Wells Fargo apologizes for online banking outage amid stimulus rollout

Wells Fargo on Wednesday apologized to customers who experienced problems with online banking on the same day that many received their $1,400 direct payments included in the latest coronavirus relief package.

“We apologize to our customers who may be experiencing issues with our online banking this morning due to high volumes,” Wells Fargo tweeted.

The bank noted that the technical difficulties would not impact whether customers received their stimulus payments.

We apologize to our customers who may be experiencing issues with our online banking this morning due to high volumes. This does not affect stimulus payments with a March 17 effective date which were credited to accounts today. Thanks for your patience. https://t.co/yoHAieoKQO

— Wells Fargo (@WellsFargo) March 17, 2021

Thousands of customers reported problems Wednesday morning with Wells Fargo’s online banking platform and their mobile app, according to multiple reports.

Wells Fargo responded to several users on social media who shared that they were unable to log into their personal accounts. 

Hello. We apologize for the inconvenience. There is an issue with our online banking. Thanks for your patience while we research this issue. If you are impacted, please check back here for updates. -Angie

— Wells Fargo (@WellsFargo) March 17, 2021

I apologize for the experience with our online banking. For immediate help, please call us at 1-800-956-4442. I appreciate your patience. -Alex

— Wells Fargo (@WellsFargo) March 17, 2021

The bank did not immediately confirm a timeline for fixing the outage.

“We are working to address the issue as quickly as possible,” Wells Fargo said in a statement to The Hill. 

Wells Fargo and Chase recently sparked an outcry from some customers after they announced that they would not process stimulus payments until Wednesday. Several banking giants claimed that the funds for the payments were not sent to financial institutions until March 17.

“Wells Fargo will process all of the direct deposits according to the effective date provided by the U.S. Treasury,” Wells Fargo noted on its website.

President Biden last week signed his $1.9 trillion coronavirus rescue package into law. The measure includes $1,400 direct payments for most Americans, in addition to funding for vaccine distribution efforts, school reopenings and more. 

–Updated at 1:50 p.m.