How to Close a Wells Fargo Bank Account in 5 Steps
December 2, 2020
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’re now ready to reach out to Wells Fargo to close your account. There are a few options:
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).
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).
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Writer Bio
Tiffany Verbeck
Tiffany Verbeck is a personal finance freelance writer and podcaster. You can find her full portfolio and the latest episodes of The Poor Me Podcast at www.tiffanyverbeck.com.