Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account 2024 Review

Picking the right checking account is a challenge. If you’re leaning towards a traditional bank, Wells Fargo is one you might be considering.

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account is a checking option that’s appropriate for just about anyone, including college students.

In this review, learn more about what the Everyday Checking account can do for you and compare it to other great options that are worth your consideration.

A Standard, Basic Checking Account Offering

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account is a basic checking account. That means it's light on extras but that may be appealing to someone who’s looking for a straightforward way to manage their money.

For example, it doesn’t take a lot of money to open an account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $25. That’s good for college students, who may not have a lot of cash. And, you can always open an account with more money.

The account also comes with all the features you’d expect in a basic checking account. That includes:

• 24/7 mobile and online banking access
• Custom text and email alerts to monitor account activity
• Secure options for making purchases, paying bills or spending money
• Budgeting, cash flow and spending tools
• Mobile deposit

If you want a fuss-free checking account, the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account more or less fits the bill.

Accessing Your Everyday Checking Account at the ATM

A debit card is handy when you need to make purchases or hit the ATM for cash.

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account does come with a debit card. You can use this card at more than 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs fee-free.

There is, however, a fee when you use another bank’s ATM. The fee is $2.50 for withdrawals at non-Wells Fargo ATM owners or operators inside the U.S. If you’re outside the U.S., the fee goes up to $5.

Those fees don’t include any additional surcharges another bank may charge you for using their machine.

If you make regular cash withdrawals or you spend time away from home regularly, it pays to know where the nearest Wells Fargo ATM is so you can avoid getting gouged by ATM fees.

Can You Earn Interest or Rewards With Your Checking Account?

While interest and rewards checking accounts are becoming less common, there are still banks that offer them.

With these accounts, you can earn interest on your checking account balance, rewards on debit card purchases or both.

Unfortunately, the Everyday Checking account doesn't offer any of these extras.

Wells Fargo does offer two interest-bearing checking account options. But both of these accounts are designed for customers who maintain high balances in their accounts. (Think $10,000+.)

A rewards program is available but only if you have a Wells Fargo credit card. There are some online checking accounts that offer interest and rewards.

What’s the Monthly Maintenance Fee?

Free checking accounts are few and far between at traditional banks. If you want to escape fees as much as possible, an online bank’s likely to be the better bet.

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account charges a $10 monthly service fee.

That sounds high but it’s similar to what other brick-and-mortar banks charge. There are, however, a few ways you can get around that fee each month.

For example, you’d pay a $0 monthly service if:

• You maintain a $500 minimum daily balance each statement period OR
• You have direct deposits into your account totaling $500 or more each month OR
• Your account is linked to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card

There’s also a discount on the fee for students. If you’re between the ages of 17 and 24, Wells Fargo knocks the monthly service fee down to $5.

Are There Any Other Fees to Be Aware Of?

The monthly service fee is the main fee to know about but it’s not the only one. There are several other fees associated with the Everyday Checking and one of the biggest is the overdraft fee.

Wells Fargo charges Everyday Checking customers $35 for overdrafts.

You can escape the overdraft fee by linking a Wells Fargo savings account or line of credit to your checking account.

In that scenario, you’d pay $12.50 for each transfer or advance from a savings account or line of credit to cover overdrafts.

The $35 overdraft fee is standard for traditional banks. There are some online banks that charge a lower fee, or no fee at all. That’s something to consider if you overdraw your checking from time to time.

Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account Fees

Managing Your Account

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking account does offer check-writing privileges.

Unfortunately, you don’t get free checks with this account. You’ll have to order them for a fee through Wells Fargo, or you can get them through a third-party check service.

Besides checks and your debit card, you can also manage your account through mobile and online banking. That includes mobile check deposit.

You can deposit personal, business and government checks via mobile deposit.

You can’t, however, deposit international checks, money orders, remotely created checks or convenience checks through your mobile device. For that, you’d need to visit a branch.

There is a limit on mobile check deposit. The limit is $2,500 per day, or $5,000 per month. If you routinely receive large checks, you may have to plan on depositing some of them at the ATM or a branch.

Other Wells Fargo Checking Options

If you're interested in becoming a Wells Fargo banking customer, but aren't sold on this checking account, check out additional checking account options also offered by this bank:

Wells Fargo Preferred Checking

As one of Wells Fargo's more premier checking accounts, the Preferred Checking account is an interest-bearing account that offers multiple Wells Fargo account holding members exclusive savings and benefits.

This account is best for customers who want to earn high interest, have larger account balances, and are Wells Fargo Home Mortgage owners.

There is a $15 monthly maintenance fee tacked on to this account, unless you can meet one of the following requirements:

• Have $10,000 or more in combined deposit balances, or
• Post direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more, or
• Have a linked Wells Fargo home mortgage

We've highlighted the account's main fees and features below:

Wells Fargo Preferred Checking Account

Wells Fargo Checking vs. Other Checking Accounts

It's always a good idea to compare bank accounts before opening one. While a bank like Wells Fargo offers access to physical branches, you may find that it doesn't really suit the way you bank.

For instance, moving your checking account to an online bank could give you more bang for your buck, if you don’t mind missing out on branch access.

A traditional bank struggles to compete with the low monthly fees (often no monthly fees) and the high checking rates offered by online checking accounts.

These accounts may also come with more extensive ATM access before they refund fees that you might pay at any ATM.

Final Verdict: Who Is the Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account Good For?

The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account keeps things simple but there are some better checking accounts out there.

Many of the popular online checking accounts are packed with features and perks that make it a standout.

If you’ve never considered an online bank before, it may be worth it to branch out as you explore different checking options.

More: Best Checking Accounts of the Year