Thousands of Wells Fargo customers in the United States may soon face unexpected disruptions to their banking services. The bank has started enforcing a strict new policy that could lead to account closures for those who haven’t been actively using their accounts. If you haven’t logged in, made a deposit, or used your debit card recently, you might be at risk of losing access to your funds.
The Wells Fargo bank account closures policy will begin taking full effect in June 2025. Accounts that show no activity for more than 16 months can be flagged as inactive, then shut down by the bank. Remaining funds may even be transferred to the state as unclaimed property. This article explains everything you need to know to protect your money.
Wells Fargo Bank Account Closures: Policy Overview
Wells Fargo is moving forward with a policy that allows them to close inactive bank accounts nationwide. The policy has existed for some time, but enforcement will become more visible in 2025. Customers who don’t act in time may say goodbye to their Wells Fargo accounts and could even lose their money without any wrongdoing on their part.
Inactive accounts, especially those without customer-initiated transactions in over 16 months, are now considered for closure. The policy allows Wells Fargo to transfer the funds from these accounts to the state under unclaimed property laws, leaving many customers surprised if they haven’t been paying attention.
Overview Table: Wells Fargo Bank Closure Policy Summary
| Key Detail | Information |
| Policy Name | Inactive Account Closure |
| Enforcement Begins | June 2025 |
| Inactivity Period | 16 months without customer action |
| Customer Activity Requirement | Must log in, deposit, withdraw, or use debit card |
| Accounts Affected | Savings, checking, emergency, and rarely used accounts |
| Transfer of Funds | To state under Unclaimed Property Law |
| Notification Required | Not in all cases |
| How to Prevent Closure | Perform any small activity to reset inactivity |
| Risk Level | High for dormant and long-unchecked accounts |
Goodbye To The Wells Fargo Bank Accounts
Customers may start to lose access to their Wells Fargo bank accounts if they have been inactive for too long. The policy targets any account that hasn’t shown activity for at least 16 months. Even if customers have left funds untouched for emergencies or future use, those accounts are still at risk.
Many users affected by previous banking issues or class-action lawsuits are also urged to stay updated. This policy is not brand new but is receiving more attention now because of increased enforcement and growing customer concern in 2025.
What Counts As Inactive Accounts
If you haven’t made any payments, deposits, or transfers manually, your account might be considered inactive. Wells Fargo defines inactivity strictly—only customer-driven actions count. System-generated charges, interest deposits, or automatic deductions do not reset the inactivity period.
So, simply leaving money in the account or letting fees accumulate won’t protect it. If you haven’t done anything with your account for 16 months or more, it could soon be closed.
How Can You Stop Your Account From Being Closed
The good news is that preventing account closure is very easy. You don’t need to make a large deposit or perform complex transactions. Any of the following simple actions will reset the 16-month inactivity timer:
- Logging into your Wells Fargo account
- Making a small deposit or withdrawal
- Using your Wells Fargo debit card
- Transferring money between accounts
Even one of these steps can show that your account is active, giving you peace of mind and full control over your funds.
Who Needs To Check Their Accounts
Anyone who holds a Wells Fargo account but doesn’t use it regularly should check its status. This especially applies to:
- Emergency savings accounts
- Old accounts with small balances
- Accounts opened for children or relatives
- Savings meant for long-term goals
If you’ve opened a Wells Fargo account and then forgot about it, now is the time to act. A quick login or transaction could prevent it from being closed and the money being moved elsewhere.
What Can People Do To Avoid Losing Their Funds
Don’t wait for Wells Fargo to send you a closure notice. While the bank often sends a warning, it’s not required by law in all cases. Many customers have learned the hard way that their accounts were closed without warning.
Here are smart steps you can take to protect your funds:
- Log in every few months to keep the account active
- Transfer a small amount or use your debit card
- Set calendar reminders to check your accounts regularly
- Use official Wells Fargo sources for the latest updates
By taking control of your account activity, you can avoid losing access and the hassle of reclaiming your funds from the state later.
FAQs
1. What policy is being enforced by Wells Fargo in 2025?
Wells Fargo is closing accounts with no customer-initiated activity for more than 16 months.
2. What is unclaimed property law?
It’s a law that allows banks to transfer unused or dormant funds to the state after a specific period of inactivity.
3. How can I keep my account from being closed?
Perform any small action like logging in, transferring money, or using your debit card to reset the inactivity timer.
4. Will Wells Fargo notify me before closing my account?
Sometimes yes, but notification is not legally required in every case.
5. Are only savings accounts affected?
No, all types of personal accounts, including checking and rarely used emergency accounts, are affected.
Final Thought
The Wells Fargo bank account closures policy is a wake-up call for every account holder. Whether you use your account daily or have set it aside for the future, regular activity is the key to keeping your funds safe. A small action today can save you from bigger problems tomorrow.
Check your account status, make a quick transaction, and stay informed. Share this with friends and family who might be at risk, and make sure everyone you care about avoids unnecessary financial stress. For more updates on financial safety and banking news, stay connected with trusted sources.
