An interest-bearing checking account designed for customers with high balances.
The Prime Checking account can earn you interest if you carry a balance over $0, but said rate hardly stands up to interest-bearing checking accounts from other providers. The monthly fee can also get in the way of growing your hard-earned cash if you don't qualify for it to be waived. It does come with online account management tools and overdraft protection, but that may not be enough value to balance the potential service fee, longer processing times and limited branch availability.
finder.com's rating: 2.5 / 5.0
★★★★★
With Wells Fargo Prime Checking, you’ll earn interest on your balances over $15 while you budget for everyday purchases and other expenses. Plus, you’ll have the safety and security of banking with one of the Big Four. But, watch out for fees for using your card abroad.
You can open this account online, by phone or at a branch:
Call 877-250-2239 at any time to speak with a customer service representative.
Make an appointment or visit your local branch to get started.
To open this account, you’ll need to meet a few eligibility requirements:
Regardless of how you choose to open an account, you’ll be asked for the following information:
The Wells Fargo Visa debit card allows you to make purchases almost anywhere and comes with chip technology to protect your account when you shop. You’ll get free access to over 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs and 5,800 branches. But if you choose to use a non-Wells Fargo ATM, you’ll be charged the following fees:
Before you sign up, you may want to compare your checking options to find the best account for your financial needs.
Adrian Tomkins
Senior Product Manager
I went with a Wells Fargo checking account because it was recommended by a close friend when I first arrived in the US. The process for getting started was straightforward and relatively fast.
I’ve had the account for almost a decade now and only have a couple of small grievances.
I was disappointed when I was charged a fee for a check.
I was also surprised by the high fees charged for international money transfers, but that appears to be a fairly common drawback across all banks — money transfer services are typically much better.
Overall, the account has proved satisfactory for my needs. The convenience found in the number of branches and ATMs works well for me, and I’ve always been impressed with the customer service, especially in branches.
There’s a minimum deposit of $25 to open this account.
If you want to explore other options, Wells Fargo offers several other checking accounts:
★★★★★ — 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 Prime Checking is not currently available on Finder
Have you considered BMO Smart Advantage Checking?
Earn a $400 cash bonus after $4,000 deposits in the first 120 days. Pay $0 monthly fees and no minimum balance. Access a large nationwide network of free ATMs. Member FDIC.
Peter Finder
Writer
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