The basic steps to close your Wells Fargo account

You can close a Wells Fargo account by phone, in person at a branch, or by mail. The fastest method is calling Wells Fargo's customer service at 1-800-869-3557 and asking to speak with someone who handles account closures. Have your account number ready. They will ask why you are closing, confirm your identity, and walk you through what happens to any remaining balance or pending transactions.

If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Wells Fargo branch with a photo ID and your account number. A banker can process the closure on the spot. For mail, send a written request to the address on your account statement, include your account number and signature, and keep a copy for your records.

Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to that account are moved to another bank account. Wells Fargo will not process payments or deposits after the account closes, and this can cause missed bills or lost paychecks.

Key Takeaways

  • You can close a Wells Fargo account by calling 1-800-869-3557, visiting a branch in person, or sending a written request by mail.
  • Redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits to another account before closing, or they will fail after the account closes.
  • Wells Fargo will mail you any remaining balance as a check within 5 to 7 business days after closure.
  • If you have pending transactions or holds on the account, the closure may be delayed until those clear.

What happens to money still in the account

Any balance remaining in your account at the time of closure will be mailed to you as a check. Wells Fargo typically sends this check within 5 to 7 business days after the account officially closes. The check will be sent to the address on file for your account.

If you want the money transferred to another bank account instead of receiving a check, ask the representative handling your closure whether Wells Fargo can do a direct transfer. Some branches will do this on the spot if you provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there.

Timing: when the account actually closes

The account does not close when ready when you request it. Wells Fargo holds the account open for a few business days to allow any pending transactions to clear. This includes checks you wrote that have not yet been processed, automatic bill payments scheduled to go out, and deposits that are still being verified.

If there are holds on the account — for example, because of a dispute or a pending charge — the closure will be delayed until those holds are removed. The representative who processes your request will tell you the expected closure date.

Closing a joint account

If the account is held jointly with another person, both account holders must request the closure, or the other person must give written permission. Wells Fargo will not close a joint account based on one person's request alone. If you and the other account holder disagree about closing, you may need to contact Wells Fargo's dispute resolution process or speak with a manager at your branch.

When a joint account closes, any remaining balance is typically split equally between the two account holders unless you specify otherwise. Confirm with Wells Fargo how they will divide the funds before you proceed.

Closing accounts online or through the mobile app

Wells Fargo does not currently offer account closure through its website or mobile app. You must close the account by phone, in person, or by mail. If you see an option to close an account online, it may be a phishing scam — do not click it or enter your information.

If you are trying to close the account and cannot reach customer service by phone, visiting a branch in person is the most direct way to complete the closure without delay.

Closing a savings account versus a checking account

The process is the same whether you are closing a savings account, checking account, or money market account. You use the same phone number, provide the same information, and receive any remaining balance the same way. The main difference is that some people close savings accounts because they are not using them, while checking accounts often have automatic payments attached that need to be redirected first.

If you have multiple accounts at Wells Fargo and only want to close one, make sure you tell the representative which specific account to close. Provide the account number to avoid confusion.

What to do if you have an outstanding balance or owe money

If your account is overdrawn or you owe Wells Fargo money, the bank may not close the account until the debt is paid. You will need to bring the account to a positive balance or settle the debt before closure can be completed. If you cannot pay the full amount, ask whether Wells Fargo will set up a payment plan.

Closing an account does not erase a debt you owe. If you leave money owed to Wells Fargo, they can pursue collection or report it to credit bureaus. It is better to resolve the issue before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Wells Fargo account hurt my credit score?

Closing a deposit account (checking or savings) does not directly affect your credit score because deposit accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you close a credit card account, that can affect your score by changing your credit utilization ratio. Closing a deposit account is separate from closing a credit card.

Can I reopen a Wells Fargo account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new account at Wells Fargo after closing one. However, if your account was closed due to fraud, suspicious activity, or repeated overdrafts, Wells Fargo may deny your request to open a new account. If you closed the account in good standing, you should be able to open a new one without issue.

What if I have checks that haven't cleared yet?

Tell Wells Fargo about any outstanding checks before you close the account. The bank will hold the account open long enough for those checks to clear. If a check arrives after the account closes, Wells Fargo will return it unpaid, and the person who wrote the check may face overdraft fees or other consequences.

Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close your account by phone or mail from anywhere, and you can visit any Wells Fargo branch nationwide to close it in person. You do not need to go back to the branch where you originally opened the account.

How long does it take to close a Wells Fargo account?

If you call or visit in person, the request is processed when ready, but the account remains open for 3 to 5 business days while pending transactions clear. If you send a written request by mail, add 5 to 10 business days for Wells Fargo to receive and process it. The total time from request to final closure is usually 1 to 2 weeks.