Is Wells Fargo a safe bank?
Yes, Wells Fargo is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC). That means each depositor is insured for up to $250,000 in each account category.
| Bank | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Bank | 5.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
| Bank of America | 4.2 | |
| Wells Fargo Bank | 4.0 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
| Citi® | 4.0 |
Wells Fargo, along with thousands of other financial institutions, is FDIC-insured. FDIC insurance limits cap at $250,000.
Wells Fargo bank account deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000, or $500,000 for joint accounts.
The main drawback we see with Wells Fargo are the low APYs on most accounts — if you're looking to earn money through interest, this is not the bank for you. Wells Fargo should also be avoided by people who struggle with overdraft fees. The standard overdraft fee is $35 at a max of three a day.
- First Republic Bank (FRC) . Above average liquidity risk and high capital risk.
- Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) . Above average capital risk.
- KeyCorp (KEY) . Above average capital risk.
- Comerica (CMA) . ...
- Truist Financial (TFC) . ...
- Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR) . ...
- Zions Bancorporation (ZION) .
- Citibank.
- Wells Fargo.
- Capital One.
- M&T Bank Corporation.
- AgriBank.
- CoBank.
- AgFirst.
- Farm Credit Bank of Texas.
All types of deposits held at Wells Fargo Bank are covered by FDIC insurance including the following examples: Checking Accounts. Savings Accounts.
Wells Fargo is an excellent bank for those looking for both local branch access and digital banking services. The bank's interest rates on most of its accounts leave a lot to be desired compared to the best online banks, but they are comparable to other national banks.
Bank of America could be a better choice if you have a lower budget to open a CD account. It requires a minimum of just $1,000 to open a CD compared to $5,000 at Wells Fargo. For savings accounts, the minimum opening deposit is $100 at Bank of America versus $100 at Wells Fargo, so slightly higher.
Is Wells Fargo in trouble with the government?
The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced that it has fined Wells Fargo & Co., of San Francisco, California, $67.8 million for the firm's unsafe or unsound practices relating to historical inadequate oversight of sanctions compliance risks at its subsidiary bank, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Wells Fargo & Co.'s ...
For the most part, if you keep your money at an institution that's FDIC-insured, your money is safe — at least up to $250,000 in accounts at the failing institution. You're guaranteed that $250,000, and if the bank is acquired, even amounts over the limit may be smoothly transferred to the new bank.
Banks such as Wells Fargo's The Private Bank require a $1 million account balance to open with them, but they offer a team-based approach for wealthy clients, meaning a whole team will be dedicated to their account.
Wells Fargo has more branches than Bank of America—4,800 versus 4,000—plus lower monthly fees and minimum balance requirements to avoid the fees. Bank of America has a bigger network of ATMs—16,000 versus Wells Fargo's 12,000—and it waives monthly fees for some accounts if you direct-deposit at least $250 a month.
- Capital One – Best overall.
- First Horizon Bank – Best rate (savings)
- PNC – Best combo checking/savings account.
- Regions Bank – Best checking perks.
- Bank of America – Best for mobile banking.
- U.S. Bank – Best for low fees.
- Citibank – Best for relationship rewards.
- Chase – Best customer satisfaction.
Wells Fargo is the worst bank overall, with a high percentage of unresolved complaints and loss of Better Business Bureau accreditation. Citibank has a string of high-profile cases involving operational chaos and regulatory fines.
| Bank Name | City | Acquiring Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Heartland Tri-State Bank | Elkhart | Dream First Bank, N.A. |
| First Republic Bank | San Francisco | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
| Signature Bank | New York | Flagstar Bank, N.A. |
| Silicon Valley Bank | Santa Clara | First–Citizens Bank & Trust Company |
Two regional US banks, California-based Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and New York's Signature Bank, have collapsed under the weight of heavy losses on their bond portfolios and a massive run on deposits.
The banks in the 'red zone' are AB, National, Bangladesh Commerce, Padma, BASIC, National Bank of Pakistan, Janata, Agrani, and Rupali, according to the latest edition of the "Banks Health Index and HEAT Map", a biannual report prepared by the Financial Stability Department of the Bangladesh Bank.
What banks are financially stable?
| Bank | The Ascent's Rating |
|---|---|
| Western Alliance Bank | 4.25 |
| SoFi | 4.00 |
| Wells Fargo | 4.00 |
| Axos Bank | 3.50 |
The short answer is no. Banks cannot take your money without your permission, at least not legally. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insures deposits up to $250,000 per account holder, per bank. If the bank fails, you will return your money to the insured limit.
In the US, the FDIC insures all bank deposits. This means if the bank actually becomes valueless (extremely unlikely), the FDIC will payback all the money the bank owes to depositors (people with checking account). Again this is highly unlikely to happen. Originally Answered: What will happen if Wells Fargo fails?
warned of declining interest income this year on expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Wells Fargo said it sees 2024 net interest income falling by 7% to 9%. In its fiscal 2023 fourth quarter, Wells Fargo beat profit and sales estimates on gains in corporate and investment banking and commercial banking.
The Wells Fargo fake accounts scandal was a major financial scandal that shook the banking industry to its core. The bank was revealed to have created fake accounts. Shockingly, these accounts were in the names of its customers. without their knowledge or consent.
