How to Successfully Close Your Wells Fargo Account

There are lots of reasons you might want to close a bank account. You may have found a better deal elsewhere want to open a new one, feel dissatisfied with the bank’s services, or realize your financial needs have changed. Your bank account might have also simply outlived its usefulness. Whatever the case, there are a few steps you need to take before leaving for good.

This article explains how to close a Wells Fargo account online, by phone, and in person. Note that the process is very similar for savings, checking, or credit card accounts.

Wells Fargo Account Closure

Whether moving on to a new bank or just simplifying your finances, the closure requires careful planning.

Here are four key points to keep in mind:

Check your balance is not negative

Wells Fargo won’t let you close an overdrawn account, so you better make sure the balance is zero or positive beforehand. Transfer any remaining funds, and finish the process before any further fees are applied. The bank will continue to charge you until they receive a closure request.

Ensure the status is active

Another issue to address is ensuring that your Wells Fargo account is active. This status means it is fully functional and can be used for deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions. If yours is inactive, log in online or contact the bank in person to reactivate it before closure.

Resolve all pending transactions

Make sure you don’t have any pending deposits or other outstanding items, such as legal claims or disputes. These are essentially financial activities (purchases, transfers, or deposits) that are not yet fully processed or settled, so you won’t be able to close the account before they are resolved. Pending transactions may reduce the available balance and lead to payment failures, returned checks, or service disruptions, so you better keep them in check.

Transfer subscriptions, auto drafts, and direct deposits

Transferring linked transactions before closing is a good way to make the whole thing less stressful. Review your statement for recurring payments, such as utility bills or car payments, and move them to another account. And don’t forget about one-touch payment services and subscriptions, such as Apple Pay, Netflix, or Amazon! Also, you should mind your direct deposits, such as salary or pension, to avoid missed or bounced payments.

How Do I Close My Wells Fargo Account?

Once you’ve handled all the issues outlined above, account closure is a quick and intuitive process. There is no charge to close a Wells Fargo account, and this action will not affect your credit score* in any way.

However, you’ll likely need to find a replacement—keep in mind that opening a new card can very well influence your credit score temporarily.

How to Close a Wells Fargo Checking Account?

Checking accounts generally have operations, such as bill payments, direct deposits, and debit card purchases. Before closure, complete all pending transactions, update your automatic payment information, and transfer direct deposits. Note that Wells Fargo may charge a monthly service fee if the minimum balance or transaction requirements aren’t met. However, assuming you have no outstanding fees or negative balances, you’re unlikely to experience any issues.

If you’re looking at how to close Wells Fargo checking account, you have three options to choose from:

1. Visit a local Wells Fargo branch and complete the task in person. Be prepared to provide proof of identity, such as your Social Security number or a valid ID.
2. Call the support center at 1-800-869-3557 to request a closure.
3. Mail a request form by post. Details about this process are provided in the next section.

How to Close Wells Fargo Savings Account?

So, how to close a Wells Fargo savings account? While savings accounts typically involve fewer transactions—mainly deposits and occasional withdrawals—you still need to confirm that any pending transfers are complete. Transfer any remaining funds and ensure all fees are cleared. Once you do so, you are safe to go and delete your Wells Fargo account.

Like with checking accounts, you can do it using one of three available options: in person at a branch, by calling the support center at 1-800-869-3557, or by sending a closure request form by mail.

Can I Close My Wells Fargo Account Online?

If you want to close a Wells Fargo account online, this part is for you.

While the bank doesn’t allow purely online closures, you can close your account by mail. Fill out the Account Closure Request or Partial Withdrawal Request document and mail it to the address listed on the PDF.

Processing may take 1–3 business days, but if you’ve already zeroed out your balance, there should be no problems. If you have any questions or require assistance, call 866-990-0814.

If you prefer immediate closure, you should contact the bank by phone or at a branch.

How to Cancel a Wells Fargo Account over the Phone?

Wells Fargo customer service is available 24/7. Call the service line at 1-800-869-3557, prove your identity, and inform the agent that you want to request a closure. Follow any additional instructions they outline.

Before calling, make sure that any ongoing transactions are checked, pay off any outstanding balances, and transfer the remaining money to another account.

How to Delete a Wells Fargo Account by Visiting a Branch?

To cancel a Wells Fargo account in person, visit your local branch during business hours. You can schedule an appointment on the Wells Fargo online booking page. You can also find your local branches using the Wells Fargo locator. Just enter your location, use the filters, and click the Search button to pick the best option.

Don’t forget to bring a valid government-issued ID and make sure your balance is zeroed out beforehand.