How to Close Your Wells Fargo Savings Account

Call Wells Fargo or visit a branch to close your account

The fastest way to close a Wells Fargo savings account is to call their customer service line at 1-800-869-3557 or walk into a branch with your ID. You can also close the account online through your Wells Fargo login if you have no outstanding holds or pending transactions. Wells Fargo will ask you how you want to handle any remaining balance — they can send a check, transfer it to another bank account, or move it to a different Wells Fargo account you own.

Before you call or visit, gather your account number (on your debit card or statements) and have a forwarding address ready. If you have automatic payments or direct deposits set to this account, you will need to update those with your employer or billers first, or the transactions may fail.

There is no fee to close a Wells Fargo savings account. The account closes immediately if you do it in person or by phone, though it may take one to two business days if you close it online.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-869-3557, visit a branch in person, or log into your online account to start the closure process.
• You must redirect any automatic payments or direct deposits before closing, or those transactions will fail.
• Wells Fargo will send any remaining balance by check, transfer it to another account, or move it within Wells Fargo at your request.
• The account closes the same day if you close it by phone or in person, or within one to two business days online.
• There is no charge to close a savings account with Wells Fargo.

What to do with money still in the account

You have three options for the balance remaining in your savings account. The first is to have Wells Fargo mail you a check, which usually arrives within five to seven business days. The second is to transfer the money to another bank account you own — you will need to provide the routing number and account number of that bank. The third is to move the balance to a different Wells Fargo account, which happens immediately.

If you do not specify what to do with the balance, Wells Fargo will not close the account. The customer service representative or branch employee will ask you directly before processing the closure.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits first

Any automatic bill payments or recurring transfers set to withdraw from this savings account will fail once the account is closed. You need to update these before you close the account, not after. Log into your Wells Fargo account online and look for "Transfers" or "Bill Pay" to see what is scheduled to come out of this account.

For direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), contact your employer's payroll department or the agency sending the deposit and give them your new account number at Wells Fargo or at another bank. This change usually takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.

If you close the account before updating these, the payments will be rejected and you may face late fees from your billers or lose a paycheck temporarily. Wells Fargo cannot redirect these payments for you once the account is closed.

Closing the account online versus in person

Closing online through your Wells Fargo login is the most convenient if you have no holds on the account and no pending transactions. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for "Close Account" or "Account Services." You will answer a few questions about where to send your balance and confirm the closure. The account closes within one to two business days.

Closing in person at a Wells Fargo branch is faster if you want the account closed the same day. Bring your ID and your account number. A branch employee will verify your identity, confirm where to send your balance, and process the closure on the spot. This is also the best option if you have questions or if something unusual is attached to the account.

Closing by phone takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Call 1-800-869-3557, have your ID and account number ready, and a representative will walk you through the same steps. The account closes that day or the next business day.

What happens if the account has a hold or pending transactions

Wells Fargo may place a hold on your account if there is a dispute, a check that has not cleared, or a pending transfer. You cannot close the account while a hold is active. Contact Wells Fargo customer service to find out why the hold is there and when it will be removed. Most holds last three to five business days, though some can last longer depending on the reason.

If you have pending transactions — like a check you wrote that has not cleared yet — you need to wait for those to process before closing. Closing the account before they clear can cause the transactions to fail and create overdraft fees or bounced-check fees.

Closing a joint account

If the savings account is joint (held by two or more people), all account holders must agree to close it. You cannot close a joint account on your own. If one person wants to close it and the other does not, you have two choices: one person can remove themselves from the account, leaving the other person as sole owner, or you can contact Wells Fargo to discuss your options.

To remove yourself from a joint account without closing it entirely, visit a branch or call customer service. You will need to provide your ID and the other account holder's name. The remaining account holder keeps the account and the balance stays with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can open a new Wells Fargo savings account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-869-3557, or opening one online. There is no waiting period. However, if your account was closed due to fraud or policy violations, Wells Fargo may decline to open a new account for you.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You cannot close an account with a negative balance (overdraft). You must deposit money to bring the balance to zero or positive first. Once the balance is zero or above, you can proceed with closing. Any overdraft fees will remain your responsibility even after the account closes.

How long does it take to receive a check for my balance?

Wells Fargo mails checks within five to seven business days of closing the account. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service. If you need the money faster, ask to transfer it to another bank account instead — that usually happens within one to two business days.

Do I need to close my debit card when I close my savings account?

Not necessarily. If your debit card is linked to a checking account instead of the savings account, it will keep working. If it is linked only to the savings account you are closing, Wells Fargo will deactivate it. You can request a new debit card linked to a different account, or you can close it entirely.

What if Wells Fargo says I cannot close the account?

Wells Fargo can refuse to close an account if there is an active hold, pending transactions, or a negative balance. They can also refuse if the account is under investigation for fraud or if you have violated their account agreement. Ask the representative why the account cannot be closed and what you need to do to resolve it. If you disagree with their decision, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.