If you’ve driven past your local Wells Fargo lately and noticed the "closed" signs or a sudden lack of activity, you aren't imagining things. The banking giant is currently in the middle of a massive pivot. Honestly, it’s a bit jarring to see those familiar red and gold stagecoach signs coming down in neighborhoods where they’ve been for decades.
Texas is a big state, but it isn't immune to the nationwide trend of banks ditching brick-and-mortar for bits and bytes. Wells Fargo is closing down branches across Texas, and while the bank calls it "optimization," for those of us who still like talking to a human being about our mortgage or a weird charge, it feels a lot more like a headache.
Why is Wells Fargo closing down branches across Texas right now?
It basically comes down to how we spend our money. Think about the last time you actually walked into a lobby to deposit a check. Most people just snap a photo on their phone and call it a day.
Because of this, the "foot traffic" that used to justify expensive leases in places like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio just isn't there anymore. Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf has been pretty open about the fact that they need to cut costs. Closing branches is the fastest way to do that. They are trying to lean out a company that grew way too big, way too fast during the merger years.
The Texas "Chopping Block" List
The list of closures is moving fast. Recently, several high-profile spots have been shuttered or marked for the exit. We’re talking about places like:
- Dallas: Locations on Cedar Springs Road and East Mockingbird Lane.
- San Antonio: The branch at 1930 North Loop 1604 E.
- College Station: 321 University Drive.
- El Paso: 221 N. Kansas Street.
- Huffman: 25100 F.M. 2100.
It’s not just the big cities, either. Even smaller hubs like Navasota have seen their local branches hit the receipt list for closure. When a branch in a town like that closes, it’s a huge deal. It’s not just about losing an ATM; it’s about losing a piece of the local business community.
The weird "Refurbishment" paradox
Here is where it gets kinda confusing. While they are shutting down dozens of locations, they are also spending millions to "refresh" others. You might see one branch close while the one five miles away gets a fancy new "digital-first" makeover.
The new design is less about teller windows and more about "consultation rooms." Basically, they want you to do your $20 withdrawals at the machine outside, but they want a plush, private office available when you’re ready to talk about a $500,000 home loan.
They’re calling it the "Guidance Center" model. It’s a gamble. They’re betting that customers won't mind driving a little further if the experience is "premium" once they get there.
The impact on Texas workers
We can't talk about these closures without mentioning the people behind the counters. This isn't just a corporate reshuffle; it's lives being upended. In late 2025, Wells Fargo filed notices with the Texas Workforce Commission (WARN notices) regarding massive layoffs.
One of the hardest-hit spots was Lubbock, where the bank announced it was eliminating over 200 positions at a support center. When a major employer like that leaves a city, the ripple effect is real. Families lose insurance, local lunch spots lose customers, and the community loses a sense of stability.
Is your money still safe?
Yes. Let's be clear: a branch closing does not mean the bank is failing. Far from it. Wells Fargo is still sitting on trillions in assets. Your accounts, your direct deposits, and your loans aren't going anywhere.
But your routine is changing.
If your "home" branch closes, your account is usually just migrated to the next closest one. You keep the same account number. Your debit card still works. The biggest "risk" is simply the loss of convenience. For elderly Texans or those in rural areas without great high-speed internet, this shift is more than just an annoyance—it's a barrier to their money.
What to do if your branch is on the list
If you get that letter in the mail saying your branch is toast, don't panic. You have a few immediate moves:
- Check the ATM map. Sometimes they leave the ATM behind even if the building is sold.
- Download the app now. If you've been resisting mobile banking, now is the time to get familiar with it before you have to drive 20 minutes for a simple deposit.
- Look at local Credit Unions. If the big-bank "optimization" feels like a betrayal, many Texans are moving their money to credit unions like Frost or local community banks that still value physical presence.
The reality is that the era of a bank on every corner is ending. Texas is growing faster than almost any other state, but our physical banking footprint is shrinking just as fast. It’s a digital world now, and the stagecoaches are being traded in for servers.
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Next Steps for Texans:
Check your recent mail or the Wells Fargo mobile app notifications to see if your primary branch has a scheduled "consolidation" date. If your branch is closing, visit the new "target" branch at least once before the move to meet the staff and ensure your safe deposit box (if you have one) is handled properly. If the new commute is more than 15 minutes, research local Texas-based credit unions that often offer lower fees and more accessible local service.