The basic steps to close a Wells Fargo account

You can close a Wells Fargo checking or savings account by phone, in person at a branch, or online through Wells Fargo's website. The fastest method is usually a phone call to the number on the back of your debit card or on your statement — you'll reach a representative who can walk you through the process in about 10 minutes. If you prefer to do it in person, bring a photo ID to any Wells Fargo branch and ask to speak with an account representative.

Before you close the account, make sure you've moved any automatic payments or direct deposits to another bank. Wells Fargo will not automatically redirect these, and missing a payment or paycheck deposit can create problems with your other accounts or employers. Check your recent statements to see what transactions are set to come through, then contact those companies or your employer to update your banking information.

You'll also want to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. Wells Fargo will not charge you to close an account, but they won't hold your money after closure either. If you have a small balance left, ask the representative whether they can issue a check or transfer it to another account during the call.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on your debit card or statement to close your account by phone, which typically takes about 10 minutes.
  • Stop or redirect any automatic payments and direct deposits before closing, because Wells Fargo will not forward these to your new bank.
  • Withdraw or transfer your remaining balance before the account closes, or ask the representative to issue a check.
  • Bring a photo ID if you close the account in person at a branch.
  • There is no fee to close a Wells Fargo account.

What to do with automatic payments before you close

Automatic payments are the biggest reason people run into trouble after closing an account. If you have a bill set to pay from that account — a credit card, loan, utility, insurance premium, or subscription — and you don't move it, the payment will fail. This can trigger late fees, damage your credit score, or cause your service to be interrupted.

Log into your Wells Fargo account online or by phone and look at the last two months of statements. Write down every company that has taken money from your account. Then contact each one directly — call the customer service number on your bill or log into their website — and update your payment method to your new bank account. Most companies let you change this in seconds online. Do this before you call Wells Fargo to close the account, not after.

The same applies to direct deposits. If your paycheck, Social Security, or any other regular deposit goes to this account, contact your employer or the agency that sends the money and provide your new account number and routing number. Your new bank will give you both of these when you open the account there.

Closing the account by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Wells Fargo debit card or on your most recent statement. You can also call 1-800-869-3557, which is Wells Fargo's main customer service line. Tell the representative you want to close your account and have your account number ready — it's on your checks or statement.

The representative will ask you why you're closing the account. You don't have to give a detailed reason, but Wells Fargo sometimes offers to keep you as a customer by waiving fees or offering other incentives. If you've decided to leave, you can straightforward say you're moving your banking elsewhere. They may also ask whether you have any outstanding checks or pending transactions — tell them yes or no based on what you know.

Before you hang up, confirm that the account is closed and ask whether they will mail you a final statement. Some accounts close when ready; others take a few business days. Ask the representative to note in your file that you've closed the account so there's no confusion if a payment tries to go through after the call.

Closing the account in person at a branch

Walk into any Wells Fargo branch with a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell a teller or account representative that you want to close your account. They'll pull up your account, confirm your identity, and ask the same questions a phone representative would ask.

Bring your debit card with you if you have it, though it's not required. If you have a balance in the account, ask whether they can transfer it to another account you provide, issue a check on the spot, or mail you a check. Many branches can do this when ready. If you have checks still in use from this account, ask what happens to them — Wells Fargo will typically tell you to stop using them, and any that are deposited after closure may be rejected.

Ask for written confirmation that the account is closed. Some branches will print this for you right away; others will mail it. Having this in writing protects you if a payment tries to process after closure and you need to dispute it with another company.

Closing the account online

Log into your Wells Fargo account at wellsfargo.com. Go to the settings or account management section — this is usually found under "Profile" or "Account Settings" at the top right of the page. Look for an option that says "Close Account" or "Manage Accounts." Wells Fargo's website layout changes periodically, so if you can't find it, use the search function and type "close account."

The online process will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask why you're closing. You'll be asked to confirm that you've moved any automatic payments and that your balance is zero or that you want a check mailed to you. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number — save this or take a screenshot.

Online closure can take longer to process than a phone call or in-person visit. Wells Fargo may take several business days to finalize the closure, and you should receive a confirmation email or letter. If you don't hear back within a week, call customer service to confirm the account is actually closed.

What happens to your debit card and checks

Your Wells Fargo debit card will stop working as soon as the account closes, usually within a few hours if you close by phone or in person, or within a few business days if you close online. You don't need to do anything to the card — you can throw it away or cut it up. Wells Fargo will not reactivate it.

Any checks you've written from this account that haven't been cashed yet will bounce if they're deposited after closure. If you've written checks that are still out there, contact the people or companies you wrote them to and let them know the account is closing. Provide them with your new account information so they can redeposit or you can pay them another way. If a check does bounce, the person who received it may charge you a returned check fee, and you'll be responsible for paying them the amount owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Wells Fargo account hurt my credit score?

Closing a checking or savings account does not directly affect your credit score because these accounts don't appear on your credit report. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees when you close, and Wells Fargo sends that debt to a collection agency, that can damage your credit. Make sure your account balance is zero and you've paid any fees before closing.

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

Yes, you can open a new Wells Fargo account at any time. However, if you closed the account because of a problem — such as overdraft fees or poor service — those issues may still exist with a new account. Some people find it helpful to try a different bank instead.

What if I have a pending transaction when I close?

Tell the representative about any pending transactions before you close. They may ask you to wait for those to clear first, or they may close the account and let the transactions process against a closed account, which could result in overdraft fees. It's safest to wait until all pending transactions have cleared before closing.

Do I need to close my Wells Fargo credit card too?

Closing a credit card is separate from closing a checking or savings account. If you want to close a Wells Fargo credit card, you'll need to call the credit card customer service number on the back of the card or on your statement. Pay off the balance first, then call to close it.

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

If you close by phone or in person, the account usually closes within a few hours to one business day. If you close online, it may take three to five business days. You'll receive confirmation by email or mail once the closure is complete.