Wells Fargo COVID-19 In-Person Appointment Precautions — A First-person, Deep-dive Guide

Why You Need Answers On COVID-19 Precautions at Wells Fargo

Three years since the world first went upside-down, you might think the whole mask-wearing, sanitizer-everywhere era is over. But for banks—where you can’t do everything online, and real money (actual bills!) changes hands—those concerns are still real for a lot of customers. Maybe you need a notary service, a cash withdrawal over your daily online limit, or you’re like me and once tried (unsuccessfully) to set up a business account by phone, only to be told “this process has to be completed in-person for identity verification reasons.” Suddenly, you’re Googling what Wells Fargo is doing to keep you safe.

Step-by-step: What Safety Measures You’ll Actually See at Wells Fargo Branches (2024)

I’ll cut right to the chase with a walkthrough, plus some of the little curveballs you might not expect. This is drawn from a May 2024 trip to my local branch in San Diego, and bits from Wells Fargo’s official COVID-19 Response Page.

1. Before you go: Appointments and Pre-screening

Appointments recommended, but not always required. The online scheduling tool (which, annoyingly, logged me out twice) now lets you pick your service and a time slot just like reserving a table. What surprised me: If your visit is really short, they sometimes let walk-ins through—but expect harsher rules for complex transactions.
For fever or symptoms? The booking confirmation email still reads: “If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please reschedule your appointment.” In practice, I was never asked about my health on arrival, but the sign at the door reminds you not to enter if ill.

2. Masks, Plexiglass, and Social Distancing

As of spring 2024, masks are optional in almost all Wells Fargo branches. According to the CDC, most mask mandates have been lifted, but check local city/county rules (honestly, some California counties still oddly recommend them during “high transmission” weeks).
Plexiglass dividers? Still there, but only at teller windows—not at the sit-down desks. When opening my business account, my banker sat across a small table, with only a wipe-clean acrylic pad for check signing. Some branches have removed spacing stickers, but a few branches in denser areas (like Midtown Manhattan, per Reddit user /u/wellspaycheck2023) still have faded “Stand Here” floor spots.

3. Sanitizer Stations and Cleaning

There are hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and near teller lines. I’m a fidgeter, so yes—I slathered on the unscented gel (they refill these daily, per staff). Teller counters and desks get wiped regularly. Wells Fargo’s cleaning frequency used to be every hour, but by 2024 it’s more “as needed,” except when lines form.
Bonus tip: If you want a sanitized pen, ask for one; the pen cup by the customer service desk is still swapped out, and I watched an employee toss a used pen into a “Dirty” bin after a sweaty-handed teen left the counter.

4. Employee Screening and Vaccine Policies

According to internal Wells Fargo updates (see their COVID-19 stories page), branch staff are now “strongly encouraged” but not required to be vaccinated. There’s no longer any temperature check or COVID survey at the door, but if someone is ill, managers still send them home without fuss. Wells does not publicly comment on the % of vaxxed staff, but one staffer quipped, “Most of us did it—makes sense in a place like this, right?”

5. Touch-free Transactions: What Works (and Doesn’t)

In theory, ATMs and some kiosks promote “touch-free” options—a handy feature if you’re anxious about surfaces. But for a business account, you’ll still sign forms and show physical ID. A banker told me, “We sanitize after each appointment, especially with older clients.” Still, one guy before me had to redo a form after sneezing into his elbow—so yes, delays are possible.

Real Case Study: My Account Opening (San Diego, May 2024)

Booking an appointment online was a minor pain (timed out twice logged in from mobile browser, finally succeeded on desktop). On arrival, a sign reiterated: “If you are sick, please come back another day.” I wore a mask more out of habit—no one else (staff included) did. Inside, a hand sanitizing station, faded social distancing stickers, and a glassed-in teller window were all I spotted.
The banker greeted me at the door, asked if I had my ID and paperwork, no temperature or symptom check. Transaction took 26 minutes including a brief wait (someone ahead of me had a messy notarization). I used my own pen after recalling last year’s much-overused branch pen “trap.” All in all—it felt like a slightly cleaner version of a normal bank visit, with a faint whiff of hand sanitizer lingering in the air.

Official Policies & Links: What Wells Fargo Promises

Here’s what Wells Fargo offers publicly, per their COVID-19 information portal:

• “Enhanced cleaning protocols remain in place for high-traffic areas.”
• “Hand sanitizer is provided in branches.”
• “Plexiglass barriers available at many teller stations.”
• “Employees and customers are encouraged to wear masks, following CDC/local guidance.”
• “Customers experiencing symptoms are requested to reschedule.”

For reference, these echo CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance on workplaces: OSHA COVID-19 SafeWork.

Expert Views: Why Banks Do What They Do (And Where They’re Lax)

How U.S. Bank Protocols Compare with "Verified Trade" Standards Abroad (Mini Table)

This may seem random, but the way banks interpret “verified” health safety can look like how trade organizations define certified processes in different countries—not always uniform!

Common Gotchas, Lessons, and What’s Next

Spoiler: Nearly everything at Wells Fargo these days feels “semi-normal”—but with a splash of lingering pandemic flavor. The most important tips from my recent and past visits:

• Don’t go in if you’re not feeling well—even if you’re masked, staff may ask you to leave (saw this with a coughing man at the teller next to me; the manager politely suggested he use the drive-up instead).
• Online appointments are faster—here’s the link (Wells Fargo Direct Booking), but allow for tech hiccups (login timing out? Try desktop).
• Masks? Bring one if you’re at-risk or in a “high” transmission area; branch signage covers the basics, but enforcement is rare.
• For notary or cash needs, bring your own pen and wipes if you’re concerned.
• If you’re immunocompromised, consider calling the branch first—some will make special arrangements.

Conclusion—and My Quick Review After COVID Precautions at Wells Fargo

To wrap up? If you’ve banked in the U.S.—especially at Wells Fargo—since 2020, you know the drill: sanitizer at the door, informal reminders not to come in sick, plexiglass at teller counters, and a vibe that’s just a tad more mindful than pre-pandemic. Actual enforcement depends wildly on local rules, and most staff I met appreciate when clients use hand sanitizer and avoid coming in sniffling (no matter how “over” COVID you feel).

If you’re juggling concerns over new variants, or you’ve got someone vulnerable at home (like I do), just give your branch a ring—some will open earlier or arrange distance seating if you explain your need. Otherwise, you’re good with the basics: mask if you want, use the sanitizer, don’t be shy to ask staff for fresh pens, and be ready for the odd technical quirk with online bookings.

Next steps: Check your local branch’s current policies (rules can change if local cases spike) on the Wells Fargo appointment help page, and if you need extra support, just call in advance. And if you’re aiming to avoid paperwork in-person (and possible mistakes like I made trying to digital-sign a form for the wrong account...), always double-check which services actually require you to be there on-site.

---