Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account

A regular checking with:

  • several options to avoid the monthly fee,
  • free Visa Platinum and access to 13,000 ATMs,
  • spending and budgeting tools.

securely on the bank's website

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account might be your solution if you're looking for a regular checking account that features nothing more but what you need for daily banking. No particular perks, no interest. Just digital banking tools, a free Visa debit card, and free access to Wells Fargo ATMs.

That said, this checking account comes with a waivable $25 monthly fee, which you can easily avoid by meeting certain minimum balance requirements. If you're a student between 17 and 24, then you'll pay no monthly service fees whatsoever.

With the Well Fargo Mobile Banking app, you'll be able to bank on the go, using your mobile device to access and manage your Everyday Checking, so you're always in control of your money. If you want to better monitor your account, you can set up account alerts to help you protect your account and watch your spending. You can also use the app to transfer money, pay bills, and make mobile check deposits.

Using your Visa Platinum Debit card, you'll be able to withdraw funds from around 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs free of charge, but do note that out-of-network ATM fees, as well as foreign transaction fees apply. To avoid those, there's the Wells Fargo ATM locator you can use to find a fee-free ATM in your area. While overseas, you might want to use another debit or credit card altogether.

That said, you should know it's completely safe to use your Wells Fargo Platinum debit card anywhere Visa is accepted. With Zero Liability Protection, you're fully protected against unauthorized transactions - but do remember to report them as soon as you notice suspicious activities. Thanks to Wells Fargo's 24/7 fraud monitoring, the bank will act quickly in case of unusual account activity. Besides, there are also the abovementioned account and card alerts, which you can customize for an extra layer of security, as you'll receive instant notifications as soon as something you want to be informed of has happened. You can also use Wells Fargo Control Tower to lock your card if it's been lost or stolen. The Control Tower is quite a useful tool for overall account management.

Finally, with the bank's 24/7 customer support, available for you to reach out whenever you need, whether you're a first-time banker with account management or personal finance questions or just need some help with your Everyday Checking.

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking is quite a solid checking account offer, assuming you can meet the monthly fee waiver requirements. With so many attractive free checking account solutions, we think it might be pointless to pay a monthly service fee. But, it's up to you to decide with which bank you want to do business with - and Wells Fargo should definitely be one of your options.

Checking account details

Checking account fees

  • Monthly Fee
    $10 (can be waived)
  • APY
    0.00%
  • Minimum Deposit to Open
    $25
  • Out-of-Network ATM Transaction Fee
    $2.50
  • Out-of-Network ATM Withdrawal Fee
    $2.50
  • Overdraft Fee
    $35
  • Non-Sufficient Funds Fee
    $35
  • Foreign Transaction Fee
    3%

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account FAQ

1. What do I need to open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account?

To open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, you need to prepare your Social Security Number or ITIN, as well as valid ID. You'll also need to make a $25 opening deposit.

2. How can I open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking?

You can apply online for the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, and you can also call 1-877-250-2239.

3. How can I open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking if I'm under 18?

If you're under 18, you need to visit your local Wells Fargo branch to open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking. You'll need to get your ID, SSN, as well as certificate of enrollment ready to prove you're a student. You'll also need a way to fund your account ($25 minimum opening deposit).

We assume you'll also need someone to accompany you, whether it be your parent or legal guardian. You can contact a Wells Fargo banker for more information at 1-866-370-2264.

4. What is a qualifying direct deposit?

In order to avoid the monthly fee on the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, one of your options is to have a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more made to your Everyday Checking account each month. It can be a salary, pension, social security or any other form of income deposited through the ACH network by your employer or an outside agency. You can't transfer those funds from another bank account of yours, it must be a third-party-made deposit.

5. What overdraft services does Wells Fargo provide?

If you're considering getting overdraft protection, then you should know Wells Fargo offers the following overdraft services:

  1. Overdraft Protection Transfer or Advance Fee: if you enroll, you can have another account(s) linked to your Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, so, in case you don't have enough money in your checking account, Wells Fargo will automatically transfer the required amount from your linked account, for a $12.50 fee per transfer. If you're in the Wells Fargo Campus Card program, this fee is waived if the account linked is a Wells Fargo savings account.
  2. Debit Card Overdraft Service: You can choose how your ATM and everyday debit card transactions are processed in case of insufficient funds. If you enroll in this service, ATM and everyday (one-time) debit card transactions may be approved, but you'd still be charged a fee, unless you fund your account in a timely manner.
6. Should I get overdraft protection?

We advise against adding overdraft protection services, because, while less significant, there are still applicable fees. The best way to control your budget is to set up balance and card alerts, so you always know how much money you've got in your Wells Fargo Everyday Checking balance. If necessary, you can transfer funds from another account yourself, to ensure not having your transactions declined or checks returned. This way, you'll avoid overdraft and NSF fees altogether, but also learn how to better organize your spending and manage your budget.

7. What is Wells Fargo Control Tower?

Control Tower is a tool you can use to access, manage, and monitor your Wells Fargo cards and account information. 

Once signed in, you'll be able to turn your Wells Fargo cards on and off, which is a useful feature if you lose your card, for example. You can also control which transactions are to be prohibited, such as transactions made outside the U.S. Having a list of all the merchants you've paid within the last 12 months can also be helpful if you change your debit card, and would like to update some merchants with your new card information to ensure automatic/recurring payments with your Wells Fargo card are executed alright.

Finally, you can choose which data are to be shared with third-party financial service businesses, such as Intuit or Xero.

8. What kind of Wells Fargo debit card alerts can I sign up for?

Wells Fargo lets you set up various debit card alerts, so you're always in control of your debit card usage, as well as your spending:

1. Purchase alerts:

  • when a purchase made with your Wells Fargo debit card exceeds an amount you set,
  • when a purchase made online, by phone or mail with your Wells Fargo debit card exceeds an amount you set,
  • when a purchase made with a merchant based outside the U.S. exceeds an amount you set.

2. ATM activity alerts:

  • when an ATM withdrawal made within the U.S. exceeds an amount you set,
  • when an ATM withdrawal made outside the U.S. exceeds an amount you set.

3. Debit card declined:

  • when your Wells Fargo debit card is declined (due to insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN, an exceeded daily dollar limit or a blocked card).

These alerts are easy to set up. All you need to do is to sign in to your Wells Fargo Online account to access "Manage Alerts". You can choose to be notified by email, text or push notifications.

9. Does Wells Fargo have a daily spending limit?

Yes, the Platinum Debit Card you get when you open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking has a daily limit on both purchases and cash withdrawals you can make using the card. You can see your Platinum Debit Card daily limits in your Wells Fargo Online account. Once signed in, click "Open Card Details", and you'll find the information under "Limits for This Card". You can also call the number on the back of your card or account statement, check debit card disclosure materials you received with your card or by visiting your local Well Fargo branch.

10. Do all students who open a Wells Fargo Everyday Checking get a campus card?

The Wells Fargo Campus ATM and Campus Debit cards are available if your school is participating in the Wells Fargo Campus Card Program. You can check that here.

The Wells Fargo Campus ATM card is actually issued by your school - it's a student ID that serves as your official campus ID card, and can be used as an ATM card (for cash withdrawals and PIN purchases).

The Wells Fargo Campus Affinity Debit card is a Visa debit card you can use to access ATMs and make purchases, but there's no campus-access feature with this card. It's an optional, Wells Fargo-issued debit card, available to students, faculty, and staff. You can also link it to your Wells Fargo Everyday Checking.

Learn more about the Wells Fargo Campus Card Program.

Check Out Other Products From Wells Fargo
Bank Monthly Service Charge Minimum Deposit to Open APY
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account $10 (can be waived) $25 0.00%
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking Account $5* $25 0.00%
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