Can you close your wells fargo account online

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If you have multiple bank accounts and you want to simplify, you might need to close some.

This article will teach you how to close your Wells Fargo bank account.

How to close a Wells Fargo deposit account

Step 1: Find a new bank account

Before you close your Wells Fargo account, you’ll want to have another bank account that you can replace it with. 

This could be one that you’ve already opened or a new account that works better for you. Either way, it’ll make the transition easier if you have an account to switch to.

Step 2: Make sure your Wells Fargo account is active

You can only close an active Wells Fargo account. 

If you haven’t used your account in a while and it’s become inactive, you can call a banker. Or try to log into your online account to see if you can activate it yourself.

Step 3: Wait for all payments to go through

Stop using your account a few weeks before you plan to close it. Wells Fargo won’t let you close an account that has any activity pending.

Also, look through your previous month’s statement to see if you have any automatic payments or subscriptions using that account. Switch them over to your new account before trying to close it.

Step 4: Check your account balance

Before you can close any Wells Fargo account, you need to make sure your balance is either positive or at zero. 

You can’t close an account with a negative balance. 

To start, log into your online account and check your balance. 

It’s a good idea to do this after all your outstanding deposits and payments go through to make sure your balance doesn’t change later.

• If your balance is zero: You are ready to close the account.
• If your balance is positive: You have two options—get your balance down to zero or request the funds via check or wire.
  • Make your balance zero: This is the easiest route. Do this by transferring any remaining money to a linked account. You may have to link your new bank account. This can take a few days, so give yourself time.
  • Request the funds: If you prefer to get your money in the form of a cashier’s check or a wire transfer after closing, you can fill out the Account Closure Request form. You have to get the document notarized and send it via snail mail, though, so it takes more effort. Plus, you may have to pay any associated fees.
• If your balance is negative: Transfer or deposit money into your Wells Fargo account to make the balance zero before trying to close. If needed, you can talk to a Wells Fargo banker to unenroll in the optional Debit Card Overdraft Services if you’re signed up.

Step 5: Contact Wells Fargo

You’re now ready to reach out to Wells Fargo to close your account. There are a few options:

• Call and talk to a representative at 1-800-869-3557.
• Head to your nearest Wells Fargo branch.
• If you’re outside of the U.S., fill out the Account Closure Request form.

Getting rid of a Wells Fargo account may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The whole process can take a couple of weeks, though, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time. 

By following our easy rundown, you’ll be well on your way to simplifying your finances.

Opinions, advice, services, or other information or content expressed or contributed here by customers, users, or others, are those of the respective author(s) or contributor(s) and do not necessarily state or reflect those of Varo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC (“Bank”). Bank is not responsible for the accuracy of any content provided by author(s) or contributor(s).

An important part of everyone’s climate journey is changing to a sustainable bank. Most traditional banks around the globe use customers’ deposits to fund carbon-intensive industries and businesses that force a heavy carbon burden on your money. 

More and more people are realizing that big banks aren’t the way to go when it comes to making the most of your money, especially when it comes to making an impactful change on the climate. More than just impact, emerging options are offering fee-free banking so that more of your money stays yours.

It’s time to cut the cord, and we’ll show you how to do it.

While it sounds like a pain, switching your bank is far easier than you might think. And by choosing one of various new digital offerings, you'll likely find that you’ll save more money and gain in other conveniences and features too! 

Before Closing Your Wells Fargo Account

There are a couple of things you should do before closing your Wells Fargo account. Don’t jump the gun by closing your Wells Fargo account too soon. Make sure you take these necessary steps so that important things don’t fall through the cracks. 

1. Open your new account at a climate-positive bank

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify your new financial institution. Whether it’s banking on climate with Atmos or supporting your local economy (credit union or community bank), there are lots of options out there to support your values. 

Once you have identified your new financial institution, open that account. Opening a bank account has gotten a lot easier than it used to be. While many credit unions may still require paper applications and joining an association of some sort, many newer digital offerings are designed for your convenience and usually enable new checking and savings accounts in just a few minutes. Look for an option with no monthly maintenance or service fees.

2. Fund your new account 

You don’t need to close your Wells Fargo account before using your new account! Funding your new account allows you to order your debit cards and start using your new account immediately.  

The important thing to remember is to leave some money in that old Wells account for a short while to keep covering those recurring bills before you transfer them over. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to cut ties completely soon enough! Unless your new financial institution has an ATM on every street corner or an ATM finder easily accessible, you may want to keep that account for easy ATM or cash deposit access until you get used to your new setup.

3. Transfer recurring bills and deposits

You probably have some recurring bills attached to your old Wells Fargo checking account or subscriptions that auto-deduct from it. Take a look at a recent Wells statement to see what subscriptions are auto-deducting and make a list. 

Once you have your list, start moving those recurring bills over to your new account. You don’t need to do this all at once if it’s a drag, or better yet, pop on a Ted Lasso in the background. Chances are you’ll be able to get through this step before the credits roll. 

Remember to make sure you have enough in your new account to cover the expenses.  

4. Move your money

Once your new account is open, you’ve started to use it as your primary source of payment and you’ve moved over all of your automatic debits and credits, it’s time to move the rest of your money. This is the last step you’ll need to take before closing that old fossil-fuel funding Wells Fargo account. 

Moving your money is easy in the new age of digital banking. You can send your account balance to your new account with an ACH. Many new digital banking options offer ACH transfers for free!

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Closing a Wells Fargo Account

Congratulations, you’re nearly there! Now that you have moved your money and have set up your recurring debits and credits in your new account, you can finally move to permanently close your Wells Fargo account. With a zero balance and no recent account activity, closing your account will be a breeze. 

Customer service representatives may try to incentivize you to keep your account open. Too little, too late, no thanks! Here are a few ways to close your account.

Closing Your Wells Fargo Account Online

If you decide to close your account online, log into your account via their online banking portal. You may need to send an email to request an account closure, and then you might have to wait for a couple of business days for a reply. When you receive the follow-up email, there should be a step-by-step guide on how to finish off the closing process. 

If you just don’t want to wait a couple of days or suffer through an automated decision tree (and we understand!), you can always close your account immediately over the phone or in a branch.

Closing Your Wells Fargo Account Over the Phone

Wells Fargo has customer service representatives working all hours every day of the week, which makes closing your account by phone an easy option. Call Well’s customer service number (1-800-742-4932) to connect with a service agent. Inform the agent that you wish to close your account with them. 

Closing your Wells Fargo Account at a Branch

If you’re feeling spicy and prefer to close your account in-person, head over to your local branch during business hours or schedule an appointment directly using their online appointment booking service. Make sure you bring a valid government-issued ID, and remember to zero out your account balance before you head in.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to close an account?

It doesn’t cost anything to close a Wells account, but it might cost you money to keep that account if they’re charging you monthly maintenance fees. You can transfer money out of your account by way of ACH. Consider a new option that offers free ACH transfers and no monthly service fees.

Will closing my Wells Fargo account affect my credit score?

Rest assured that closing a bank account will not affect your credit score in any way. 

Conclusion

Saying goodbye to big banks can be quite liberating and save you a bundle of cash. While you’re closing that account, consider using an eco-friendly banking provider that can help to reduce your carbon footprint. Atmos is building the most climate-positive banking option on the planet. With Atmos, you can maximize your positive environmental and social impact while benefiting from higher returns, rewards and leading technology.

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