Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account review
- Fee
- $10 per month
- APY
- N/A
- Minimum deposit to open
- $25
Our verdict
An everyday checking account offering a handful of convenient features.
The Everyday Checking account is a great option for those looking to budget and manage their finances. It offers a few standard checking account features and additional perks that make it easy to access your money when you need it.
While there is a monthly maintenance fee, Wells Fargo gives several ways to avoid it through transactions, a minimum daily balance, minimum direct deposit and more. Just keep an eye out for other miscellaneous fees for common situations like replacing a lost card or having to stop a payment that can add up quickly.
Pros
-
Easy access
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Security
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Wide-ranging support
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Convenient mobile app
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Overdraft protection
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Mobile wallet
Cons
-
Opening deposit
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Monthly service fee
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Overdraft fees
-
Miscellaneous fees
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Longer processing times
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Limited branch availability
How do I open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account?
You can open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account at a branch or online through the following steps:
- Go to the provider’s site and follow the steps to apply.
- From the Wells Fargo website, hover over Banking and Cards, then click Checking Accounts.
- Scroll down to Everyday Checking and click Open Now.
- Choose between an individual or joint account and sign in if you’re already a Wells Fargo online banking customer.
- Enter your personal information, verify all details and click Continue.
- Choose your account options, fund your initial deposit and review the terms.
- Submit your application.
Eligibility
Before your application is approved, you’ll need to meet a few eligibility requirements:
- Make a minimum deposit of at least $25
- Have a valid Social Security number or tax ID
- Have a valid state-issued ID
- Have a valid US address
Required information
Throughout your application, you’ll be asked for the following information:
- Name and date of birth
- Address
- Social Security or tax ID number
- Driver’s license or other state-issued ID
- Contact information
- Employment information
What are the benefits of the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account?
- Easy access. Your debit card comes with fee-free access to over 13,000 ATMs and 5,800 branches.
- Security. Wells Fargo is one of the Big Four banks, making it a safe place to store your money.
- Wide-ranging support. Wells Fargo offers 24/7 customer service by phone.
- Convenient mobile app. Download the mobile app to send payments, deposit checks and more.
- Overdraft protection. Choose from two optional overdraft services that ensure your transactions are covered.
- Mobile wallet. Set up your mobile wallet that’s compatible with Apple, Google and Samsung pay to make purchases using your phone.
Wells Fargo ATM network and fees
This account comes with a Wells Fargo Visa debit card, allowing you to make purchases almost anywhere. Plus, you’ll get fee-free access to over 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs and 5,800 branches. However, if you use a non-Wells Fargo ATM, you could pay:
- Domestic ATM fees: $2.50 per withdrawal, transfer or inquiry — plus fees from the ATM owner.
- Foreign ATM fees: $5 per withdrawal — plus fees from the ATM owner.
What should I look out for?
- Opening deposit. This account requires a $25 minimum deposit to open.
- Monthly service fee. There’s a $10 monthly service fee, unless you can meet one of the following requirements each month:
- 10 or more debit card purchases or payments
- Qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $500
- Linking a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card
- Primary account holder is 17 to 24 years old
- Overdraft fees. You’ll be charged $35 for each debit card transaction that overdraws your account.
- Miscellaneous fees. Wells Fargo generally has higher fees than smaller institutions, so you can expect to be charged for replacing lost cards, stop payments and more.
- Longer processing times. Wells Fargo doesn’t process transactions on weekends, which could be why some customers complain about long processing times.
- Limited branch availability. Wells Fargo has no branches in HI, KY, LA, MA, ME, MO, NH, OK, RI, VT or WV.
To get the full scope on what’s available and fits your financial needs, check out our guide to checking accounts.
Case study: Adrienne’s experience – April 2019
Adrienne Fuller
Publisher
I opened a Wells Fargo student checking account in college when I moved out of the region of my neighborhood bank. When I graduated, it automatically converted into an Everyday Checking account.
- The monthly fee isn’t great for an everyday checking account, but I do have direct deposit set up, so it’s waived.
- In my younger days, I overdrew quite a bit. And though the Overdraft Protection is billed as a benefit, it’s really not when you sit down and think about it. Looking back, I would’ve rather had a transaction declined than pay a hefty overdraft fee every time I overdrew.
- I’ve also been billed for free checks before, which was annoying but easy to resolve.
- When traveling in a state without a Wells Fargo, it’s hard to find a free ATM, which is a negative for a major bank.
All in all, there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles to make this account a clear winner for me and I’d probably be just as satisfied with my local credit union or online checking with free ATM access.
Compare with other checking accounts
How much do I need to open an account?
This account requires a minimum deposit of $25, due when you open the account.
What other checking options does Wells Fargo offer?
If the Everyday Checking account isn’t right for you, Wells Fargo offers a few other checking options:
- Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking. The account is free for kids and students age 13 to 24, and it doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees, but it lacks check-writing capabilities.
- Wells Fargo Prime Checking. Ideal for customers with high balances, this checking account pays interest and has a monthly fee that’s easy to avoid.
- Wells Fargo Opportunity Checking. While you can only open this account if you don’t qualify for other Wells Fargo accounts, it can help you get back on financial track.
- Wells Fargo Portfolio Checking. This account pays bonus interest rates and offers a range of benefits and rewards — but watch out for high monthly fee.
Frequently asked questions
Checking account ratings
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
We analyze top checking accounts and rate them one to five stars based on factors that are most important to you. These factors include: monthly fees, the ease at which monthly fees can be waived, the breadth of ATM access, ATM and overdraft fees, and customer service.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking is not currently available on Finder
Have you considered SoFi Checking and Savings?
Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements, and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Members without deposit requirements will earn 0.50% APY on both savings and checking balances. Turn on automatic savings or use the Roundups feature to help you reach your savings goals faster. Get up to $2M of additional FDIC insurance through a network of participating banks.
- 0.50% APY on checking balance
- Up to 4.60% APY on savings
- $0 account or overdraft fees
- Get a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more
Your reviews
Peter Finder
Writer
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