Consumer complaint received 2026-01-12 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
CFPB, I am filing this complaint due to what has become a clear, repeated, and unjustifiable pattern of unfair and potentially deceptive conduct by Wells Fargo in connection with my attempts to open a basic consumer checking account. Despite having resolved all prior obligations, Wells Fargo continues to deny access using inaccurate statements, shifting rationales, and non-transparent decision-making, while refusing to provide any meaningful documentation or remediation pathway. 

This conduct is no longer isolated or accidental. It reflects a systemic failure in record accuracy, complaint handling, and fair access to banking services, and it raises serious concerns under federal consumer protection standards. 



1. MATERIAL MISREPRESENTATION OF ACCOUNT HISTORY Wells Fargo has repeatedly mischaracterized the closure of my prior checking account, implying or stating that the bank closed the account. This is factually incorrect. I personally closed that account. 

This misrepresentation is material because it falsely portrays me as having had an involuntary or adverse account termination, which directly impacts eligibility decisions. Despite being informed of this error, Wells Fargo has : Failed to correct the record Failed to provide documentation supporting its claim Continued to rely on this false characterization Maintaining and relying on known inaccurate account history is unacceptable for a federally regulated financial institution and raises concerns regarding internal data integrity and compliance with accuracy obligations. 



2. IMPROPER CONTINUED PUNISHMENT FOR A RESOLVED BALANCE While there was a prior balance associated with the closed account, that balance was paid in full and resolved in XXXX. Wells Fargo has acknowledged the payment, yet continues to treat the resolved balance as an ongoing disqualifying factor. 

Wells Fargo has refused to explain : Why a fully resolved balance continues to bar account access Whether this is consistent with written policy Whether there is a time limit on such restrictions Whether this practice is applied consistently to all consumers Using a resolved obligation indefinitely, without disclosure or policy transparency, appears punitive, arbitrary, and potentially abusive, particularly when no remediation path is offered. 



3. SHIFTING, VAGUE, AND NON-VERIFIABLE DENIAL REASONS Each attempt to open a checking account has resulted in new or inconsistent explanations, none of which are supported by written determinations, policy citations, or objective eligibility criteria. 

Wells Fargo has failed to provide : A clear reason for denial A definitive eligibility status Any written adverse decision notice Any corrective steps that could restore eligibility This practice leaves consumers in a state of permanent uncertainty, unable to correct alleged issues or understand whether denial is discretionary, permanent, or arbitrary. 



XXXX. BOILERPLATE COMPLAINT RESPONSES THAT EVADE ACCOUNTABILITY Responses to prior complaints have relied on generic, non-responsive language, such as stating concerns will be shared with appropriate members of management, without addressing the actual substance of the complaint. 

These responses : Do not resolve factual disputes Do not correct inaccuracies Do not explain policy application Do not meet the standard of good-faith complaint resolution This pattern strongly suggests that Wells Fargo is treating the complaint process as a procedural formality rather than a substantive consumer protection obligation. 



5. POTENTIAL UDAAP AND SYSTEMIC CONSUMER HARM Taken together, Wells Fargos conduct raises serious concerns regarding : Unfair practices denying access to basic banking services based on opaque, inconsistent, and unresolved criteria Deceptive practices misrepresenting account history and failing to clearly disclose eligibility standards Abusive practices leveraging information asymmetry to indefinitely deny services without recourse If this is how Wells Fargo treats an individual consumer who persistently seeks clarification, it raises legitimate concerns about how many other consumers may be quietly subjected to the same practices without the ability to challenge them.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation