You can close a Wells Fargo account by phone, in person, or online, but the method depends on the account type and whether you want to do it when ready or by mail
Wells Fargo lets you close checking, savings, and money market accounts through three main routes: calling their customer service line, visiting a branch in person, or submitting a written request by mail. The fastest way is usually a phone call or branch visit, which can be completed the same day. If you close by mail, allow 5 to 10 business days for processing. Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to the account are moved to another bank, and that you've withdrawn or transferred your remaining balance.
You do not need a reason to close an account, and Wells Fargo will not charge you a fee to do so. However, if your account has an outstanding balance or pending transactions, the bank may hold the account open until those clear. If you have a credit card with Wells Fargo, closing a bank account does not close the card — you must handle those separately.
Key Takeaways
- Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 to close an account over the phone, or visit your local branch with a photo ID to close in person.
- Transfer or withdraw your full account balance before closing, and redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits to your new bank first.
- If you close by mail, send a signed letter requesting closure to your branch address and allow 5 to 10 business days for the bank to process it.
- Closing a bank account does not affect Wells Fargo credit cards, loans, or other products — you must close those separately if you want to.
- After closure, keep your account number and final statement for your records in case you need to dispute a charge or verify the closure later.
Close your account by phone
Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number ready, along with a photo ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The representative will ask why you're closing the account — this is optional information, and you can decline to answer. They will confirm your account balance and ask whether you want the remaining funds mailed to you as a check or transferred to another bank account.
If your account has a zero balance, the closure is usually when ready. If there is money in the account, Wells Fargo will process the transfer or mail the check within 5 to 10 business days. The representative will also ask whether you have any outstanding checks or pending transactions. If you do, the bank may keep the account open until those clear, which can take an additional 30 days or more depending on the check.
Phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or mid-week may be faster.
Close your account in person at a branch
Visit any Wells Fargo branch with a photo ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close the account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance, and ask how you want to receive any remaining funds — as a check mailed to your address, a transfer to another bank, or cash if the balance is small enough.
In-person closure is often the fastest method because the teller can answer questions about pending transactions and direct deposits on the spot. If your account has a zero balance, closure is typically final the same day. If there is money in the account, the teller will process the transfer or check request, and you should receive the funds within 5 to 10 business days.
Bring your debit card with you so the teller can deactivate it at the same time. If you've lost your card, bring your ID and account number instead. Some branches may ask you to sign a closure form, though many now handle this digitally at the teller window.
Close your account by mail
Write a letter to Wells Fargo requesting account closure. Include your full name, account number, the type of account (checking, savings, or money market), and your signature. State that you want the account closed and specify how you want remaining funds handled — mailed as a check to your address on file, or transferred to another bank (if transferring, include the routing number and account number of the receiving bank).
Mail the letter to your local Wells Fargo branch address. You can find this by searching "Wells Fargo near me" on the Wells Fargo website or calling 1-800-869-3557 to confirm the correct mailing address. Send it via regular mail or certified mail if you want proof of delivery. Allow 5 to 10 business days for the bank to receive and process the request, plus an additional 5 to 10 business days for any funds to be transferred or mailed to you.
Keep a copy of your letter for your records. If you don't hear back within two weeks, call customer service to confirm the closure was received and processed.
What to do before you close
Review your account for any automatic payments or recurring charges linked to it. These might include utility bills, subscription services, insurance premiums, or loan payments. Log into your Wells Fargo online account or call customer service to see a list of recent transactions and identify anything that repeats monthly. Update each of these services with your new bank account information before you close the old account, or they will fail and may trigger late fees or service interruptions.
Check whether you have direct deposit set up with your employer or a government agency. If you do, update your banking information with them before closing the account. Payroll and benefit deposits sent to a closed account will be returned, and it can take weeks to reissue the payment.
Withdraw or transfer your full account balance to another bank. You can transfer money online if you have another bank account set up in Wells Fargo's system, or you can withdraw cash at a Wells Fargo ATM or branch. If you're transferring to a bank outside Wells Fargo, initiate an external transfer through your new bank's website — this is often faster and more reliable than asking Wells Fargo to send the money out.
What happens after you close
Once your account is closed, you can no longer use your debit card or access the account online. Any checks you've written that haven't cleared yet will still be processed, so the bank may hold the account open for 30 to 60 days to allow outstanding checks to post. If a check arrives after the account is closed, Wells Fargo will return it unpaid, and the person who wrote it may face a returned check fee from their bank.
Keep your final account statement and note the closure date. If you later discover a charge you don't recognize or need to dispute a transaction, you'll need the account number and statement to file a claim. Wells Fargo typically keeps records for seven years, so you can contact them to request documentation even after the account is closed.
Closing a Wells Fargo bank account does not close any credit cards, loans, or investment accounts you have with the bank. If you want to close those as well, you must contact the appropriate department or visit a branch separately. Credit cards require a phone call to the card services line, and loans may require written notice depending on the type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reopen a Wells Fargo account after I close it?
Yes, you can reopen an account at any time by visiting a branch or calling customer service. However, if your account was closed due to inactivity or a negative balance, Wells Fargo may require you to pay any outstanding fees before reopening. There is no fee to reopen an account if it was closed at your request.
What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?
You must pay the negative balance before the account can be closed. This can be done by transferring money from another account, depositing cash or a check at a branch, or authorizing the bank to deduct the amount from another Wells Fargo account you own. Once the balance is paid, the closure can proceed.
Do I need to close my Wells Fargo credit card when I close my bank account?
No. Bank accounts and credit cards are separate products. Closing your checking or savings account does not close your credit card. If you want to close the card, call the Wells Fargo credit card customer service line at the number on the back of your card.
How long does it take to receive my money after I close?
If you request a check, it will be mailed within 5 to 10 business days and should arrive within another 5 to 7 business days depending on your location. If you request a transfer to another bank, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days. If you withdraw cash in person, you receive it when ready.
Will closing my account hurt my credit score?
Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit history — loans, credit cards, and payment history — not on bank accounts. You can close a checking or savings account without any impact on your credit.