How To Open a Wells Fargo Account: Step-by-Step Guide

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With over 5,000 branches and 11,000 ATMs, Wells Fargo locations are a common sight for Americans nationwide. And with products offering competitive fees and a wide range of accounts to choose from, it can be an attractive option despite its relatively low interest rates.

Opening a Wells Fargo account is simple, and you can do it yourself online or in person at a local branch.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Open a Wells Fargo Account

Here are a few simple steps you’ll need to follow to open a Wells Fargo account.

1. Gather Required Personal Information

Collect all the information Wells Fargo needs to properly identify you and remain compliant with banking laws:

• Valid identification — driver’s license, state ID or other government-issued ID
• Social Security number or tax ID number
• Contact information including your name, address, email address and phone number
• Money or funding account information for your opening deposit

Note that you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to open most Wells Fargo accounts online.

Good To Know

If you’re opening a joint account, you’ll likely need to apply in person at a Wells Fargo branch. You can also visit a nearby location to speak directly with a banker if you have questions or need help.

2. Choose a Wells Fargo Account

Wells Fargo currently has four checking accounts and two savings accounts — each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Read on to learn about all of Wells Fargo’s account options and decide which is best for you.

3. Fill Out the Online Application or Apply in Person

Wells Fargo makes it fast and easy to open a bank account online. Gather the required personal information and the $25 opening deposit. You’ll be asked a few questions, such as whether you are a current customer and whether you want a joint or individual account.

From there, you can choose the account you’d like to apply for and complete the application.

4. Fund the Account

If your account application is approved, it’s time to fund the account. You’ll need to make an opening deposit of at least $25.

Once funded, you can start using your account regularly.

How To Fund Your New Wells Fargo Account

You can add money to your new account using any of the following methods:

• Transfer from another bank if you have an existing account
• Deposit a check, either through mobile deposit or at a branch
• Set up direct deposit from your paycheck
• Deposit cash at a Wells Fargo ATM or branch location

Understanding Wells Fargo Account Options

Here’s an overview of the different account options at Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo Checking Account Options

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking

• Monthly fees: $10, waived when you meet account requirements
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

This account includes features such as the Wells Fargo mobile app, a debit card and alerts.

There is a $10 monthly service fee, but there are ways to avoid it, such as by maintaining a $500 daily minimum balance or receiving $500 in direct deposits. The fee is also waived for account holders ages 17 to 24.

If you open an account by July 8, 2025, and receive at least $1,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days, you’ll receive a $325 bonus.

Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking

• Monthly fees: $5, waived when you meet account requirements
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

This account is designed for those new to banking or customers seeking a second-chance banking opportunity.

It comes with a $5 monthly fee, which can be waived for account holders ages 13 to 24, those with a Campus ATM card or those with a qualifying monthly military direct deposit.

If you open this account by July 8, 2025, you can earn a $125 bonus when you make at least 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days.

Wells Fargo Prime Checking

• Monthly fees: $25, waived when you meet account requirements
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

Prime Checking pays interest on your balance and offers free cashier’s checks.

It comes with a $25 monthly service fee, but you can avoid this by maintaining a $20,000 minimum balance.

Wells Fargo Premier Checking

• Monthly fees: $35, waived if you meet large balance requirements
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

This checking account is an interest-bearing option with an APY of .

It comes with a $35 monthly fee, which you can waive if you have more than $250,000 in statement-ending qualifying balances across your linked accounts, including some Wells Fargo investment accounts.

Many other fees are waived, including no-fee cashier’s checks and money orders.

Wells Fargo Savings Accounts

Way2Save® Savings

• Monthly service fee: $5, waivable if you maintain at least a $300 daily balance or $25 or more in automatic transfers from a Wells Fargo checking account
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

You can use this account to automate your savings. There’s also Overdraft Protection if you’ve linked your checking account.

Platinum Savings

• Monthly service fee: $12, waivable if you maintain at least a $3,500 daily balance
• Minimum opening deposit: $25

Wells Fargo’s Platinum Savings account offers relationship rates when linked to an eligible checking account.

Wells Fargo CD Options

Standard Fixed Rate CDs

• Term lengths: 3 months, 6 months and 1 year
• Highest APY: Up to

Lock in a fixed interest rate, with options as short as 3 months.

Special Fixed Rate CDs

• Term lengths: 4 months, 7 months and 11 months
• Highest APY: on the 4-month CD

Earn a higher rate on select promotional terms — available for a limited time.

Why Open a Wells Fargo Account?

Wells Fargo offers a range of account options, including checking, savings and CDs, along with convenient access to thousands of branches and ATMs. With mobile and online banking, you can easily manage your money, pay bills, set budgets and transfer funds — all from your phone or computer.

To get the most out of your account, take advantage of features like automated savings tools and competitive CD rates to kickstart your savings journey. Some new accounts may also qualify for limited-time bonuses or rewards.

Final Take: Is Wells Fargo the Bank for You?

Wells Fargo has a range of products available — including four checking accounts and two savings accounts — for all types of customers. No matter which one you choose, you can open it online or at a Wells Fargo branch near you with the required personal information and a $25 opening deposit.

Once you open your account, you’ll be subject to monthly maintenance fees, but Wells Fargo will waive those fees if you meet specific requirements.

When considering Wells Fargo for interest-bearing accounts, keep in mind that it has lower interest rates than some other banks. If the low interest is acceptable to you, Wells Fargo may be a great option.

More on Wells Fargo

• Wells Fargo Bank Review
• Wells Fargo Promotions
• Wells Fargo Savings Account Interest Rates
• Wells Fargo Fees
• Wells Fargo ATM Withdrawal and Deposit Limits

Sarah Sharkey contributed to the reporting for this article.

Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of June 20, 2025.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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