Good afternoon everyone, I hope you had a great weekend. A few months ago, I wrote Wells Fargo Discontinues Instant Issue Debit Cards Effective November 30. In that post, I said:
After November 30, if you need a replacement debit card (if your current debit card was lost or stolen), you can no longer get a temporary debit card at a Wells Fargo branch – you will need to use the Wells Fargo app or call Wells Fargo (1-800-869-3557) to request a replacement debit card. Once your request is submitted, your replacement debit card will arrive via mail in 5-7 days.
November 30 came and went and there weren’t any more updates, until my recent Wells Fargo checking account statement closed a few days ago. I will go into my details below, but long story short, Wells Fargo will no longer issue temporary debit cards and is discontinuing the ATM Access Code feature, both changes are effective on April 1, 2021. Read on to learn more.
Here are the new changes, effective April 1, 2021, that appeared on my February 19 checking account statement. There are 2 different changes, so let’s talk about the first change first.
November 30, 2020 change:
Effective on or after November 30, 2020, (1) Wells Fargo branches will no longer be able to issue Wells Fargo Instant Issue Debit Cards and/or Business Instant Issue Debit Cards in certain circumstances, and (2) Wells Fargo branches in the states of South Carolina and Washington will no longer be able to issue Wells Fargo Instant Issue Debit Cards, Wells Fargo Business Instant Issue Debit Cards, and/or EasyPay Instant Cards.
If you need a replacement card, you may request one by signing on to Wells Fargo Online® or calling the number on your statement. Once requested, replacement cards typically arrive in 5 to 7 calendar days.
April 1, 2021 change:
Effective on or after April 1, 2021, Wells Fargo will no longer issue temporary debit cards, including Wells Fargo Instant Issue Debit Cards, Wells Fargo Business Instant Issue Debit Cards, and EasyPay Instant Cards.
If you need a replacement card, you may request one by signing on to Wells Fargo Online® or calling the number on your statement. Once requested, replacement cards arrive by mail in 5 to 7 calendar days.
Before November 30, 2020, you used to be able to get instant issue debit cards at Wells Fargo branches. That ended on November 30, 2020. After April 1, 2021, Wells Fargo will no longer issue temporary debit cards of any kind, you will need to wait for a replacement debit card to arrive via mail.
The second announcement is in regards to the ATM Access Code feature. According to Wells Fargo, to use this feature, “Open the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, tap Menu in the bottom bar and select Cards, ATM Access Code, and then the Get Code button. You will receive a code that you can use at any Wells Fargo ATM.” This is helpful if you need to access your Wells Fargo accounts, but you do not have your Wells Fargo debit card with you. Well, that feature is going away on April 1, 2021.
The easiest workaround is to add your Wells Fargo debit card to your mobile wallet (ApplePay, Google Pay, etc.) and then tap your phone on the Wells Fargo ATM to sign into your account.
That will work great… most of the time, unless the Wells Fargo location you want to access requires a physical card for entry (usually after business hours).
These changes are not good, but should not cause too much trouble until you lose your debit card and do not have a smart phone with a mobile wallet. If you have any questions about either change, please leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!
Worst company ever. and yet after tens of billions of dollars in fines, people still go to them. insane
You are exactly correct, scandal after scandal, and now 2 new ones with WF Stock going back to 2012, and customer accounts / debit cards issues. Image 3 CEO’s in 4 years. (John Stump, Tim Clone, and this new guy Charlie to carry on the legend.
Loved the ATM access code feature.
It seems like a cool feature, but Apple Pay was always easier for me to tap my phone vs. signing into the Wells Fargo app.
How often did you use the ATM Access Code feature?
I used the Access Code feature maybe 4 times in a 6 mo period. Like AAA, don’t think about it until you need it. Will now learn to use the Apple Pay
I think you will like the Apple Pay feature, it is safer than the old Access Code feature.
Right! I’m pissed. Lol
Me too.. Currently sitting in a branch to make a deposit because of a damaged card and this new change.
I absolutely hate that Wells discontinued the access code feature. Idiots! My debit card had to be shut down due to fraud, so without a card I cant do anything, not even deposit money unless I go IN to the bank. Ugh! Its 25 miles away from where I live. I have been with Wells for over 20 years, so hard to change. This makes me mad tho.
I completely agree I live 35 miles from our closet wells Fargo and our card was also shut down due to fraud now we can’t even use apple pay or Google pay cuz u have to have working card to be able use those features. We r completely screwed till our card comes in and our daughter needs $5 for school . And we have absolutely nothing not a single dime what do ever to send with her. Thank u wells Fargo!!!! We had ur customer not only were victims due to fraud but now it victims becuz y’all chose to screw us over to where we can’t even access any funds plus we have to wait roughly 10 days for new cards and 10 days to get was stolen for us back thank u wells Fargo for making us the victim twice. I pray everyday for my husband to straight up switch from y’all. MYbe he will now!!!
I’m really sorry to hear that your Wells Fargo debit card had fraud and that you need to wait for a replacement debit card to arrive in the mail. My only suggestion would be to go to your local Wells Fargo branch, go inside and withdraw some cash to use until your new debit card arrives. You may need to bring a drivers license and / or passport to show your ID.
If you need to buy things online or pay bills, you can purchase a $500 Visa gift card to use for those purchases.
I hate that this awesome feature has gone away… but then again, WF has been nothing but a pain since day 1. Looking to move elsewhere.
I’ve used the access code feature many times but never realized Apple Pay was an option. That would be more convenient. Thanks for the tip.
You’re welcome Carl. I have all my debit cards added to my Apple Wallet, so it makes it easy to access ATMs.
it’s a pretty good idea for the ATM access code feature.
To keep or get rid of the ATM Access Code feature?
That’s pathetic – I remember the days (and commercials) when visa and Amex would overnight a replacement card to you anywhere in the world.
That said I do not use visa debit cards – too risky to have a visa attached to my checking account and too many real credit cards that offer bonus points for spend. Get an ATM only card without the visa logo – you’ll be glad you did.
That is a very good idea Boraxo. Is there a specific bank or credit union debit card or ATM card that you use when you travel?
This is horrible atm access codes is the best feature ever
That seems pretty convenient. Have you tried adding your Wells Fargo debit card to your mobile wallet? That works equally well, in my opinion.
yep, so did many thieves so easy to get to your accounts in the middle of the night to take up to the limit. Many people were swindled, that is why it had to terminate. If the morons at wells had any brains, instead of allowing the max to occur, the brains should of only allowed like 50 or 100 to be taken, instead of 800.00 in many cases.
Does anyone wonder why Wells Fargo is discontinuing the ATM access code? It was so convenient for my son to deposit checks for me in CT when I am in FL.
Hi Janine, I don’t have any hard evidence, but maybe since it was so easy for people to access the ATM, maybe there were fraud or security concerns that Wells Fargo wanted to stop this feature. I’m not sure.
I don’t see the purpose of removing their ATM access code. In a shopping center near my house, there are two Wells Fargo ATMs, both of them are often slow or out of service. I have had my card shredded inside of the ATM because it goes out of service mid-transaction and destroys the card instead of returning it. It was during holiday so the bank itself was closed. Waited for a new card, during that time I found out about ATM access code. It made it much more convenient to use the code as it removes the inconvenience of my card being shredded during a simple ATM visit.
Hi Andre, I’ve never had an ATM shred my debit card but that sounds scary. If you have a smart phone that supports mobile wallets, you should add your Wells Fargo debit card to your mobile wallet. That way you can access the ATM and don’t need to worry about your debit card getting shredded.
I have my Wells Fargo debit card in my iPhone wallet but unfortunately it didn’t work at the ATM in Fullerton, CA. I’m very unhappy with Wells Fargo and I will pay them back by going inside and taking up the teller’s time by processing my deposits and withdrawals. I will never again place my debit/check card in an ATM slot. Before I could access the ATM with an access code it ate my card. If it wasn’t for direct deposit I would close my account in a heartbeat. They really are the worst what with making you change your password every 2 months. I paid off my credit card with them just because of that. Everything they do inconveniences most of their customers. They actually gave us something good and then they take it away. No telling what they’ll do next to make life and banking more difficult.
Hi Meredith, I’m sorry the Wells Fargo ATM did not work with your ApplePay wallet. Hopefully the teller was able to help you inside the branch.
This is really shitty of them to do. These convenient features were some of the only reasons I chose Wells Fargo. I’ve been with them for 7 years and won’t continue because they have done this.
Hi Lexy, I’m sorry you had a bad experience with Wells Fargo. I don’t blame you for leaving Wells Fargo. If their technology and bank doesn’t fit your needs, I’m sure there is a bank or credit union happy to have you as a customer.
It is mind blowing that they would get rid of the feature. They really are making it difficult for the people whom work a 3rd shift and why people use them in the first place.
I mean they don’t think things through examples……
1. First they started refusing CASH DEPOSITS from a person unless that person is on the account ( which would allow the person to also withdrawal money, *even if they should not*),
2. then they get rid of the Instant card so if you lose your card or it gets stolen you are kinda SOL for however long it will take them to send a new one, and sure there is always the mobile wallet thing BUT that leaves the question of what happens if you break, lose, or have stolen your phone durning this waiting time?
3. AND NOW they discontinued the Access code for people in the above situation whom do work a 3rd shift to have to wait 2 hours past the time they go to sleep just to have to go deal with standing in line and wasting their time.
Wells Fargo is really becoming un-customer friendly!!!
Hi Rebecca, I totally understand your issues with Wells Fargo and how their changes have big impacts on their customers. Do you plan on staying with Wells Fargo for the near future?
I am very upset about the Access Code being cancelled I had fraud committed on my cards and now it’s Sunday and I don’t have access to my account and need money at 6 am tomorrow I am livid about this situation. Seriously considering banking elsewhere!!!!!
Hi Valerie, I’m very sorry you had fraud on your Wells Fargo card. Hopefully you can get everything fixed soon.
The access code was a great feature, no need to carry my card around, terrible decision to stop it. and ATM’S are few and far between nowadays also.
I agree, it was a very useful feature. Have you tried adding your Wells Fargo debit card to your mobile wallet on your phone. It works very well for me.
Y’all just want to make more money. You are screwing over a lot of ppl to save a few dollars a year. I’ve been banking with you for almost twenty years. But your continued campaign to inconvenience your customers to save a dime for the ceos is getting old. I’m done guys.
Hi Nick, I understand your frustration with Wells Fargo. I advise you to contact Wells Fargo directly and share the feedback with them (I don’t think they will see it on my blog).
Hi Grant! I am new to, well, technology ( as my daughter loves to tell me LOL) and apologize if these questions seem simple but I just started using Apple Pay and added my wallet to account. I saw multiple times that had mentioned using Apple Pay or your wallet is better and more convenient.
I am in a tough spot because my card was hacked and I need cash. After looking through all the comments ( very helpful that you do this AND respond to all the comments) I am genuinely annoyed that they removed the ATM access code feature. I do not know what else to do while waiting a week to get my new card. Can I use my phone, with Apple Pay or wallet while I am at the ATM machine? Any insight would be appreciated! Have a wonderful evening!
Hi Teresa, I’m sorry your Wells Fargo debit card got hacked. If you need to make a deposit or withdrawal, you might be able to swing by a Wells Fargo branch and just have your old debit card and drivers license. Alternatively, if you have a debit card that’s added to your Apple Wallet, you can use that at a Wells Fargo ATM. If you’ve already reported the debit card as hacked, you might not be able to use the debit card at the ATM. I hope that helps and I hope you get your new replacement Wells Fargo debit card soon.
I’ll tell you the issue, I never carry or used an ATM card in 15+ years, and always keep is home locked up, and only use it when I cash a check at the bank in person. So some one used this service, on my account, and WFC provide them access to my account. I filed a complaint with the PD and they are working to get the ATM Vid. The PD also said, this was done to others. When I confronted the fraud line at WFC, they even admit that they have lots of fraud issues reported. Police also has many complaints.
They went as far as saying, they sent a code to my phone, but the reports show no codes were sent, I did it, but won’t produce the ATM Vid, so we are seeking a subpoena.
Dont believe their guarantee policy, they are just a big fraud, most like Bank of America.
I requested the reports they relied on, and it shows they never sent codes to my phone, in that they also lied about that.
My suggestion is, get rid of, or turn the ATM card off, and use a credit card from a different bank, so if it gets comprised, and they dont want to make good on it, you can tell them to go fork themselves.
One thing you can guarantee in life:
With cash reward cards, get yourself $$$ back and reduce your risk, if some one hacks.
Wells need to get serious about their security, and respect their customers. Get a credit union to do business with, forget these big corrupted empires.
Taxes, Death, and On the going corruption with Wells Fargo.
Hi Den, thank you for sharing your experience with Wells Fargo. I do like small local credit unions since they offer better customer service and better rates.
I have attempted to use the tap feature at 2 different ATMs and it has not been working ♀️
Hi Lynette, just confirming, you tried to use the Wells Fargo debit card loaded to your Apple iPhone at a Wells Fargo ATM and it did not work?
Same don’t know where to tap !
I liked the cardless feature,I didn’t even know it was taking away till the other day. I was talking my daughter to a game.l forgot my card at home.stopped at atm little did I know the cardless feature wasn’t available..been with WF for 11 yrs
Hi DG, Wells Fargo made the announcement on their bank statements for the last several months, but it is easy to miss. Sorry you were not aware of the change beforehand.
Pingback: Wells Fargo Changes: New Statement Ending Dates, TTY/TDD Numbers Retired & More
Pingback: Wells Fargo May Close Accounts with Zero Balance or Charge Monthly Service Fee (Effective August 9)
I lost my wallet and had to cancel my card. I found out that both card free ATM access and temporary replacement cards were discontinued, so I would have to trust Google to have direct access to my finances. I have had to do the guess work of figuring out where I can use Google Pay, which hasn’t worked at ANY of the WF ATMs I have tried. And of course it takes 7-10 business days for a new card to arrive, but 70% of the times I have had to order new cards, they never arrived and had to be ordered another time. I have not been able to buy groceries in a week. Can’t get cash because the ATMs don’t work with Google Pay. Can’t order food from apps because those apps were tied to my card which is now cancelled and WF agent on phone wouldn’t give me the new card number so I could tie it to the apps. PayPal is supposed to be tied directly to bank account but hasn’t been working on the apps that take it. Tried to move cash from checking to GP wallet. Takes 3-5 business days. New card is tied to GP wallet, but somehow doesn’t work. Question: Why the HELL in the 21st century world of 24/7/365 commerce and customer service does it still take 3-5 or 7-10 business days to do ANYTHING electronically? I hate WF and as soon as I can, I am moving to another bank. I hope they go out of business for good sooner rather than later.
Hi Reid, I’m really sorry to hear that about your lost wallet and the headaches you have gone through with Wells Fargo. If you can access a Wells Fargo branch during business hours, you should be able to do a cash withdraw by showing your drivers license. Try calling your local branch and see if this is something they can do. Good luck and I hope you can get things back to normal soon.
I had to order a replacement debit card a couple months ago at my local Wells Fargo branch. I asked for a temporary card and was told they are no longer issuing them but that I could go in the app and add my replacement card that was just ordered to the digital wallet on my phone so that I could use it while waiting for the card in the mail. It only took a few minutes to set up and was able to use it at the gas station after leaving the bank.
Hi Brandi, that is a great tip, thanks for sharing it with me. Did your replacement debit card arrive within 1-2 weeks after it was ordered for you?
Purse was stolen so I am awaiting my new card in the mail. No trouble making purchases with digital wallet but when Intey to use it at ATMs I get an error—Insert card, contact card issuer, this atm not doing digital wallet at this time? License is also in mail, so going into the branch isn’t an option. Thanks!!
Hi Renee, I’m sorry your wallet was stolen. If you have another form of ID (like a passport), you should be able to go into a Wells Fargo branch to get cash out. The last suggestion is to buy a Visa gift card and pay with your mobile wallet. Then you can use the visa gift card at places that do not accept mobile payments. I hope your new debit card and ID come in the mail soon.