General Checking FAQs

Opening, Closing, and Moving Checking Accounts

Customer Referral

Account Features and Services

Funds Availability

Fees

Checking Account Related Products and Services

Opening, Closing, and Moving Checking Accounts

I want to open a checking account. What do I do?

To open an account in minutes, apply online. Or you can visit any Wachovia Financial Center or reach us by phone at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).

What's the best checking account for me?

It depends on your financial needs, and that's why we offer a variety of checking accounts. Answer just four questions, and we'll recommend the account that's right for you. Compare checking accounts by viewing our Compare Accounts table.

How do I move checking accounts from another bank to Wachovia?

It's easy, especially when you use the Wachovia Switch Kit, which is designed to simplify the transition from your old checking account to your new Wachovia checking account. Ready to switch or want to learn more? Visit www.wachovia.com/switch.

What information does Wachovia need to open an account for me?

Your Social Security Number and one of the following sources of identification: Driver's License, state ID, military ID, immigration card or Mexican Matricula Consular (MCID).

How old do I have to be to open a Wachovia checking account?

New customers must be 15 years old to open a checking account*. While minors from 15 to the legal adult age can have non-custodial accounts, we recommend the account be opened with an adult joint owner, preferably a parent or guardian.

*Note: In Texas, a minor must open either a custodial account or a joint account with a parent or legal guardian.

Do you offer an account specifically for students?

Of course. Free Student Checking is designed for high school and college students, ages 15 and over. It's a truly free checking account that offers the convenience of Online Banking with BillPay, mobile banking and balance alerts. Plus, by linking Free Student Checking with a parent's Wachovia checking account through College Connection, students receive additional, money-saving benefits.

I want to open an account for my child who is going to college. Can I apply for student checking account online?

Yes. You can open a joint account with your student and have access to make deposits and withdrawals if necessary. Simply open the account and have your student added by visiting a Wachovia Financial Center or by reaching a customer service representative at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).

Can I link my Wachovia checking account to my child's Free Student Checking account?

Yes. Wachovia offers a student/parent relationship called College Connection. Your student can make withdrawals, transfers or account inquiries at non-Wachovia ATMs because of your relationship with Wachovia. You and your student don't have to open a joint account, and your child will not have access to your accounts. Parents can link their Wachovia checking account to their child's Free Student Checking account through College Connection.

What is College Connection?

When a parent has a Wachovia checking account, College Connection offers Free Student Checking customers additional benefits when using other banks' ATMs without a Wachovia fee. These benefits include four transfers, four withdrawals and four account inquiries free of charge each month.

What is the You're Covered card?

The You're Covered card entitles anyone with a Free Student Checking account to a one-time fee refund of an insufficient fund/overdraft or an overdraft protection transfer fee. The refund must be requested within the first year of account opening.

Does my student need to receive a bank statement?

Yes, we must provide a statement on all accounts. However, if you are concerned about your student receiving this sensitive information in the mail, online statements are available for free.

Do you offer an account specifically for seniors?

You bet. We have two great options for those ages 50 and older: Wachovia Access Fifty Checking®—our free checking account and Crown Classic Banking®—our premier relationship package.

How do I close an account?

Visit any Wachovia Financial Center or call us at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).

Customer Referral

How does the Customer Referral Program work?

Wachovia's Customer Referral Program is our way of rewarding you for referring others to Wachovia. When the person you refer opens a new Wachovia Free Checking account at any Wachovia Financial Center or by calling 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684), we'll send both you and your referral a $25 Wachovia Visa Gift Card.

Who is eligible to participate in the Referral Program?

Any current Wachovia customer with an active Wachovia account is eligible to participate in the Customer Referral Program. To participate, current customers refer new customers who then open and fund a new Wachovia account and keep the account in good standing. New customers are ineligible for the program if they were a signer on a Wachovia checking account that was closed within the last three months.

What's in it for me for referring others to Wachovia?

Wachovia customers who make referrals through the Customer Referral Program will receive $25 for each referral who opens a Wachovia checking account.

When will I receive my incentive?

If you refer an eligible new customer to Wachovia, a Wachovia Gift Card in the amount of $25 will be mailed to your primary checking statement address within four weeks of your referral opening a new Free Checking account. Referees must open and fund a new Free Checking account and the account must remain open and in good standing for 30 days. Within eight weeks of opening your new account, a $25 Wachovia Gift Card will be mailed to your checking statement address. You are not eligible for this offer if you are a current Wachovia checking customer or were a signer on a Wachovia checking account that was closed within the last three months.

How many people can I refer through the Referral Program?

The referring customer can receive up to 20 gift cards for referrals per calendar year.

Do I need a Customer Referral coupon to participate in the Program?

Yes. A program brochure or referral coupon must be presented at the time the account is opened. In order to print Customer Referral coupons, please visit our Customer Referral web page or you can obtain coupons by visiting our nearest Wachovia Financial Center.

How can I obtain additional Customer Referral coupons?

Additional Customer Referral Coupons can be printed online by visiting our Customer Referral web page or by visiting your nearest Wachovia Financial Center.

How does the person I refer need to open a checking account?

New customers through the Customer Referral Program must open their Wachovia Free Checking account at one of our conveniently located Financial Centers. They can also call a customer service representative at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684) and mention they were referred to Wachovia through the Referral Program. For the address, map and phone number of the nearest Financial Center, use our ATM/Branch Locator.

Is the value of the incentive reported to the IRS?

The value of the Wachovia Gift Cards will be reported to the IRS, state or local tax authorities if required by applicable law, and the recipient is responsible for any federal, state or local taxes on this bonus item.

Account Features and Services

What is direct deposit?

It's a free service offering that keeps you out of a lot of lines. No more trips to the bank to have your paycheck, Social Security benefit, or even interest and dividend payments automatically deposited into your account. To set up direct deposit, visit Wachovia.com/directdeposit.

Is direct deposit required with your checking accounts?

Direct deposit is not required. But it is a good idea. Save yourself a trip to the bank by having your paycheck, Social Security benefit, or even interest and dividend payments automatically deposited into your account. Set up Direct Deposit.

Do I get a debit/check card with my account?

Of course. All of our checking accounts include a free Visa® Check Card. And there's no monthly service fee. Get rewards as well as convenience with your Wachovia Check Card. You're rewarded for everyday check card purchases through Wachovia Possibilities Rewards®, our no-fee rewards program. In addition, open a free Way2Save® account with your checking account and start saving money with each check card purchase. Visit Way2Save to get more details on this program.

How many checks can I write each month?

As many as you want. All of our checking accounts include unlimited check writing.

How do I stop payment on a personal check?

You may stop a payment through Wachovia's automated telephone system by contacting Wachovia at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684) or by visiting Wachovia Online Banking.

How soon are funds available after a deposit?

If your deposit was made through a Wachovia ATM prior to 4:00pm*, then the deposit will be processed that same business day. If the deposit was made in a Financial Center, the deposit will be processed that business day or the next business day, depending on the cut-off time for that specific Financial Center.

*Note: 6:00pm ATM cut-off time in AZ, CA, CO, NV, IL, KS

I want to set up a one-time or recurring transfer from one Wachovia account to another. How do I do that?

After logging in to Wachovia Online Banking, select the Transfer Funds tab on the My Accounts page. You'll simply fill in the blanks and confirm your transfer. You may also call a customer service representative at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).

How much does a safe deposit box cost?

The cost of a safe deposit box varies by size and the state the safe deposit box is located. Crown Banking®, Crown Classic and Crown Select customers receive a free standard-sized safe deposit box (subject to availability) and receive discounts on larger sizes.

How can I receive my statements electronically?

Online Statements are exactly the same as the paper statements you receive in the mail today. They are free and can be accessed securely through Wachovia Online Banking.

What is Check Safekeeping?

Check Safekeeping is a free service offered by Wachovia. Copies of personal checks are retained for seven years by Wachovia instead of having them returned with your statement. Customers can request three copies of their personal checks per statement cycle free of charge. These copies are considered legal replacements for the original checks.

Note: Customers can also view and print 16 months of front check images and up to 90 days of front and back images through Online Banking.

What are Consolidated Statements?

Consolidated Statements allow for multiple Wachovia accounts to be presented on one monthly statement. Consolidated Statements not only help customers to better manage their accounts, but they also help in paper reduction efforts. Accounts eligible for Consolidated Statements include checking, savings and money market accounts. Summary Balance information can also be included on the Consolidated Statement for CDs, IRAs, credit cards and consumer loans. You can visit any Wachovia Financial Center or call 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684) to receive Consolidated Statements.

How do I change my address?

Online Banking customers can log in to Wachovia Online Banking, select the Customer Service tab, click the Change Mailing Address under My Profile, and follow the instructions to update an address.

Note: If you wish to change your mailing address for a specific account(s) instead of all your accounts, or you have an international mailing address change, please call a customer service representative at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684) and we will gladly make the change for you.

How do I change my legal name?

Gotten married or divorced? Visit your nearest Financial Center with a valid ID card as well as your Marriage Certificate/License or Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. For other events, bring an official document that specifies your new name.

How do I order (or reorder) checks?

If you are currently enrolled in Online Banking, login to your account, select Order Checks in the Customer Service box, then follow the instructions to order checks. See more details on how to reorder checks.

You can also visit a Wachovia Financial Center or call us at 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684). The cost of checks will vary by style and account type.

Funds Availability

How is the "Posted Balance" different from the "Available Balance"?

The Posted Balance shows the balance in the account after all transactions have "posted" during the account's last processing date (normally through the previous business day). The Available Balance takes into consideration transactions that have been made but have yet to be processed (examples include ATM transactions, various check card purchases, etc.).

When are the cut-off times for deposits?

In order for a deposit to be processed on the same day, it must be made through a Wachovia ATM prior to 4:00pm* Cut-off times for deposits within the Financial Center vary by Financial Center.

*Note: 6:00pm ATM cut-off time in AZ, CA, CO, NV, IL, KS

When will my deposit be credited to my account?

If your deposit was made through a Wachovia ATM prior to 4:00pm*, then the deposit will be processed that same business day. If the deposit was made in a Financial Center, the deposit will be processed that business day or the next business day, depending on the cut-off time for that specific Financial Center.

*Note: 6:00pm ATM cut-off time in AZ, CA, CO, NV, IL, KS

When will my direct deposit be credited to my account?

The same day that Wachovia receives it.

What are check card holds?

Glad you asked. Most people aren't even aware of them. When you use your Check Card for a purchase and sign the receipt, the merchant will send your card number and the purchase amount to the bank for an approvals or authorization. This authorization generally confirms that an account is open and the purchase amount is available. The funds for the purchase are then placed on "hold" and deducted from the available balance. When the bank receives the actual transaction, it is displayed as a posted item on the Account Activity page in Online Banking. If the transaction has not been received by the bank within three business days (Monday-Friday, excluding holidays), the hold expires and the available balance will increase.

Note: If you use your Check Card for a purchase and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN), the transaction, once authorized, will appear on the Account Activity page in Online Banking.

What is overdraft protection?

Overdraft protection is a service that protects you from the hassle of an overdrawn account and insufficient funds fees. With overdraft protection, available funds from your Wachovia deposit or credit account are transferred to your checking account if you should overdraw your account. You can set up overdraft protection when you apply for any checking account online, or by calling 800-WACHOVIA (800-922-4684).

Fees

How can I avoid monthly service fees?

Maintain the required minimum balance on your account. There are no required minimum balances or monthly service fees on our Free Checking, Free Student Checking and Access 50 Checking accounts. Click here for the required minimum balances on our other checking accounts.

What is an Overdraft Fee?

It's a fee that's assessed to an account when an item presented for payment posts against the account and the Available Balance is insufficient to cover the item.

What is an Overdraft Protection Transfer Fee?

If you enroll in Overdraft Protection and overdraw your checking account, you will be charged an overdraft protection transfer fee. The amount varies, depending on the source of the overdraft protection funds. See more.

What is an NSF Fee?

This is a fee assessed when an item presented for payment against an account with an insufficient available balance is returned by the bank to the payee.

What is an Unavailable Funds Fee?

This is a fee assessed when an item has been presented for payment posts against the account and, due to a hold, there are not enough funds available to cover the item.

Note: The Posted Balance in the account may reflect sufficient funds to pay the item. However, the Available Balance may be less because of holds on the account, such as Check Card purchases, which are guaranteed for payment by the bank.

What is a non-Wachovia or foreign ATM Fee?

A non-Wachovia or foreign ATM fee may be charged if you make a withdrawal from a non-Wachovia ATM. To find a Wachovia ATM near you, visit Wachovia.com/locator.

Is there a fee for Online Banking or Online BillPay?

No. Your Wachovia checking account comes with free, 24/7 access to your account online. Pay bills online, check your balances, view 16 months of statements, set balance alerts, transfer money, and bank on the go with your mobile phone.