Closing a Wells Fargo Account After a Death
Wells Fargo assigns a dedicated case manager for estate accounts, one contact, not a different person every call.
How to start
Call Wells Fargo's Estate Care Center: 1-888-790-7980. Or visit any Wells Fargo branch. Wells Fargo also provides an online Estate Care Center with resources and a checklist.
What to bring
- Certified death certificate
- Your photo ID
- The deceased's account information
- Letters testamentary or letters of administration
- Small estate affidavit if applicable, Wells Fargo's threshold varies by state; ask when you call
What to expect
Wells Fargo assigns you a case manager. You'll have one point of contact throughout the process rather than explaining the situation to a different representative each time. Write down their name and direct number. You'll need it.
- Joint account: Transfers to surviving owner; deceased's name removed.
- Sole account: Frozen until legal documentation is provided.
- Payable on Death (POD) account: Beneficiary claims with death certificate and ID.
Credit cards
Call the number on the back of the card or contact the Estate Care Center. You are not personally responsible for the deceased's Wells Fargo credit card balance unless you were a joint account holder.
Wells Fargo mortgage
Contact Wells Fargo Home Mortgage: 1-800-340-2553. If you're a co-borrower, the loan continues. If you're inheriting the property, the Garn-St. Germain Act generally prevents the bank from calling the loan due solely because of the borrower's death. You typically have time to decide what to do with the property.
Timeline
2 to 6 weeks. The assigned case manager helps with tracking progress.