Quick Answer

Yes, Wells Fargo hires individuals with felony convictions, but employment is severely restricted by Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDI Act). As one of America's largest banks with approximately $1.9 trillion in assets and over 200,000 employees, Wells Fargo cannot hire anyone convicted of crimes involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering without FDIC waiver or exemption. The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) of 2019 created significant pathways by establishing automatic exclusions from Section 19 for: offenses where 7 years passed since offense (or 5 years since release from incarceration); offenses committed before age 21 where 30 months passed since sentencing; expunged or sealed convictions; simple drug possession; designated lesser offenses (shoplifting, fake ID, trespass) after 1 year.

CRITICAL: If conviction is NOT covered by FHBA exclusions, individual waiver from FDIC required before Wells Fargo can legally hire. Credit check also conducted financial instability may create additional barriers. Best opportunities exist for those qualifying under FHBA automatic exclusions or with convictions completely unrelated to financial services. Wells Fargo ranked #1 financial services employer on 2025 LinkedIn Top Companies list.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers in Financial Services

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Wells Fargo, critically assess your Section 19 status:

• Determine Section 19 Coverage: Section 19 covers any "crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust or money laundering." This includes but is not limited to: fraud, embezzlement, forgery, theft, larceny, counterfeiting, extortion, false statements to banks, money laundering, and crimes where dishonesty is an element. If your conviction falls into these categories, you MUST determine if FHBA exclusion applies or FDIC waiver is required.

  
  

• Check FHBA Automatic Exclusions: You may be automatically excluded from Section 19 bar if: (a) 7 years passed since offense occurred OR 5 years since release from incarceration, whichever later; (b) Offense committed before age 21 AND 30 months passed since sentencing; (c) Conviction expunged or sealed; (d) Simple possession or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; (e) Designated lesser offenses (shoplifting under $1,000, fake ID, trespass, fare evasion) with 1 year passed.

  
  

• Consider FDIC Waiver If Needed: If offense still covered by Section 19 (recent, serious felony of dishonesty), you must obtain FDIC waiver BEFORE Wells Fargo can legally hire you. Waiver process requires extensive documentation, bank sponsorship, and takes 6-12+ months. Success rate varies based on offense severity, time elapsed, and rehabilitation evidence.

  
  

• Assess Credit History: Wells Fargo conducts credit check. Financial instability including heavy debt, defaults, collections, bankruptcy, or poor credit may create barriers even if criminal history resolved. Banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets.

  
  

• Understand Ongoing Disclosure Requirements: Wells Fargo Code of Conduct requires employees to self-report certain convictions and arrests even after hire. Failure to disclose can result in termination. Industry-wide regulatory reporting requirements apply.

  
  

• Prepare Rehabilitation Documentation: If waiver needed, extensive documentation required: stable employment history since offense, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, clean record, written explanation demonstrating changed circumstances.

Critical Regulatory Information

CRITICAL: Wells Fargo employment governed by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. This is federal law not company policy with criminal penalties for violations. Understanding this framework is essential for Second Chance applicants.

Section 19 of FDI Act - Mandatory Bar

• Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. § 1829) prohibits any person convicted of "any criminal offense involving dishonesty or a breach of trust or money laundering" from participating in banking industry without FDIC consent.

  
  

• This prohibition applies to Wells Fargo and every FDIC-insured institution. Covered offenses include: fraud, embezzlement, forgery, theft, larceny, making false statements, counterfeiting, money laundering, extortion, receiving stolen property, bribery, and any crime with dishonesty as element.

  
  

• Without FDIC waiver or FHBA exclusion, Wells Fargo CANNOT legally employ anyone with covered conviction regardless of how long ago, company preference, or rehabilitation. Both bank and individual face federal criminal penalties for violations.

  
  

Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) Exclusions

• The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA), enacted as part of National Defense Authorization Act of 2019, created significant pathways for people with criminal records by establishing automatic exclusions from Section 19 requiring no FDIC waiver.

  
  

• You are AUTOMATICALLY excluded from Section 19 bar if:

  
  

  (1) Seven years passed since offense occurred OR five years since release from incarceration, whichever is later—most important exclusion covering majority of older convictions;

  
  

  (2) Offense committed before age 21 AND 30 months passed since sentencing—protecting youthful offenders;

  
  

  (3) Conviction expunged, sealed, or pardoned under applicable law;

  
  

  (4) Simple possession or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances—drug offenses generally excluded;

  
  

  (5) Designated lesser offenses including shoplifting under $1,000, issuance of bad check under $1,000, using fake ID, trespass, misdemeanor fare evasion, and similar minor offenses where 1 year passed since conviction.

  
  

FDIC Waiver Process

• If conviction still covered by Section 19 (recent serious felony involving dishonesty), individual must obtain FDIC waiver before Wells Fargo can legally hire.

  
  

• Process requires: bank sponsorship (Wells Fargo must agree to sponsor application); comprehensive application documenting rehabilitation; fingerprint cards; detailed explanation of offense and changed circumstances; evidence of rehabilitation (employment, treatment, references, community service); waiting period determined by offense severity. Processing time typically 6-12+ months.

  
  

• FDIC considers: nature and circumstances of offense; evidence rehabilitation will succeed; extent of future participation in banking; any relationship between individual and holding company. Waiver is not guaranteed—serious or recent offenses face higher denial rates. De minimis exemption available for certain minor offenses through bank without full FDIC review.

  
  

Credit Check Requirements

• Wells Fargo conducts credit history review as part of background screening. Banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets, deposits, and sensitive financial information.

  
  

• Significant financial problems may create barriers: heavy debt load, defaults, accounts in collections, recent bankruptcy, tax liens, judgments.

• Poor credit does not automatically disqualify but requires explanation and may limit positions with direct financial handling. Prepare to address any credit issues proactively.

  
  

Drug and Alcohol Policy

• Wells Fargo maintains drug-free workplace.

• Drug testing required for covered positions.

• Failed drug test results in disqualification.

• Prescription medications disclosed with valid documentation.

• Policy aligned with federal banking regulations and workplace safety requirements.

Company Overview

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading American multinational financial services company and one of the "Big Four" banks in the United States alongside JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. With approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, Wells Fargo is the fourth-largest bank in the United States by assets and the largest by market capitalization. Company provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage products and services through four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending (personal banking, credit cards, auto loans, home mortgages); Commercial Banking (middle market, government banking); Corporate and Investment Banking (capital markets, treasury management); and Wealth and Investment Management (financial advisory, brokerage, retirement services). Company employs over 200,000 team members across extensive nationwide branch network and major operational centers.

Wells Fargo ranked No. 34 on Fortune's 2024 rankings of America's largest corporations and was named #1 financial services employer on 2025 LinkedIn Top Companies list for best workplaces to grow career. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, with significant operational centers in Charlotte, North Carolina; Des Moines, Iowa; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Phoenix, Arizona; and other major metropolitan areas. Company traces history to 1852 founding of Wells, Fargo & Company as banking and express business during California Gold Rush.

Social impact focus includes supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and low-carbon economy. Company emphasizes "Well Life" approach supporting employee career aspirations, work-life balance, mental and physical health, with competitive salaries and generous benefits package. Significant investment in employee development with opportunities for career growth across diverse business lines.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: San Francisco, California;

• Employees: 200,000+; Assets: $1.9 trillion; NYSE: WFC;

• Fortune 500: Ranked #34 (2024); Founded: 1852;

• Major Centers: Charlotte, Des Moines, Minneapolis, Phoenix, St. Louis;

• Operating Segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, Wealth and Investment Management;

• Branches: Thousands nationwide; 2025 LinkedIn: #1 Financial Services Employer.

  
  

Hiring Policy Analysis

Wells Fargo hiring fundamentally shaped by Section 19 compliance requirements. Company cannot legally hire individuals with covered convictions without FDIC waiver or FHBA exclusion—this is federal law, not discretionary policy. Within these regulatory constraints, Wells Fargo emphasizes diverse workforce and career development opportunities.

For applicants qualifying under FHBA exclusions (7+ years since offense, youthful offender, expunged record, drug possession, minor offenses), standard employment process applies with comprehensive background check verifying exclusion eligibility. For those still covered by Section 19, employment impossible without FDIC waiver—company would need to sponsor waiver application, a significant commitment requiring demonstrated value and strong rehabilitation evidence.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Indeed for Wells Fargo positions. All positions require Section 19 clearance through FHBA exclusion or FDIC waiver.

Career Path Examples

Branch Banking Track: Teller ($18-$24/hr, entry-level transaction processing, customer service, cash handling, product referrals) → Senior Teller ($20-$26/hr, mentoring, complex transactions, 1-2 years) → Personal Banker ($22-$30/hr, customer accounts, financial products, needs assessment, sales—typically 2-4 years teller experience) → Branch Banker Lead (team leadership, coaching) → Assistant Branch Manager ($55K-$75K annually, operations oversight, compliance, 5-7 years) → Branch Manager ($65K-$100K+, full P&L responsibility, team leadership, community engagement, 8-12+ years).

Timeline: 5-10 years for full progression. Requires meeting all licensing requirements for investment and insurance product sales. Section 19 status and credit history verified at each promotional step. Strong internal mobility culture allows career growth.

Operations Track: Customer Service Representative ($18-$25/hr, call center or operations support, handling customer inquiries, account servicing, issue resolution) → Senior Customer Service ($22-$28/hr, complex inquiries, escalations, mentoring, 1-3 years) → Operations Specialist (processing, back office, specialized department functions) → Team Lead/Supervisor ($50K-$70K, team oversight, quality monitoring, performance management) → Operations Manager (department management, process improvement, strategic initiatives).

Timeline: 4-8 years for progression. Operations roles support various business lines including deposits and payments operations, global fraud and claims, account reconciliation, cash vault services, mail and courier solutions, and customer contact services. Strong career path for entry-level banking that does not require branch sales focus.

Background Check Process

Wells Fargo Background Screening: Application submission; Initial screening and interview; Conditional offer; Comprehensive background check including: Criminal history verification (Section 19 assessment, FHBA exclusion determination); Credit history review (financial responsibility assessment); Employment verification (dates, titles, performance); Education verification; Drug testing for applicable positions; Fingerprint submission if required for licensing; FDIC waiver application if Section 19 covered without exclusion (6-12+ month additional process). FCRA adverse action process if potential denial.

Timeline for standard hiring: 2-4 weeks from conditional offer to clearance. Much longer if FDIC waiver required.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: Section 19 covered offense without FHBA exclusion or FDIC waiver—Wells Fargo legally cannot hire; Dishonesty during application; Failed drug test.

  
  

• High Risk (Even with FHBA): Recent dishonesty offenses approaching 7-year threshold; Pattern of financial crimes; Poor credit history with current delinquencies; Multiple convictions; Any indication of ongoing integrity concerns.

  
  

• Individual Review: Convictions qualifying under FHBA exclusions; Credit issues with explanation and improvement plan; Old convictions with strong rehabilitation; Offenses unrelated to financial services.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FHBA: Automatic exclusion from Section 19 if meeting criteria—no waiver needed; Bank cannot require waiver for excluded offenses.

  
  

• FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report copy; Opportunity to dispute inaccuracies; Final adverse action notice if denied.

  
  

• FDIC Waiver: Right to apply for waiver with bank sponsorship; Right to present rehabilitation evidence; Right to FDIC decision on application.

  
  

• State Laws: Various state ban-the-box and fair chance laws may provide additional protections in certain locations.

Application Strategy

1. Self-Assess Section 19 Status First: Before applying, determine if your conviction is covered by Section 19 and whether FHBA exclusion applies. Calculate time since offense/release. Check if offense qualifies as lesser offense or drug possession. If unclear, consult attorney familiar with banking law.

   
   

2. Gather Exclusion Documentation: If qualifying under FHBA, prepare documentation proving exclusion: court records with dates, release documentation if incarcerated, expungement orders if applicable, age at offense if under 21.

   
   

3. Address Credit History: Wells Fargo conducts credit check. Review credit reports, dispute inaccuracies, have explanation for any issues. Begin improving credit before applying if possible.

   
   

4. Be 100% Truthful: Wells Fargo Code of Conduct requires honesty. Dishonesty on application is automatic disqualification. Self-reporting requirements continue after hire. Banking industry has zero tolerance for deception.

   
   

5. Document Rehabilitation: If waiver needed or for any application, prepare: stable employment history, treatment completion, character references, community involvement, written explanation of circumstances and changes.

   
   

6. Target Entry-Level Positions: Teller and Customer Service Representative positions have highest volume hiring and may be most accessible entry points for those qualifying under FHBA exclusions.

   
   

7. Consider Timeline: If offense approaching 7-year mark, waiting until FHBA exclusion applies may be strategic. Attempting employment before exclusion requires full FDIC waiver process.

   
   

8. Understand Ongoing Requirements: Banking employees face ongoing compliance obligations including self-reporting new arrests/convictions, regulatory examinations, and potential licensing requirements.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. FHBA Is Your Best Path: Seven-year rule from FHBA is most important exclusion. If past 7 years since offense (or 5 since release), you qualify for automatic exclusion—no waiver needed.

   
   

2. Drug Convictions Have Special Treatment: Simple possession and even possession with intent to distribute are automatically excluded from Section 19 under FHBA. Drug offenses do not bar banking employment.

   
   

3. Expungement Works: Expunged or sealed convictions excluded from Section 19. If eligible for expungement in your state, pursue it before applying.

   
   

4. Credit Matters in Banking: Even if Section 19 cleared, poor credit creates barriers. Banking expects financial responsibility. Work on credit improvement.

   
   

5. Large Employer Advantage: Wells Fargo with 200,000+ employees has diverse positions and higher-volume hiring than smaller banks.

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: Competitive banking salaries; Performance bonuses; Incentive programs for sales roles; Annual merit increases; Comprehensive total rewards.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) with company match; Pension programs for eligible employees; Financial planning resources; Retirement readiness support.

  
  

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage; Health savings accounts; Flexible spending accounts; Employee assistance programs; Mental health support; Well-being programs.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: Vacation and personal days; Sick leave; Paid holidays; Parental leave; Volunteer time; Sabbatical programs for tenured employees.

  
  

• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement; Professional development; Internal mobility; Training programs; Leadership development; Career pathing.

  
  

• Additional: Employee stock purchase plan; Commuter benefits; Legal services; Adoption assistance; Child care support; Diverse employee networks.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros: #1 financial services employer on LinkedIn 2025; Strong benefits package; Career development opportunities; Job stability with major bank; Diverse workforce; Internal mobility; Competitive pay for banking; Well Life work-life balance emphasis.

Cons: Section 19 restrictions for those with records; Comprehensive background checks; Sales pressure in some roles; Large corporate bureaucracy; Regulatory scrutiny; Credit check requirements; Compliance culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Wells Fargo hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but severely restricted by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Wells Fargo CANNOT legally hire anyone with conviction involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering without FDIC waiver or Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) exclusion. FHBA provides automatic exclusion if: 7 years since offense (5 since release); offense before age 21 with 30 months since sentencing; expunged conviction; drug possession; designated minor offenses. Without exclusion, individual FDIC waiver required before hiring is legal.

   
   

2. What is Section 19 of the FDI Act?

   Section 19 (12 U.S.C. § 1829) is federal law prohibiting anyone convicted of crime involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering from working at FDIC-insured banks without FDIC consent. Applies to ALL banking positions at Wells Fargo. Covered offenses include fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, false statements, money laundering, bribery. Both bank and individual face criminal penalties for violations. This is federal law—not bank policy.

   
   

3. What is the Fair Hiring in Banking Act?

   FHBA (2019) created automatic exclusions from Section 19 requiring no waiver. You are excluded if: (a) 7 years since offense OR 5 years since incarceration release; (b) Offense before age 21 and 30 months since sentencing; (c) Expunged or sealed conviction; (d) Drug possession offenses; (e) Minor offenses (shoplifting under $1,000, bad check under $1,000, fake ID, trespass) with 1 year passed. These exclusions allow banking employment without FDIC waiver.

   
   

4. How do I get an FDIC waiver?

   If conviction still covered by Section 19 (recent, does not meet FHBA exclusion), must obtain FDIC waiver. Process requires: bank sponsorship (Wells Fargo agreeing to hire you); comprehensive application with offense details; rehabilitation evidence; fingerprints; FBI background check; FDIC review. Processing takes 6-12+ months. De minimis exemption available for minor offenses through bank. Waiver not guaranteed—serious or recent offenses face higher denial rates.

   
   

5. Does Wells Fargo check credit?

   Yes, credit check conducted as part of background screening. Banking industry expects financial responsibility from employees handling customer assets and sensitive information. Poor credit (defaults, collections, bankruptcy) may create barriers or limit positions. Prepare explanation for any credit issues. Credit improvement before applying recommended.

   
   

6. What positions are best for applicants with records?

   For those qualifying under FHBA exclusions: Teller ($18-$24/hr) and Customer Service Representative ($18-$25/hr) are highest-volume entry positions. Operations roles offer back-office opportunities. ALL Wells Fargo positions require Section 19 clearance—there are no positions exempt from this federal law. Entry-level roles provide starting point for those meeting exclusion requirements.

   
   

7. How long does the background check take?

   Standard background check: 2-4 weeks from conditional offer. If FDIC waiver required: Add 6-12+ months for waiver processing. Criminal history, credit, employment, and education all verified. Section 19 status determination part of screening. FCRA adverse action process if issues identified.

   
   

8. Can drug convictions work at Wells Fargo?

   Yes—drug offenses receive special treatment under FHBA. Simple possession and even possession with intent to distribute controlled substances are automatically excluded from Section 19. Drug convictions do not bar banking employment. However, current drug use would fail pre-employment drug testing. Demonstrated sobriety still required.

   
   

9. Does expungement help?

   Yes, significantly. Expunged or sealed convictions are automatically excluded from Section 19 under FHBA. If eligible for expungement in your state, pursue it before applying to Wells Fargo. Expungement provides cleanest pathway to banking employment for those with covered offenses.

   
   

10. What if my offense is approaching 7 years?

    Strategic option: Wait until 7 years from offense (or 5 from release) when FHBA automatic exclusion applies. Attempting employment before exclusion requires full FDIC waiver process requiring bank sponsorship and 6-12+ month processing. If close to threshold, waiting may be easier path than waiver process.

Alternative Second Chance Employers in Financial Services

Conclusion

Wells Fargo offers Second Chance opportunity in banking, but employment is fundamentally constrained by Section 19 of Federal Deposit Insurance Act. This federal law—not company policy—prohibits anyone with conviction involving dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering from working at FDIC-insured banks without FDIC consent. The Fair Hiring in Banking Act (FHBA) of 2019 created significant pathways by establishing automatic exclusions for older offenses, youthful offenders, expunged convictions, drug possession, and designated minor offenses.

Critical first step: Determine your Section 19 status. If conviction qualifying under FHBA exclusion (7 years since offense, before age 21 with 30 months passed, expunged, drug possession, minor offense), you can apply without FDIC waiver. If still covered by Section 19, you MUST obtain FDIC waiver before Wells Fargo can legally employ you—a 6-12+ month process requiring bank sponsorship.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Those meeting FHBA automatic exclusions can apply for Teller ($18-$24/hr) or Customer Service Representative ($18-$25/hr) positions—highest volume entry points with training provided. Both positions offer career advancement pathways within Wells Fargo's extensive organization. Expungement provides cleanest pathway to banking employment—pursue if eligible in your state before applying. Drug convictions specifically excluded from Section 19 under FHBA—drug possession does not bar banking employment. Credit history important in banking industry—work on credit improvement before applying if issues exist. If approaching 7-year threshold from offense (or 5 years from release), waiting for automatic FHBA exclusion to apply may be significantly easier than pursuing FDIC waiver process which requires bank sponsorship and 6-12+ months processing time.

Key success factors: Determine Section 19 status and FHBA exclusion eligibility; Pursue expungement if available; Address credit history; Be completely honest throughout process; Document rehabilitation if waiver needed; Target entry-level positions initially; Understand ongoing compliance and self-reporting requirements.

Understanding the opportunity: Wells Fargo as #1 financial services employer on 2025 LinkedIn Top Companies list with 200,000+ employees across nationwide operations offers diverse positions and robust career development in stable banking industry. Company "Well Life" approach supports employee career aspirations, work-life balance, mental and physical health with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.

FHBA significantly expanded access for people with criminal records by creating automatic exclusions eliminating need for FDIC waiver in many circumstances. However, recent serious dishonesty offenses (fraud, embezzlement, theft within past 7 years) remain challenging without lengthy waiver process requiring bank sponsorship. Those qualifying under FHBA exclusions (7+ years, youthful offender, expunged, drug possession, minor offenses) face standard employment process with comprehensive background check but no waiver requirement. Banking career with Wells Fargo provides stable employment, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth opportunity for those who can clear Section 19 requirements and meet credit standards.

Apply Now at wellsfargojobs.com or wellsfargo.com/about/careers

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Section 19 and FHBA requirements but should not be considered legal advice. Section 19 determinations involve complex legal analysis consult attorney familiar with banking law for specific guidance. FDIC waiver outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Wells Fargo policies may change. Credit and criminal history requirements strictly enforced. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by location, position, and experience. Individual outcomes depend on Section 19 status, criminal history specifics, credit history, and qualifications. Wells Fargo name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes or waiver approvals.