard-earned money. If you’re banking with Wells Fargo, you may be wondering how to avoid Wells Fargo’s monthly service fees and keep your account fee-free.

The good news? There are multiple ways to waive these fees.

What Are Wells Fargo’s Monthly Fees?

Wells Fargo charges a monthly maintenance fee on several of its accounts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common:

Account	Monthly Service Fees
Everyday Checking	$15
Prime Checking	$25
Premier Checking	$35
Clear Access Banking	$5
Way2Save Savings	$5
Platinum Savings	$12

These fees may not seem like much initially, but they add up over time. The key is avoiding Wells Fargo’s monthly service fees by meeting certain waiver requirements.

How To Avoid Wells Fargo Monthly Fees

Each Wells Fargo account has different fee waiver options to help you avoid monthly charges. Here’s how you qualify:

Everyday Checking Account: $15 Fee

Avoid the fee by:

Keeping a minimum daily balance of $1,500
Receiving at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits per month
Being 17 to 24 years old
Having a combined balance of $5,000 or more in qualifying deposit and investment accounts

Prime Checking Account: $25 Fee

Avoid the fee by:

Maintaining a combined balance of at least $20,000 in Wells Fargo deposit and investment accounts

Premier Checking Account: $35 Fee

Avoid the fee by:

Keeping a combined balance of at least $250,000 across Wells Fargo deposit and investment accounts

Way2Save Savings Account: $5 Fee

Avoid the fee by:

Maintaining a $300 minimum daily balance
Setting up an automatic transfer of $25 or more from a Wells Fargo checking account
Having at least one Save As You Go transfer from a Wells Fargo checking account
Being under 24 years old

Tips for Meeting Fee Waiver Requirements

Want to avoid paying fees every month? Here are some smart strategies:

Set up direct deposits: Ensure your paycheck, Social Security or benefits are directly deposited into your account to meet waiver thresholds.
Automate savings transfers: A simple monthly transfer to your savings account waives fees and helps build your savings.
Consolidate accounts: Keeping all your banking with Wells Fargo helps you meet the combined balance requirements for fee waivers.
Track your balance: Use the Wells Fargo mobile app to monitor your account balance, so you don’t drop below the waiver minimum.

Comparing Wells Fargo to Other Banks

How does Wells Fargo compare when it comes to monthly fees? Here’s a quick comparison:

Bank	Checking Account Fee	Fee Waiver Options
Wells Fargo	$15 — Everyday Checking	Direct deposit, balance requirement, student waiver
Chase	$15* — Total Checking	Direct deposit, $1,500 daily balance
Bank of America, Member FDIC	$12 — Advantage Plus	Direct deposit, $1,500 balance, Preferred Rewards
Ally Bank	$0	No fees for a standard checking

Keep In Mind

While online banks like Ally offer fee-free checking, Wells Fargo’s advantage lies in its widespread branch network and full-service banking options.

Final Take

No one wants to waste money on avoidable banking fees. By taking a few simple steps — like setting up direct deposit, maintaining a minimum balance or linking accounts — you can avoid Wells Fargo’s monthly service fees and keep more money in your pocket.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility for a fee waiver, contact Wells Fargo or check their official website for the most up-to-date information.

FAQs About Wells Fargo Monthly Fees

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about avoiding Wells Fargo's monthly service fees.

Can I request a fee waiver if I don't meet the requirements?
- Yes. Wells Fargo may, at their discretion, grant a one-time courtesy fee waiver if you call customer service and explain your situation.
How do I set up direct deposit to avoid fees?
- Provide your employer with Wells Fargo's routing number and your account number. You can find this info on a check, in the Wells Fargo app or through online banking.
What happens if my balance temporarily drops below the minimum requirement?
- As long as your balance meets the requirement by the end of the statement period, you should still qualify for the waiver. If it remains below for the full cycle, the monthly fee will apply.

Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Jan. 2, 2026.

*Chase Total Checking has a monthly fee of $12 ($15, effective August 24, 2025) or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNow^SM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.

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