How to close a deceased person's Wells Fargo account
Wells Fargo handles closing a deceased person's account through an online form, by phone, in person, or by mail. The steps below are Wells Fargo's own published process, taken from its official support pages — this page organizes them so you can see what the provider asks for; it doesn't add to them or recommend any particular action.
What you'll need
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Letters testamentary or letters of administration (or a small-estate affidavit where eligible)
- A letter of instruction stating how remaining funds should be handled
Steps
- Notify Wells Fargo online using the Estate Care Center form (you can upload the death certificate and other documents), by calling the Estate Care Center at 1-888-790-7980 (Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m. ET), or in person at a branch by appointment.
- Provide a certified copy of the death certificate plus the deceased's full legal name and Social Security number — required for all account types.
- Depending on the account: sole-owned accounts with no beneficiary need probate documentation (court-issued executor/administrator appointment), a small estate affidavit per state law, or a court order; POD/TOD and joint accounts need only the death certificate; trust accounts need a Certification of Trustee.
- To close or transition deposit accounts by mail, send a notarized Letter of Instruction to Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Estate Care Center, Attention: D1118-02D, PO Box 71208, Charlotte, NC 28201-1245 (overnight: 12301 Vance Davis Drive, Charlotte, NC 28269-7699).
- Wells Fargo may ask for other documents depending on the state where accounts were opened or the state of residence; contact the Estate Care Center with questions about forms.
Closing one account is only part of the job — every recurring charge still draws on a card or bank account the estate will eventually claim. HeirLoft reads the recurring charges straight out of an inbox in one pass, so you can see everything that's still billing while you work down the list.
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How to contact Wells Fargo
- Wells Fargo's official page for deceased accounts
- Phone: 1-888-790-7980
Typical timeline
Wells Fargo does not publish a typical timeline for this process.
Notes
For investment accounts with a Wells Fargo Financial Advisor, contact that advisor; WellsTrade forms are available online. Wells Fargo also publishes an Estate Care Center checklist (PDF).
Sources
Last reviewed September 14, 2026 · Links verified September 14, 2026
Related guides
- Close a deceased person's account, provider by provider
- Accessing a deceased person's financial accounts
The simplest way to spare your own family this process is to keep an up-to-date list of your accounts somewhere they can find it. HeirLoft finds the recurring charges you've forgotten and keeps them in one place your heirs can actually use.