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Home / How Long Does It Take to Get a Debit Card

How Long Does It Take to Get a Debit Card

Resolving issues with your card

How do I report a lost or stolen debit or ATM card?

Contact us right away when your card is lost or stolen.

Sign on to Wells Fargo Online ® to request a replacement card. Take the tour to see how.

Or call us at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557) for personal debit or ATM cards.

For business debit or ATM cards call 1-800-CALL-WELLS (1-800-225-5935).

Note: If you lose your card while traveling outside the United States, you have two options:

  1. Call us collect, then follow the voice instructions:
    1. If you lose your personal card: 1-925-825-7600
    2. If you lose your business card: 1-916-480-3190
    3. Find international access codes to use to contact our toll-free customer service numbers
  2. Sign on to your Wells Fargo Mobile ® app to request a replacement card.

You can request that your replacement card be mailed to your travel destination.

Remember, your card comes with Zero Liability protection at no extra cost, which means you will be reimbursed for unauthorized transactions that you report promptly.

How do I replace a damaged debit card?

If your card is not functioning properly or is damaged, request a replacement card. Sign on at wellsfargo.com/replacemycard, use your Wells Fargo Mobile app, call the number on the back of your card, or visit any Wells Fargo branch. If your current card was customized via the Card Design Studio ® service, your replacement card will have the same image.

You will receive a new card with a new expiration date and security code (on back of card) within 5 to 7 calendar days. Your card number will not change, and your current PIN will continue to work with your new card. If you have added your card to a digital wallet and you are in possession of your device (your device is not also lost or stolen), we will update your digital wallet with your new card information so that you can continue using your digital wallet while you wait for your new card to arrive.

What if I never received my card?

It usually takes 5-7 calendar days to receive your replacement card. If you think that your card should have arrived by now, call us:

Personal debit or ATM cards

1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557)

Business debit or ATM cards

1-800-CALL-WELLS (1-800-225-5935)

How do I turn my card on or off?

If you have misplaced your card and need time to find it, you can temporarily turn your card off to help prevent unauthorized card transactions. Please note that previously authorized recurring payments, credits, refunds, and reversals may be approved while your card is turned off.

When you find your card, you can easily turn it back on. Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or your Wells Fargo Mobile app to access Turn Card On or Off.

You can also call us at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557) for personal debit cards. For business debit cards call 1-800-CALL-WELLS (1-800-225-5935).

If you think your card has been lost or stolen, report it to us immediately. You can order a replacement card online, from your Wells Fargo Mobile app or by calling us. For personal cards call 1-800-869-3557. For business cards call 1-800-225-5935.

Getting started with your card

How do I activate my debit card?

When you receive your debit card by mail, you should activate it right away. There are three ways to activate your debit card:

  1. Activate it online or from your Wells Fargo Mobile app.
  2. Call the toll-free phone number on the sticker attached to the front of your card.
  3. Use your card at any Wells Fargo ATM.

Once you have activated the card online or by phone, peel off the sticker and sign the signature panel on the back immediately. If activating using the ATM, remove the sticker before using the ATM. Destroy your old card and begin using your new card.

How long will it take to receive my card and my PIN?

You will receive a new or replacement card within 5 to 7 calendar days.

For new cards, if you didn't select a PIN when you requested your new card, you can expect to receive a system-generated PIN in the mail a couple of days after you receive your card.

You can use your current PIN with your replacement card.

Getting help when my card or identity is compromised

What do I do if I find a suspicious transaction on my account?

If you find a suspicious card transaction, call the number on the back of your card immediately. Your card comes with Zero Liability protection which means you will be reimbursed for promptly reported unauthorized card transactions. We will investigate your claim. Please refer to the appropriate card terms and conditions for details regarding your responsibility to notify us of disputes within specific time frames. After reporting the suspicious transaction to us, you can track the status online by signing on and going to Dispute a Transaction under the Accounts tab.

What should I do if I am a victim of identity theft?

You sent me a replacement card due to a compromise. What should I do?

If you receive a replacement card:

  • Activate the replacement card right away. You can activate your card any of three ways:
    • Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or from your Wells Fargo Mobile app.
    • Call the toll-free phone number on the sticker attached to the front of your card.
    • Remove the sticker and sign the signature panel on the back immediately. If you activate using a Wells Fargo ATM, please remove the sticker before inserting it at the ATM.
    • Use your card at any Wells Fargo ATM.
  • Destroy your old card and begin using your new card.
  • Notify merchants that directly bill your card about your new card number, new expiration date, and security code to ensure your payments continue as expected.
  • Monitor your account for any transactions you did not authorize and report them promptly to Wells Fargo to help protect your account.
  • If you have added your card to a digital wallet, you can continue to use your digital wallet after promptly activating your new card.

Tracking my card activity

How can I keep track of my card purchases?

  • Online and mobile banking provide you with access to your card activity and account information anytime, almost anywhere. You can view your card purchases, payments, ATM usage, and deposits.
  • Debit card alerts are available to stay informed of your card activity by enrolling in Wells Fargo Online and setting up alerts to track your purchases and ATM withdrawals.
  • My Spending Report provides you your own automated report online so you can view your card and other account activity by spending category.

Why hasn't a debit card purchase posted to my account?

Wells Fargo cannot post your debit card transaction until the merchant submits the transaction to us for payment. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Generally debit card transactions post within 1 to 3 days of when you make the purchase. However, the timing of when a debit card transaction will post can vary from the very same day to several weeks later.
  • In rare circumstances such as using your debit card online to buy an item that is back-ordered, the merchant can submit the transaction up to several weeks later.
  • Because of this, it's important you keep track of your account balance and pending card transactions, scheduled bill payments, checks written, and more, to ensure that you have adequate funds in your account to cover pending items.

How do I see what alerts are available and sign up for alerts for my card?

Personalizing my card

Can I customize the design of my debit card?

Yes, now you have two easy ways to customize the look of your debit card.

  1. At a Wells Fargo branch: You can select from a catalog of images to place on your new or replacement card. You should receive your card within 5 to 7 calendar days of selecting an image.
  2. Use the Card Design Studio ® service to customize your debit card using your own image or select an image from our online library. Business debit card holders also can add their business logo and taglines.

For more information on personalizing your card, visit the Card Design Studio service.

Which cards can I customize?

If your card is available for customization, you will find it listed as Eligible on the Card Design Studio service page. If you are a Wells Fargo customer, you can use the Card Design Studio service as long as:

  • You have an eligible and activated personal debit card or business debit card. Cards not eligible for customization include Wells Fargo Private Bank Debit Cards, business deposit cards, Campus Cards, and ATM cards.
  • Your accounts are in good standing.
  • You have access to your cards via Wells Fargo Online.

Protecting my card

How does Wells Fargo help protect my card and account?

Wells Fargo helps you to protect your cards and accounts with:

  • Zero Liability protection: Your Wells Fargo Debit Card comes with Zero Liability protection at no extra cost. You will be reimbursed for promptly reported unauthorized card transactions.
  • Chip technology: Your card has chip technology that provides added security because it is extremely difficult to counterfeit or copy when used at a chip-enabled merchant terminal or ATM. Wells Fargo contactless debit cards come with chip technology. The chip on your card does not store any of your personal information.
  • 24 /7 fraud monitoring: We regularly review your accounts for unusual activity. If you receive an alert from us for potential suspicious card activity, review and respond promptly to verify the transactions. You do not need to enroll to receive this alert.
  • Alerts: Stay informed of your card activity by enrolling in Wells Fargo Online, and setting up the debit card alerts to track card purchases and ATM withdrawals.

Learn more about debit card alerts.

What can I do to help protect my card?

Your card comes with Zero Liability protection at no extra cost, which means you will be reimbursed for unauthorized card transactions as long as you report them promptly. You can also visit the Security Center for resources that may help reduce your risk of fraud and identity theft.

What is a chip card?

Wells Fargo contactless debit cards and chip-only ATM and debit cards come with a chip on the front of the card, as well as the traditional magnetic stripe on the back. The chip provides added security when used at a chip-enabled merchant terminal or ATM and greater global acceptance. When you insert your chip card into a chip-enabled terminal, or when you tap your contactless debit card at a merchant terminal or Wells Fargo ATM, a unique security code is generated. This makes it extremely difficult for anyone to reuse your information and better protects you against counterfeit card fraud.

Many countries have adopted chip technology and it is becoming the standard for card payments in the U.S. If a merchant or ATM has not yet adopted chip technology, your transaction will be processed using the magnetic stripe as it is today.

If I subscribe to debit card activity alerts, could I receive other types of alerts from Wells Fargo?

Yes. We regularly review accounts for unusual activity and may send you an alert asking you to verify a particular transaction. You do not need to enroll to receive this alert.

We may also notify you about changes to your debit card such as when your debit card has been added to a digital wallet or when your card is about to expire and you should confirm the shipping address for the new card.

Traveling and my card

Can I use my debit card overseas?

Yes, you can use your debit card while traveling outside the U.S.

Please note, it is highly recommended that:

  • You insert or tap your card to make a purchase when overseas. Chip cards, including contactless cards which come with a chip, have become the standard type of card used internationally, both for purchases and ATM access. Where you see the Contactless Symbol, you can insert your card or tap your contactless debit card. Note: Some overseas merchants do not support using the swipe feature for your card.
  • You have a four-digit PIN.
    • Most ATMs outside the U.S. require a four-digit numeric PIN.
    • If you have an alphabetic PIN, translate the letters into numbers by using the keypad at a Wells Fargo ATM before you travel. You can also do this by visiting a Wells Fargo branch or calling the number on the back of your card.

How can I help avoid any unnecessary interruptions when using my card when I travel?

Here are some tips to help you make sure your card is ready to travel:

  • Let us know before you go.
    Set up a travel plan at wellsfargo.com/travelplan or on your Wells Fargo Mobile app. You can also call the number on the back of your card. Because we monitor your cards for suspicious activity, setting up a travel plan helps us better evaluate card activity. This can help avoid disruption while you are traveling.
  • Know your card's daily dollar limits for purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. If you need a limit increased, call the number on the back of your card and we'll let you know if it can be increased.
  • Ensure your card has a four numeric digit PIN. Your PIN should be four numeric digits to ensure you can access foreign ATMs. If you have an alphabetic PIN, translate the letters into numbers by using the keypad at a Wells Fargo ATM before you travel. You can also do this by visiting a Wells Fargo branch or calling the number on the back of your card.
  • Chip cards, including contactless cards which come with a chip, have become the standard type of card used internationally for purchases and ATM access, so you can insert your card or tap your contactless debit card where you see the Contactless Symbol. Note: some overseas merchants do not support using the swipe feature for your card.

See more travel tips.

What do I do if I lose my card while traveling?

If your card is lost or stolen, you can report it online or sign on to your Wells Fargo Mobile app to request a replacement card. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-TO-WELLS (1-800-869-3557) for personal customers and 1-800-CALL-WELLS (1-800-225-5935) for small business customers. You may also visit a local Wells Fargo branch to speak with a banker. If you lose your card while traveling outside of the U.S., you can report it online or call us collect at 1-925-825-7600 for personal customers or 1-916-480-3190 for business customers and then follow the voice instructions.

Your replacement card will have a new card number and expiration date. Your card's PIN and ATM cash withdrawal and purchase daily dollar limits will remain the same.

If you have added your card to a digital wallet and you are in possession of your device (your device is not also lost or stolen), we will update your digital wallet with your new card information so that you can continue using your digital wallet while you wait for your new card to arrive.

If you report your lost card online, you can choose to send your replacement card to a temporary address which could be helpful while you are traveling.

See more travel tips.

What do I do if I have difficulty using an ATM in a foreign country?

If you have trouble using an ATM in a foreign country, it might be because you do not have a four-digit numeric PIN, or because you are using an ATM that is not in a network in which we participate. If you have a debit card, you can use non-Wells Fargo ATMs that display the Visa ® or Plus ® logos. If you have an ATM card, you can use ATMs that display the Plus ® logo.

See more travel tips.

Are there fees associated with using my card overseas?

Getting help with my PIN

I forgot my PIN. What do I do?

You can bring your card to your local Wells Fargo branch to reset your PIN on the spot. Or, you can call the number on the back of your card to speak with a Phone Banker and a new system-generated PIN will be mailed to you.

How can I change my existing PIN?

If you know your current card PIN, you can quickly change it at any Wells Fargo ATM or by bringing your card to your local Wells Fargo branch. You can also change it by using the automated customer service option when calling the phone number on the back of your card.

If you can't remember your PIN and need a new one, bring your card and identification to a Wells Fargo branch, or request a system-generated PIN be mailed to you by talking with a Phone Banker. Simply call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your account statement.

Understanding your card's purchase and ATM cash withdrawal daily dollar limits

What are the purchase and ATM cash withdrawal daily dollar limits for my card?

There is a daily maximum limit on the dollar amount of the purchases you can make with your debit or ATM card. Your card also has a maximum limit on the dollar amount of cash withdrawals you can make each day at an ATM. Your purchases and ATM withdrawals also are subject to the available balance in your account. To see your card's purchase and ATM withdrawal daily dollar limits, you can:

  • View online:
    1. Sign on to Wells Fargo Online.
    2. Select Open Card Details for your card.
    3. Find your daily limits under Limits for This Card.
  • Call the number on the back of your card (or your account statement).
  • Visit your local Wells Fargo branch.
  • View the printed materials that came with your card.

How do I increase or decrease the ATM cash withdrawal and purchase daily dollar limits on my card?

To request to increase or decrease your card's daily dollar limits, contact us and we'll check on eligibility. To make the request, call the number on the back of your card, or talk to a banker at a Wells Fargo branch.

Paying bills and making purchases with my card

How can I pay bills using my debit card?

You can make one-time and recurring payments using your debit card. When you pay with your card, you can schedule a payment on a date you select, even on the same day that the payment is due. Contact your service providers to schedule one-time or recurring payments using your debit card and your card information.

How can I set up or cancel a scheduled payment or make a recurring payment using my debit card?

You can contact your service provider directly to schedule, cancel, or change a one-time or recurring payment. You will need your billing account and your debit card information to set up payments.

What if I have a dispute with a merchant?

Call the number on the back of your card and we will investigate it. Please refer to the appropriate card terms and conditions for details regarding your responsibility to notify us of disputes within specific time frames.

For my business debit card, how do I take advantage of the Visa Purchase Security and Extended Warranty Protection?

Your Wells Fargo Business Debit Card comes with two Visa services to help protect your purchases.

  • Visa Purchase Security: If eligible items you buy with your business debit card are lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged, they'll be replaced or repaired at no charge to you.
  • Visa Extended Warranty Protection: You can extend manufacturer's warranties, up to one additional year, on items you purchase with your card.

For more information, see Your Guide to Card Benefits for Visa Business Card (PDF).

Using my digital wallet

What do I need to have to use a digital wallet?

You can pay in stores, online and, in apps with your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch at participating retailers and service providers once you add your Wells Fargo Debit Card to a digital wallet. For more information, visit Digital Wallet Basics.

What kind of mobile phone and wallet do I need?

You need a mobile device (smartphone, smartwatch, tablet) with NFC (Near Field Communication) capability to be enrolled on one of the digital wallets that Wells Fargo supports. Currently, Wells Fargo supports Apple Pay ® , Fitbit Pay T M, Garmin Pay T M, Google Pay T M , and Samsung Pay . For more information, visit Digital Wallet Basics.

Are digital wallets safe and secure for making payments?

The security of your account information is a top priority. When you pay with a Wells Fargo-supported digital wallet, your actual card number is replaced with a unique digital card number, which means businesses do not see or store your full card number.

How can I use a digital wallet to access a Wells Fargo ATM?

  • Contactless symbol shows a hand holding a chip over the indicator inside an oval outline.You can use a digital wallet instead of your physical Wells Fargo Debit Card to access any Wells Fargo ATM. Simply access your digital wallet and tap your mobile device near the Contactless Symbol on the ATM.
  • Get started by adding your Wells Fargo Debit Card to a digital wallet supported by Wells Fargo. (See Digital Wallet Basics for instructions on how to add your card to a digital wallet.)

To use your mobile device at a Wells Fargo ATM:

  • Access your mobile device's digital wallet (with a PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint, or iris/face scan).
  • Hold your mobile device near the Contactless Symbol on the ATM.
  • Enter your card's PIN into the ATM when prompted, and then select and complete your transaction.

What if my device is lost or stolen?

If your device is lost or stolen, we recommend remotely disabling the cards from your digital wallet. We also recommend notifying your mobile carrier and calling the Wells Fargo number on the back of your card promptly. Mention that you added your card to your digital wallet so we can disable your card for use with your digital wallet. If you locate your device, you will need to add your card back to your digital wallet before making any purchases.

Using an ATM with my card

What types of transactions can I make at a Wells Fargo ATM?

You can get cash, transfer funds, check your balance, make deposits and more at more than 12,000 Wells Fargo ATMs.

What types of transactions can I make at a non-Wells Fargo ATM?

At non-Wells Fargo ATMs that display the Visa ® or Plus ® logos, you can withdraw cash, check balances, and transfer funds between your primary linked checking and savings accounts (depending on what the ATM operator supports). You can get cash in local currency at Visa ® (and or ATM cards, Plus ®) network ATMs outside the U.S. ,

Can I use my digital wallet to access a Wells Fargo ATM?

Yes, you can use a digital wallet instead of your physical Wells Fargo Debit Card to access any Wells Fargo ATM. Simply open your digital wallet and tap your device near the Contactless Symbol on the ATM.

Business deposit card

Using my card and more

What are the fees associated with using my card?

Which accounts can I link to my debit or ATM card?

You can link your debit or ATM card to up to 22 accounts:

  • 5 Checking
  • 5 Savings
  • 5 Money Market or Market Rate Accounts
  • 5 Credit Cards
  • 2 Lines of Credit (Home equity lines only. Exception: Any Home Equity Line of Credit secured by property in New York or Texas are prohibited for linkage by state law).

To see your linked accounts:

  1. Sign on to Wells Fargo Online.
  2. Select Open Card Details for your card.
  3. Find which accounts are linked to your card.

If you have an Opportunity Checking ® or Opportunity Savings SM account, you can link your debit card to your Opportunity Checking ® and Opportunity Savings S M account. You can see the accounts linked to your card by signing on and visiting the Card Profile page.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Debit Card

Source: https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/checking-savings/debit-card-faqs/