Many Wells Fargo customers may be at risk of losing access to their money, even without doing anything wrong. The bank is actively applying a policy that allows it to close accounts considered inactive and transfer the remaining funds to state authorities under unclaimed property laws.
Though the policy itself isn’t new, it’s catching more attention in 2025 as thousands of Americans discover their accounts may be shut down simply due to lack of use. If your account hasn’t seen any customer-initiated activity in the last 16 months or more, it could be marked for closure—with or without prior notice.
What Counts as an Inactive Account?
Wells Fargo defines an account as inactive when there’s been no deposits, withdrawals, transfers, or payments initiated by the customer for a specific period—typically over 16 months. Automatic charges, bank fees, or system-generated activity do not count.
Once an account is flagged as dormant, the bank may begin the escheatment process, in which all remaining funds are transferred to the appropriate state agency as unclaimed property. Reclaiming those funds can be time-consuming and complicated, depending on the state where the money ends up.
How to Keep Your Account from Being Closed
Preventing your account from being closed is simple: show activity. Just logging in, making a small deposit or transfer, or using your debit card once in a while is enough to reset the inactivity clock.
While Wells Fargo often sends notices before closing an account, it is not legally required to do so in every case. That means you could lose access to your funds without realizing it—unless you actively manage your account.
If you maintain a Wells Fargo account you rarely use—perhaps for emergencies or long-term savings—it’s critical to check it periodically. A few simple actions can ensure your money stays where it belongs: under your control.