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Chase vs. Wells Fargo
Compare the pros and cons of two of the country’s biggest banks to find out which one is best for you.
Chase and Wells Fargo are two of the Big Four US banks and are among some of the most popular banks in the industry. They both offer a wide array of banking products but there are a few differences that could make or break your decision on who to bank with.
Pros and cons of Chase vs. Wells Fargo
Chase
Pros
- More ATMs. Chase has a network of over 15,000 ATMs, the largest of the Big Four banks.
- Branches in more states. Chase has branches across 38 states, compared to Wells Fargo’s presence across 36 states.
- Signup bonuses. Chase offers signup bonuses on its checking and savings accounts.
- Lower opening deposits on CDs. You’ll only need $1,000 to open a CD at Chase compared to $2,500 at Wells Fargo
Cons
- Slightly lower rates. While both banks have very low interest rates, Chase’s are slightly lower than Wells Fargo’s.
- Higher monthly fees. Monthly fees on Chase’s checking and savings accounts are higher than Wells Fargo’s.
Wells Fargo
Pros
- More branches. Wells Fargo has over 5,400 branches, edging out Chase’s network of roughly 5,000 branches.
- Higher rates. Wells Fargo’s Platinum savings account is slightly higher than Chase’s savings account.
- Lower monthly fees. Wells Fargo’s checking and savings accounts generally have lower monthly fees than Chase’s.
Cons
- Fewer ATMs. Wells Fargo only has 13,000 ATMs compared to Chase’s 16,000.
- In fewer states. Wells Fargo currently has branches in 36 states, which is shy of Chase’s presence in 38 states.
- Higher CD opening deposits. You’ll need to deposit at least $2,500 to open a Standard CD.
- Fewer opening bonuses. You won’t find as many signup bonuses as you would with Chase.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo savings accounts
Chase’s two savings accounts only pay 0.01% APY, or up to 0.11% with a balance of at least $250,000. Wells Fargo on the other hand, has three accounts that pay 0.01% to 0.05%, but up to 2.15% APY on the Platinum Savings account with a balance of $25,000 or more.
Winner: Wells Fargo
Chase vs. Wells Fargo checking accounts
Both banks offer three checking accounts but Wells Fargo comes out ahead due to its options for teens and customers who don’t qualify for standard accounts.
Winner: Wells Fargo
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What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches over 300 checking accounts from hundreds of financial institutions. It takes into account the product's monthly fees, overdraft fees, opening deposit, customer support options, ATM network and features — this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, Finder’s banking experts analyze hundreds of checking accounts against what we consider is the best option: no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, a large ATM network of 50,000 or more, additional features outside of typical banking services, and the optional perk of earning interest. Accounts that are nearly free to maintain and use are scored the highest, while accounts with costly fees and few features are scored the lowest.
Chase vs. Wells Fargo business checking accounts
Both banks offer several business checking accounts but Wells Fargo is the clear winner due to its lower monthly fees and higher transaction limits. For example, a large businesses that has up to 500 transactions a month can expect to pay a $40 monthly fee with Wells Fargo versus a $95 monthly fee with Chase.
Winner: Wells Fargo
Chase vs. Wells Fargo CDs
Both banks offer multiple business checking accounts, but Chase’s rates are slightly higher than Wells Fargo’s.
Winner: Chase
Chase vs. Wells Fargo other products
Both banks offer similar banking products but Wells Fargo has a broader range of account options. Here’s what you can expect to find at each institution:
Chase
- Personal, car and student loans
- Home loans and refinancing
- Credit cards and reloadable cards
- IRAs
- Small business and commercial banking
- Brokerage accounts
- Student and military banking
- You Invest
- Chase Private Client
Wells Fargo
- Personal, car and student loans
- Home loans and refinancing
- Credit and reloadable cards
- IRAs and 401(k) plans
- Small business and commercial banking
- Brokerage accounts
- Student and military banking
- 529 and college savings
- Foreign exchange
- Financial advising
Chase vs. Wells Fargo branches and ATMs
Both banks have customer service that’s available seven days a week, but Wells Fargo’s is available 24/7.
| Chase | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Branches | More than 4,700 | Roughly 5,400 |
| ATMs | More than 15,000 | 13,000 |
| Customer service |
|
|
Chase vs. Wells Fargo special features
Despite these banks’ similar size and account offerings, each option has a few features that make them stand out:
| Chase |
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| Wells Fargo |
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Winner: Chase
Bottom line
Chase and Wells Fargo are two of the biggest names in the banking industry, both with decades of history and millions of customers. While products are similar from both institutions, Wells Fargo’s rates are better on most products, while Chase has more opening account bonuses. Compare your options from both banks.
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