Yes, Wells Fargo offers safe deposit boxes at most of its branches
Wells Fargo rents safe deposit boxes to customers at the majority of its locations. The boxes come in different sizes, and the annual rental fee depends on which size you choose and which state your branch is in. You do not need to be a Wells Fargo account holder to rent one, though some branches may have their own policies.
The rental process is straightforward: you visit a branch in person, choose a box size, sign an agreement, and pay the annual fee. Wells Fargo keeps one key, and you keep the other. You can access your box during the branch's business hours, and in some cases during extended hours if the branch has a safe deposit vault area open outside normal banking hours.
Not every Wells Fargo location has safe deposit boxes. Smaller branches or those in certain areas may not offer them. Before you visit, call your local branch directly to confirm they have boxes available and to ask about current pricing and box sizes.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo safe deposit boxes are available at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm your location has them.
- Annual rental fees vary by box size and state, typically ranging from around $25 to $200 per year depending on the size you choose.
- You do not need to be a Wells Fargo customer to rent a box, though some branches may require a checking or savings account.
- You access your box during branch hours using two keys—one held by the bank and one held by you.
- If your branch does not have safe deposit boxes, you can ask about other secure storage options or find a nearby branch that does.
What sizes and prices are available
Wells Fargo typically offers safe deposit boxes in several standard sizes. The smallest boxes are usually about 2 inches by 5 inches by 24 inches and cost the least per year. Medium boxes are roughly 5 inches by 5 inches by 24 inches. The largest boxes can be 10 inches by 10 inches by 24 inches or larger. Exact dimensions and pricing vary by branch and state.
Annual rental fees are not set nationally—they differ by location. A small box might cost $25 to $50 per year at one branch, while a large box could cost $150 to $200 or more. Some branches charge different rates depending on whether you have a Wells Fargo account. Call your branch directly to get the exact prices for the sizes they have in stock.
Wells Fargo sometimes offers discounts on safe deposit box rentals for customers who maintain certain account balances or have multiple accounts with the bank. Ask your branch whether any current promotions apply to you.
How to rent a safe deposit box at Wells Fargo
Visit your local Wells Fargo branch in person during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not already have a Wells Fargo account, ask whether the branch requires one to rent a box—policies vary by location. Some branches will rent to non-customers; others will not.
Tell the branch employee you want to rent a safe deposit box. They will show you the available sizes and explain the annual fee for each. Choose the size that fits your needs. You will then sign a safe deposit box agreement, which outlines the terms of your rental, your access rights, and what happens if you stop paying the annual fee.
Pay the annual rental fee at that time. The bank will give you one key, and they will keep the other. You will need both keys to open the box—this is a security feature that prevents either the bank or you alone from accessing the contents. Write down the box number and keep it in a safe place. Some people also tell a trusted family member where the box is located and who holds the spare key.
What you can and cannot store in a safe deposit box
Safe deposit boxes are designed for documents and valuables that you want to protect from theft, fire, or water damage. Common items include wills, birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, stock certificates, jewelry, coins, and important photographs. You can also store backup copies of financial records, insurance policies, and passports.
Do not store items that are illegal to possess, such as drugs or weapons. Do not store perishable items, living things, or anything that could damage the box or other customers' boxes. Wells Fargo's agreement will list prohibited items—read it carefully before you sign.
Keep in mind that the contents of a safe deposit box are not automatically covered by FDIC insurance. FDIC insurance protects money in deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market) up to $250,000 per account holder per bank. The contents of your safe deposit box are your responsibility. If you store valuables, consider whether you need separate insurance coverage for them.
Access and what happens if you miss a payment
You can access your safe deposit box during your branch's business hours. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard banking hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings. If your branch has an extended-hours vault area, you may be able to access your box outside normal hours—ask when you rent the box.
If you do not pay the annual rental fee when it is due, Wells Fargo will send you a notice. If you continue not to pay, the bank can drill open the box and remove your contents. They will hold the contents for a set period (usually several years, depending on state law) before turning them over to the state as unclaimed property. To avoid this, pay your fee on time or contact the bank if you need to close your box.
If you move away or no longer need the box, visit the branch to close your account. The bank will return your key, and you will no longer owe the annual fee.
Alternatives if your branch does not have safe deposit boxes
If your local Wells Fargo branch does not offer safe deposit boxes, you have several options. First, ask whether a nearby Wells Fargo branch in your area has them. If not, you can rent a safe deposit box from another bank or credit union in your area. Most banks and many credit unions offer them at similar price points.
You can also consider a home safe—a fireproof, waterproof box that you keep at home. Home safes are one-time purchases (usually $50 to $500 depending on size and quality) rather than annual rentals, but they do not offer the same level of security as a bank vault. A home safe is good for documents and small valuables, but not for large quantities of cash or high-value jewelry.
Another option is a private vault or safe storage facility in your area. These are independent businesses that rent secure storage space, often with more flexible hours than banks. Prices vary widely, so compare options in your area.
What to do if you lose your key or forget your box number
If you lose your safe deposit box key, contact your Wells Fargo branch immediately. The bank can help you open the box using their key and a manager override. You will likely be charged a fee for this service, and you may need to sign additional paperwork confirming your identity and your right to access the box.
If you forget which branch your box is at or what the box number is, call the Wells Fargo customer service line or visit a branch with your ID. They can search their records to find your box. If you rented the box many years ago and have not accessed it, the bank may have already drilled it open and sent your contents to the state as unclaimed property—ask the branch to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Wells Fargo bank account to rent a safe deposit box?
Policies vary by branch. Some Wells Fargo locations will rent to non-customers, while others require you to have a checking or savings account. Call your local branch to ask about their specific requirement before you visit.
What happens to my safe deposit box if Wells Fargo closes my branch?
If your branch closes, Wells Fargo will notify you and give you time to move your box to another location or close it. They will not throw away your contents. You will have a grace period to retrieve your items or transfer your rental to a nearby branch.
Can someone else access my safe deposit box if I die?
Not automatically. Your safe deposit box is sealed when the bank learns of your death. A court-appointed executor or your next of kin can petition the court for access, but this takes time. This is why many people tell a trusted family member where their box is and who holds the spare key—so the family can locate it quickly after death.
How much does a Wells Fargo safe deposit box cost per year?
Costs vary by branch location and box size. Small boxes typically cost $25 to $50 per year, while large boxes can cost $150 to $200 or more. Call your local branch for exact pricing, as rates differ by state and location.
Can I store cash in a safe deposit box?
Yes, you can store cash in a safe deposit box. However, remember that FDIC insurance does not cover the contents of safe deposit boxes—only money in deposit accounts. If you store large amounts of cash, consider whether you need separate insurance coverage.