Wells Fargo checking accounts

Wells Fargo has four main checking account options. Each account has a minimum deposit requirement and a monthly fee, though in certain circumstances, the monthly fee is waived:

Note: The annual percentage yield (APY) shown is as of Dec. 13 and may vary by region.

Here are more details about Wells Fargo’s checking accounts.

• Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
• Wells Fargo Everyday Checking
• Wells Fargo Prime Checking
• Wells Fargo Premier Checking

Clear Access Banking is a checkless account. Payments and purchases are made with a contactless debit card or digital wallet.

Clear Access Banking is a good fit for teens and college students, since the account requires no minimum balance and automatically waives monthly service fees for those ages 13-24 years old. Minors 13 to 16 must have an adult co-owner on the account.

The Clear Access Banking account is also a second chance for customers who can’t qualify to open a standard bank account because of a spotty banking or credit history. Customers can convert the account to another type of Wells Fargo checking account after 365 days.

The minimum opening deposit is $25. With the account, customers have access to Wells Fargo Mobile app, a debit card with chip technology, budgeting, cash flow and spending tools, online bill pay and 24/7 customer service. Account holders also have access to the Zelle peer-to-peer payment platform.

There are no overdraft protection options for this account.

Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking fees

The Clear Access Banking account has a $5 monthly service fee unless the primary account owner is 13-24 years old or has a campus debit or ATM card linked to the account. The fee is also waived for those who receive a qualifying monthly military direct deposit.

Out-of-network ATM fees for transfers, withdrawals and balance inquiries in the U.S. are $3 per transaction. Withdrawals outside of the U.S. have a $5 fee from Wells Fargo, and the other bank might charge a fee also.

There’s also a 3 percent fee on international debit card purchases when the network converts the amount into U.S. dollars.

No fees are charged for stop payments or returned deposited items, and overdraft services are not available for the account.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking is the bank’s most popular account for day-to-day banking. It offers check writing, overdraft protection and 24/7 fraud monitoring, as well as convenient features like the Wells Fargo Mobile app, which can be used to pay bills, deposit checks, send and receive money with Zelle, set up account alerts and more.

Everyday Checking accounts, like all Wells Fargo personal checking accounts, include zero-liability protection for any unauthorized card transactions that are promptly reported.

The Everyday Checking account differs from Clear Access Banking in that it comes with checks as well as overdraft protection with linked backup accounts. Account holders can set up the optional Overdraft Protection to avoid decline transactions and overdrafts. There is a $25 minimum deposit to open the account.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking fees

The Everyday Checking account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee, which can be avoided if the primary account holder is 17-24 years old or by:

• Maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance
• Making at least $500 in qualifying direct deposits a month
• Linking the account to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM card or Campus Debit card (for college students)
• Receiving a qualifying monthly military direct deposit.

Some other fees an Everyday Checking account holder might incur:

• Overdrafts (if no accounts linked to cover transaction), $35
• ATM fee, $3 for every cash withdrawal from a non-Wells Fargo ATM in the U.S.

You’ll only need $25 to open a Wells Fargo Prime checking account, but you’ll need at least a $20,000 total balance in qualifying accounts at Wells Fargo to avoid the $25 monthly maintenance fee.

Savings accounts, CDs, checking accounts and balances in a Wells Fargo Advisors investment account are some eligible accounts.

Wells Fargo won’t charge you for using an out-of-network ATM with this account. It also will reimburse one fee charged by another bank (per fee period) for using an out-of-network ATM in the U.S. and one internationally.

You’ll earn a little interest with the Prime Checking account, regardless of how much you deposit since all balances earn the same yield.

You may qualify for a lower lending rate by having this account and making automatic payments through it.

Wells Fargo Prime Checking fees

Here are some fees a Prime Checking account holder might incur:

• A 3 percent fee for each purchase made in a foreign currency
• Up to $40 fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers
• A $35 overdraft fee

You can open a Premier Checking account with only $25. But you’ll need to have at least a total of $250,000 in total balances in certain accounts at Wells Fargo to have the $35 monthly maintenance fee waived.

Having this account means you’ll save on ATM fees, since the account reimburses an unlimited amount of them throughout the globe. You also won’t be charged a fee for using your debit card abroad.

Wells Fargo Premier Checking fees

This account waives many fees, including ATM fees, incoming and outgoing wire transfers and cashier’s checks. However, there’s still a $35 overdraft fee.

Each of Wells Fargo’s four main checking accounts caters to a different type of consumer, but they share a few things in common:

• Wells Fargo mobile app. The bank’s highly rated mobile app lets customers make deposits, pay bills, get account alerts and track balances using a smartphone or tablet
• Fraud monitoring. Every account is monitored for fraud, and account holders are notified if the bank spots unusual account activity
• Zero liability for fraudulent debit card transactions
• The ability to turn a debit card on and off with the mobile app
• Access to more than 11,000 Wells Fargo ATMs
• Free access to Zelle, a peer-to-peer payment platform for sending and receiving money to individuals
• Free online bill pay

If you’re not sure whether a Wells Fargo checking account is what you’re looking for, know that there are lots of other banks with similar or better offers.

For a checking account that earns a higher yield, consider an online-only bank, which may offer a better rate to compete with established big banks. Or consider an online bank for your savings account. It’s possible to find savings yields of over 4 percent APY at FDIC-insured online banks.

One option is Discover’s Cashback Debit account. There are no monthly fees and Discover offers 1% cash back on eligible debit card purchases. Another option is Ally Bank's Interest Checking account. There are no monthly fees, no minimum opening deposit and the account earns interest.

A credit union is another alternative, as long as you meet the membership requirements. Credit unions can offer better rates on loans and savings, along with personalized service. As member-owned institutions, credit unions prioritize their members' needs, fostering a more supportive banking experience. Bankrate lists the best credit unions of 2024.