You can close a Wells Fargo account by phone, in person, or online, depending on the account type
Wells Fargo lets you close most checking and savings accounts through their customer service line at 1-800-869-3557, at any branch in person, or through your online banking portal. The fastest route is usually a phone call — you'll confirm your identity, move any remaining money out, and the account closes within a few business days. If you have a credit card, mortgage, or investment account, those close through different departments or require different steps.
Before you call or visit, move your money to another bank and update any automatic payments or direct deposits that point to your Wells Fargo account. If you leave money in the account after closing, Wells Fargo will mail it to you, which takes longer than moving it yourself. Closing an account does not hurt your credit score, but leaving it open unused can sometimes trigger inactivity fees depending on the account type.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-869-3557 during business hours to close a checking or savings account; you can also visit a branch or use online banking if your account type supports it.
- Move your money to another bank before closing, and update any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account.
- Closing a Wells Fargo account does not affect your credit score.
- If you have a credit card, mortgage, or investment account with Wells Fargo, you will need to contact the specific department that handles that product.
- After closing, keep your account statements and any confirmation number for your records in case questions arise later.
What to do before you call or visit
Check your account for any automatic payments, recurring charges, or direct deposits. Log into your online banking portal or call customer service to see what's linked to the account. Common items include payroll deposits, utility bill payments, subscription services, and insurance premiums. You'll need to update each one with your new bank's routing and account number, or cancel it if you no longer need it.
Move any remaining balance to your new bank. You can do this by transferring money online if both banks are set up for transfers, or by writing a check to yourself and depositing it at your new bank. Some people withdraw cash and deposit it directly, though that works best for smaller amounts. Do this a few days before you close the account so you're certain the transfer went through.
Gather any documents you might need: your account number, a form of ID, and any recent statements. If you're closing the account by phone, having your account number ready speeds up the call. If you're visiting a branch, bring your ID and any debit card linked to the account.
Closing a checking or savings account by phone
Call 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to close your account. They'll ask you to verify your identity — usually your Social Security number, date of birth, and account number. Have these ready before you call. The representative will confirm that your account balance is zero or ask what you want to do with any remaining funds.
If there's money left in the account, Wells Fargo can transfer it to another account you own at Wells Fargo, mail you a check, or in some cases transfer it to an external bank account. Mailing a check takes one to two weeks. The representative will give you a confirmation number — write this down and keep it with your records.
The account typically closes within one to three business days after the call. You'll receive a final statement by mail showing the closure. If you see any charges or activity after the closure date, contact Wells Fargo when ready with your confirmation number.
Closing an account in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Visit any Wells Fargo branch during business hours with your ID and debit card. Tell a teller you want to close your account. They'll verify your identity and confirm your account balance. If you have money in the account, they can give you cash on the spot, transfer it to another Wells Fargo account, or mail you a check.
The teller will print a receipt or confirmation showing the closure. Keep this document — it's your proof that you closed the account on that date. The account usually closes the same day, though it may take a business day or two to show as closed in the system.
Closing in person is useful if you want to withdraw cash when ready or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. It also means you walk out with a paper record of the closure, which some people find reassuring.
Closing through online banking
Not all Wells Fargo account types can be closed online. Checking and savings accounts sometimes offer this option through your online portal — log in, look for account settings or account management, and search for a "close account" option. The exact steps vary depending on your account type and whether Wells Fargo has updated their system recently.
If you don't see a close account option online, it means your account type requires a phone call or in-person visit. This is common for accounts with certain features or balances. Calling is usually faster than trying multiple times to find an online option that may not exist for your account.
What happens to credit cards, mortgages, and investment accounts
Closing a credit card requires contacting the credit card department, not the general customer service line. Call 1-800-869-3557 and ask to be transferred to credit card services, or look for a phone number on the back of your card. They'll close the card and discuss what happens to any remaining balance. Closing a credit card does not hurt your credit score, but it can slightly lower your credit score if it was your oldest card or if it had a high credit limit — this effect usually fades within a few months.
Mortgages and home equity lines of credit cannot be closed by phone or online. You'll need to contact your loan servicer directly or visit a branch. If you're paying off the mortgage, they'll guide you through the payoff process. If you're refinancing with another lender, that new lender usually handles the closing of your Wells Fargo loan.
Investment accounts and brokerage accounts have their own closure process. Contact the investment services department or visit a branch that handles investments. You may need to liquidate holdings before closing, which can take several business days depending on what you own.
What to do after your account closes
Keep your confirmation number and any paperwork from the closure for at least one year. If Wells Fargo ever claims you still owe money or tries to charge the account, you'll have proof that it was closed. Save your final statement as well.
Monitor your credit report for the next few months to make sure no unexpected activity appears. You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you closed a credit card, you may see a small dip in your credit score, but it usually recovers within a few months as long as you pay your other accounts on time.
If you set up automatic payments with your new bank, confirm that the first payment goes through correctly. Call the biller or log into their website to verify the payment posted. This is especially important for mortgage, insurance, or loan payments where a missed payment can have real consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Wells Fargo account hurt my credit?
Closing a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score at all. Closing a credit card may cause a small, temporary dip in your score because it lowers your total available credit, but the effect usually fades within a few months. Your payment history and overall credit usage matter much more than the number of open accounts.
What if I have a pending check or automatic payment after I close?
Checks and automatic payments can bounce if they hit after the account closes. Contact Wells Fargo before closing to find out how long they'll honor checks or payments. Some banks honor them for a short period; others do not. It's safer to wait until you're certain all pending items have cleared, or to update them with your new bank first.
Can I reopen a Wells Fargo account I closed?
Yes, you can reopen an account, but Wells Fargo may review your banking history. If you closed the account in good standing with no negative history, reopening is usually straightforward. If there were overdrafts, fees, or disputes, Wells Fargo may decline or require you to wait a certain period. Call customer service to ask about your specific situation.
How long does it take for the account to fully close?
Most Wells Fargo checking and savings accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. You'll see it marked as closed in your online portal within that timeframe. If you closed in person, it may show as closed the same day. Allow up to a week for any final statements or checks to arrive by mail.
What if Wells Fargo says I owe money after I close?
Contact Wells Fargo when ready with your closure confirmation number and ask for an explanation. If the charge is legitimate — such as an overdraft fee or a pending transaction that posted after closure — you may owe it. If it's an error, dispute it in writing and include your confirmation number. Keep all documentation of the closure and any correspondence.