Timeline of Innovation
Travel along the timeline to see how we’ve been a catalyst for change for 200 years.
Shaping what’s next
Now – 2010s
April 2021
Quote for Now to 2010
From our stagecoach days, innovation has always been part of our DNA.”
– Steve Ellis, former head of the
Wells Fargo Innovation Group, 2016
2020
Helping entrepreneurs stay ‘Open for Business’
Wells Fargo donated approximately $400 million in Paycheck Protection Program processing fees through a new program, the Open for Business Fund, to support small businesses owned by people who have been hit hardest by COVID-19.
December 2020
2017
Making banking easier
Wells Fargo is the first major bank to let customers use their phones to get cash and more at ATMs. Learn more about card-free access
October 2018
2014
Nurturing startups
The Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator encourages and funds new businesses that are creating innovative technologies. Learn more about the startup opportunities
2012
Supporting sustainable homeownership
More people become homeowners with down payment assistance and financial education from the NeighborhoodLIFT® program in collaboration with local nonprofits. Learn more about this program
The Net Age
2000s – 1980s
November 2018
2007
Banking on the go
Customers have a new way to access their accounts on their phones.
1995
Banking over the Web
The rise of personal computers connected to the internet changes customers’ expectations for convenience. Wells Fargo responds by becoming the first major bank to offer banking online. Read more about being the first in online banking
1980
Keeping phone lines open all day
Wells Fargo is the first bank in California to offer customers 24/7 banking by telephone from the comfort of their home.
Quote for 2000s–1980s
Whatever technology provides better service, we’re going to find a way to use it.”
– Paul Hazen, Wells Fargo Chairman and CEO, 1996
Generation on the go
1970s – 1950s
November 2018
1979
Automating for efficiency
Americans are writing close to 35 million checks a year. To get customers their money faster, Wells Fargo invests millions of dollars in computers and builds a dedicated data processing center.
1978
Dispensing convenience
“Banking hours” disappear when customers get access to money night and day at a Wells Fargo Express Stop ATM. Read more about ATMs
Quote for 1970s-1950s
What we’re really doing, in effect, is sowing a seed and trying to cultivate it into a full-fledged banking relationship with us.”
– Gary Bowers, Vice President, Wells Fargo, 1978
1970s
Meeting a capital challenge
The first technology companies of Silicon Valley look to Wells Fargo for specialized lending services. Read about loans that grew Atari
1960s
Expanding education opportunity
The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik spurs Americans to focus on education. While federal programs provide some funding, students and families turn to Wells Fargo for additional loans.
1950s–1960s
Keeping pace
As the number of cars in the U.S. doubles to 50 million between 1945 and 1955, free parking and motor banking becomes standard at Wells Fargo. Read more about motor banks
Boom, bust, and war
1940s – 1920s
November 2018
Quote for 1940s–1920s
The best interests of the customer are always in the best interests of the bank.”
– Frederick Lipman, President, Wells Fargo Nevada National Bank
1942
Promoting war bonds
More than half of the cost of World War II is financed by loans for defense companies and bonds sold at banks like First National Bank of Palm Beach (now Wells Fargo) in Florida.
1934
Enabling the American Dream
To boost the depressed economy, Congress creates federally insured mortgages sold by banks. Not originally available to everyone, these loans enable a generation of homeowners and start conversations that lead to improved lending programs in following decades.
1930s
Security in a dangerous time
As infamous robbers target banks, Wells Fargo leverages the latest in technological advancements — steel vaults — to safeguard customers’ wealth.
1920s
Cars on credit
Originally meant for only the richest, average Americans can now buy their first car by taking out a loan. By the late 1920s, 60% of cars are bought on credit.
A new demand for capital
1910s – 1880s
November 2018
1907
Shopping at home
Catalog shopping takes off, with payments sent and packages delivered by Wells Fargo.
1906
Recovering from the Great Quake
A new vault saves customers’ accounts and money during the San Francisco earthquake and fire. Read more about the recovery
1888
Translating trust
Chinese-speaking customers trust Wells Fargo’s translators and express service would get their letters delivered. Read more about our customers
1887
Brokering a buy
Stockbroker A.G. Edwards (now Wells Fargo) connects St. Louis stock buyers to distant markets so they can invest in new industries.
Quote for 1910s-1880s
Efficient service and courteous treatment of patrons built up the business of Wells Fargo & Company, and the same qualities maintain that service today.”
– Advertisement, 1913
Reconnecting the nation
1870s – 1860s
November 2018
1875
Guarding the gold
One of the most highly regarded security forces in the industry, Wells Fargo uses armed guards, reinforced treasure boxes, forensics, and more. Read more about outwitting outlaws
Quote for 1870s-1860s
Our lives are not measured by the number of years and days we exist but by what we accomplish … and the good we may render to our fellow men.”
– Henry Wells, 1875
1866-1869
Bridging gaps
President Lincoln calls for a transcontinental railroad. While the lines are being built, passengers use Wells Fargo stagecoaches to stay connected and send money.
1865
Supporting Reconstruction
When Georgia’s railroads and economy lay in ruins, the Atlanta National Bank (now Wells Fargo), the first nationally regulated bank in the South, provides loans to help rebuild.
Pursuing opportunities
1850s – 1800s
November 2018
1858–1861
Achieving the impossible
Overland Mail Company stagecoaches, financed by Wells Fargo, travel day and night across thousands of miles — proving wrong critics who said it was impossible.
Quote for 1850s-1800s
Wells, Fargo & Co. is extending its business everywhere there is a possible opening, and to many places where there was none until they cut the way.”
– Newspaper, 1855
1855
Earning trust
Needing a safe place to put his money during the Gold Rush, John Topping entrusts his gold to a Wells Fargo agent in Folsom, California.
1852
Introducing Wells Fargo
New towns and cities emerge as people pursued opportunity in distant places. In San Francisco, people turn to Wells Fargo to get money, news, and more. Read more about the founders
The search for independence
1700s
November 2018
1790s
Foiling counterfeiters
Bank of North America (now Wells Fargo) pays extra for difficult-to-copy designs on paper to protect customers.
Quote for 1700s
…the establishment of the bank is an event as extraordinary in itself as any domestic occurrence during the progress of the revolution.”
– Thomas Paine, 1784
1782
Moving money
Instead of sending heaving coins — or even cows — to his brother, Revolutionary War Colonel Owen Biddle sends a Bank of North America (now Wells Fargo) check.
1781
Funding the Revolution
The Continental Congress charters the Bank of North America (now Wells Fargo) to create new financial tools for a fledgling nation. Read more about a revolution in banking
