One Point Five Two PercentWide moat

Wells Fargo (WFC) — moat facet

Wells Fargo buys its money more cheaply than JPMorgan or Bank of America, and has done so for at least two years running.

The best single fact about Wells Fargo is the price of its money. In 2025 it paid $20,449 million of interest on average interest-bearing deposits of $987,198 million, while another $360,047 million of deposits paid nothing1. Spread across all $1,347,245 million of average deposits, that is an all-in cost of about 1.52%2.

Cost of total deposits, 2025 (%)1.52%Wells Fargo1.74%Bank of America1.80%JPMorganCalculated from each bank Form 10-K FY2025 average balance tables
The cheapest money of the three largest deposit banks.

The two banks it is most often compared with paid more. JPMorgan's cost of total deposits was 1.80% in 20253, and Bank of America's, worked out the same way from its own average balance table, was about 1.74%45. The gap to JPMorgan is about 28 basis points, which on Wells Fargo's deposit base is worth roughly $3.8 billion a year before tax6.

That is not a one-year accident. In 2024 Wells Fargo's all-in cost was about 1.80%7 against JPMorgan's 2.08%8. The deposits are cheap because most of them come from households and small businesses that keep their operating cash in a checking account and do not move it for a few basis points.

The comparison also says something awkward. JPMorgan earns far more on dearer money, which means the gap between these banks is not funding. That argument belongs to the page on the return gap; here the point is simply that the raw material is the best of the three.

The cost has been falling through the year as rates came down. The average deposit cost was 1.73% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 1.44% in the fourth quarter of 20259. A bank whose deposits reprice down this quickly has fewer rate-sensitive depositors than its size suggests.

The 2025 saving shows up directly in the interest bill. Interest on interest-bearing deposits fell from $24,282 million in 2024 to $20,449 million in 202510, about $3.8 billion less11, on average balances that barely moved. Bank of America paid 2.35% on its interest-bearing deposits in 202512, against Wells Fargo's 2.07%13.

The quarterly figure is the one to follow. Wells Fargo reported an average deposit cost of 1.51% in the second quarter of 202614; a cost that rose above JPMorgan's while rates were steady would mean the growth after the asset cap was being paid for at the counter.

Moat trajectory: Holding steady

About 1.52% in 2025 against 1.80% at JPMorgan; 1.51% in Q2 2026.

The number that tests this moat
Reported
Average deposit cost, latest quarter
1.51% (Q2 2026), down 1bp year on year

The price of the raw material; a rise above JPMorgan's cost with rates steady would mean growth was being bought.

Source: Wells Fargo Q2 2026 earnings presentation ↗
⚠ Threats to the moat
⚠ THREAT 01
A Quarter of the Deposits Pays Nothing Now
Wells Fargo's free deposits fell from about 36% of the base to about 27% in three years.
References
  1. ReportedIn 2025 it paid $20,449 million of interest on average interest-bearing deposits of $987,198 million, while another $360,047 million of deposits paid nothing.
    Wells Fargo 2025 Annual Report to Shareholders (financial statements, MD&A and segment note), part of the Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - average balance sheet, deposits, net interest income and securities. — FY2025 · publ. 24 February 2026 · source ↗
  2. Moat Explorer calcSpread across all $1,347,245 million of average deposits, that is an all-in cost of about 1.52%.
    Moat Explorer calculation from Wells Fargo's reported figures ($ millions unless stated). Deposits: cost of total deposits = interest on interest-bearing deposits / (average interest-bearing + average noninterest-bearing deposits): 2020 2,804 / 1,376,011 = 0.20%; 2021 388 / 1,437,812 = 0.03%; 2022 2,349 / 1,424,269 = 0.16%; 2023 16,503 / 1,346,282 = 1.23%; 2024 24,282 / 1,345,915 = 1.80%; 2025 20,449 / (987,198 + 360,047 = 1,347,245) = 1.52%. Bank of America 2025: 34,513 / (1,469,705 + 514,477 = 1,984,182) = 1.74%. Gap to JPMorgan 1.80% - 1.52% = 0.28 points x 1,347,245 = about 3,772 (about $3.8 billion); gap to Bank of America 1.74% - 1.52% = 0.22 points. Noninterest-bearing share of average deposits: 2020 412,669 / 1,376,011 = 30.0%; 2021 499,644 / 1,437,812 = 34.8%; 2022 505,770 / 1,424,269 = 35.5%; 2023 399,737 / 1,346,282 = 29.7%; 2024 352,379 / 1,345,915 = 26.2%; 2025 360,047 / 1,347,245 = 26.7%. Average deposits 2023-2025 range 1,345,915 to 1,347,245 = 1,330 (about $1.3 billion). Period-end deposits 1,371,804 / 1,335,991 - 1 = 2.7% (Dec 2017 to Dec 2024); Dec 2025 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,426,207 = 75,198 (about $75 billion). Consumer Banking and Lending share of average deposits Q2 2026 828.4 / 1,465.6 = 57%. Held-to-maturity: Dec 2024 carrying 234,948 - fair value 193,779 = 41,169 unrealised loss; June 2026 loss 32,408 / common equity 165,000 = 19.6%. Balance sheet: total assets 2,282,201 / 1,951,757 - 1 = 16.9% above the 2017 cap level; 2,282,201 - 1,929,845 = 352,356 (about $352 billion); 2,282,201 / 1,929,845 - 1 = 18.3% (about 18%). CIB total assets 862,472 / 597,278 - 1 = 44%. Average loans Q2 2026 1,026.5 - 916.7 = 109.8; CIB 359.4 - 285.9 = 73.5; 73.5 / 109.8 = 67% (about two-thirds). CIB share of average loans 359.4 / 1,026.5 = 35.0% (Q2 2026); 285.9 / 916.7 = 31.2% (Q2 2025). Trading-related assets 401.5 / 283.7 - 1 = 41.5%; Markets loans 111.2 / 79.0 - 1 = 40.8%; CIB average loans 359.4 / 285.9 - 1 = 25.7%. Tangible common equity / total assets: Dec 2024 135.6 / 1,929.8 = 7.0%; June 2026 139.7 / 2,282.2 = 6.1%. Branches 4,079 - 5,032 = -953; 4,079 / 5,032 - 1 = -19%. Mobile active customers 33.7 / 29.9 - 1 = 13%. Headcount 197,466 / 212,804 - 1 = -7%. Personnel expense 36,281 / noninterest expense 54,842 = 66% (about two-thirds). Efficiency gap to JPMorgan (66% - 52%) x 83,699 = about 11,718 (about $11.7 billion). JPMorgan deposits 2,559,320 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 79%; market value 911.91 / 250.90 = 3.6 times. Capital: CET1 headroom 10.3% - 8.5% = 1.8 points. Returned 2025 (17.7 billion buybacks + 6.5 billion dividends - 1.053 billion preferred dividends) / 20.285 billion net income to common = 114%. Average diluted shares 3,242.3 / 5,108.3 - 1 = -36.5% (2016 to 2025). EPS 6.26 / 4.12 - 1 = 52%. Revenue 83,699 / 86,057 - 1 = -2.7% (2015 to 2025). Trailing twelve months to June 2026: revenue 21,436 + 21,292 + 21,446 + 22,622 = 86,796; net income 5,589 + 5,361 + 5,253 + 6,407 = 22,610; EPS 1.66 + 1.62 + 1.60 + 2.00 = 6.88. First half 2026: net income 5,253 + 6,407 = 11,660; net interest income 12,096 + 12,317 = 24,413; noninterest expense 14,330 + 13,661 = 27,991, about 50.3% of the ~55,700 guidance. Market value 250.90 / 298.75 - 1 = -16% (end 2017 to Sept 2026). Segments (2025): revenue 37,362 + 11,978 + 19,232 + 16,328 = 84,900; plus Corporate 747, less Reconciling Items 1,948 = 83,699. Shares of segment revenue: Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 84,900 = 44%; Commercial Banking 11,978 / 84,900 = 14%; CIB 19,232 / 84,900 = 23%; Wealth and Investment Management 16,328 / 84,900 = 19%. Shares of company net income 21,338: Consumer Banking and Lending 7,865 = 37%; CIB 7,283 = 34%; Commercial Banking 4,184 = 20%; Wealth and Investment Management 2,119 = 10%. CIB share of segment net income 7,283 / (7,865 + 4,184 + 7,283 + 2,119 = 21,451) = 34%; of total revenue 19,232 / 83,699 = 23%. Wealth net income / revenue 2,119 / 16,328 = 13%. Commercial Banking net income 4,184 / 5,104 - 1 = -18%. CIB Banking 2,522 + 2,507 + 2,008 = 7,037. Investment banking 2,008 / 1,404 - 1 = 43%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,809 - 1 = 10%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -31%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 891 - 1 = 26%. Consumer Banking and Lending share of Q2 2026 revenue 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Consumer Banking and Lending provision 3,362 / total provision 3,658 = 92%. Markets loans 111.2 - 79.0 = 32.2; 32.2 / 73.5 = 44% of the CIB loan increase. Investment banking share of CIB revenue 1,404 / 19,191 = 7% (2023); 2,008 / 19,232 = 10% (2025). Debit plus credit card purchase volume 530.5 + 186.0 = 716.5 billion. More deposits: noninterest-bearing deposits 505,770 - 360,047 = 145,723 (about $146 billion, 2022 to 2025); average deposits 1,424,269 - 1,347,245 = 77,024 (about $77 billion). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 24,282 - 20,449 = 3,833 (about $3.8 billion). Bank of America 2024 all-in deposit cost 38,442 / 1,924,106 = 2.00%. JPMorgan average deposits 2,506,565 / 1,347,245 = 1.9 times. Average loans to average deposits Q2 2026 1,026.5 / 1,465.6 = 70%. Bank of America deposits 2,018,729 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 42%. Held-to-maturity share of total assets 198,573 / 2,282,201 = 8.7% (June 2026); 208,023 / 2,148,631 = 9.7% (Dec 2025). More balance sheet and valuation: branches closed 5,032 - 4,777 = 255 (2021); 4,598 - 4,311 = 287 (2023); 4,177 - 4,090 = 87 (2025); 4,090 - 4,079 = 11 (H1 2026); 4,311 - 4,079 = 232 (end 2023 to June 2026). Second half 2025 assets 2,148,631 - 1,981,269 = 167,362 (about $167 billion). Market value 233.86 / 298.75 - 1 = -22% (end 2017 to end 2024); Bank of America 394.32 / 250.90 - 1 = 57%; market value over trailing net income 250.90 / 22.61 = 11.1 times. Risk-weighted assets 137.7 / 0.103 = about 1,337 billion (about $1.34 trillion). Total equity 182,323 / 2,282,201 = 8.0%. 2016 penalties 100 + 35 + 50 = 185 million. Commercial Banking net interest income 7,902 / 11,978 = 66%. Consumer Banking and Lending deposit surplus 779,994 - 322,052 = 457,942 (about $458 billion) - deposits, deposit cost and the securities book. — Length additions: held-to-maturity Dec 2025 208,023 - 175,797 = 32,226; carrying value 208,023 - 198,573 = 9,450 (about $9.5 billion in six months). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 16,503 / 2,349 = 7.0 (about seven times). Consumer Banking and Lending net interest income 29,183 / 37,362 = 78%. Average deposits per branch 1,437,812 / 4,777 = 301 (2021); 1,347,245 / 4,090 = 329 (2025). Deposits Dec 2024 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,371,804 = 129,601 (about $130 billion). TLAC cushion 23.22 - 21.50 = 1.72 points; 22.81 - 21.50 = 1.31 points. CIB assets 862,472 / 2,282,201 = 38%; CIB period-end assets 787,751 / 597,278 - 1 = 32%. CIB investment banking 1,814 / 1,404 - 1 = 29%; 2,008 / 1,814 - 1 = 11%; Q2 2026 628 / 5,425 = 12%. CIB revenue per dollar of expense 19,232 / 9,436 = 2.04; Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 23,515 = 1.59. CRE 5,083 / 19,232 = 26%. Q2 2026 expense 13,661 / 13,379 - 1 = 2.1%; revenue 22,622 / 20,822 - 1 = 8.6%. Headcount 205 - 197 = 8 thousand. Average assets per employee 1,933.4 / 212,804 = $9.1 million (Q2 2025); 2,227.9 / 197,466 = $11.3 million (Q2 2026), +24%. Personnel expense per employee 36,281 / 205,000 = 0.177 ($177,000). Efficiency gap to Bank of America (66% - 61.65%) x 83,699 = 3,641 (about $3.6 billion). Risk-weighted assets about 1,340 billion x 1% = about $13 billion per point; 9.80% - 8.50% = 1.30 points x 1,340 = about $17 billion. Stockholders equity 180,190 / 206,936 - 1 = -12.9%. Charge-offs 876 x 4 = 3,504 (about $3.5 billion); 14,129 / 139,700 = 10.1%. JPMorgan cost of total deposits 2024 2.08% against Wells Fargo 1.80%. ROTCE H1 2026 16.1% - 14.4% = 1.7 points. Target 17.5% x 139.7 = 24.4 billion; 24.4 / 20.285 = 1.20. Net income 6,407 x 4 = 25,628 (about $25.6 billion). H1 2026 expense 27,991 / 55,700 = 50.3%; net interest income 24,413 / 50,000 = 48.8%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,908 - 1 = 7.9%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -30.6%. Home Lending 3,364 / 37,362 = 9.0%; originations 26.3 / 986.2 = 2.7%. Buybacks 22.7 billion / 79.80 = 284 million shares; 284 / 3,085.6 = 9.2%. Tangible book 1 / 1.79 = 0.56. Dividend 0.50 x 4 x 3.02 billion = 6.04 (about $6.0 billion). Accounts 16 million / 32.8 million = 49%. Remediation 236 / 160,700 = 0.15%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 2,509 = 45%. Investment banking fees 3,027 / 83,699 = 3.6%. Advisory fees 10,498 / 36,215 = 29%. Branches 4,090 - 4,079 = 11. Buyback runway 22.7 / 17.7 = 1.3 years (about fifteen months); 22.7 / (7 x 2) = 1.6 years. Deposits 1,347,245 / 1,376,011 - 1 = -2.1%. Q2 2026 consumer bank share 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Card fees 4,589 / mortgage banking 1,152 = 4.0. 2015-2026 · publ. September 2026 · source ↗
    Method: Arithmetic on figures reported in Wells Fargo's annual reports, Forms 10-Q, earnings releases and presentations, JPMorgan's and Bank of America's Forms 10-K and market data; operands shown in the source line.
  3. ReportedJPMorgan's cost of total deposits was 1.80% in 2025, and Bank of America's, worked out the same way from its own average balance table, was about 1.74%.
    JPMorgan Chase Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - deposits, cost of total deposits, ROTCE, overhead ratio and CET1. — FY2025 · publ. February 2026 · source ↗
  4. ReportedJPMorgan's cost of total deposits was 1.80% in 2025, and Bank of America's, worked out the same way from its own average balance table, was about 1.74%.
    Bank of America Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - deposits, average balances and interest on deposits, ROTCE and efficiency ratio. — FY2025 · publ. 25 February 2026 · source ↗
  5. Moat Explorer calcJPMorgan's cost of total deposits was 1.80% in 2025, and Bank of America's, worked out the same way from its own average balance table, was about 1.74%.
    Moat Explorer calculation from Wells Fargo's reported figures ($ millions unless stated). Deposits: cost of total deposits = interest on interest-bearing deposits / (average interest-bearing + average noninterest-bearing deposits): 2020 2,804 / 1,376,011 = 0.20%; 2021 388 / 1,437,812 = 0.03%; 2022 2,349 / 1,424,269 = 0.16%; 2023 16,503 / 1,346,282 = 1.23%; 2024 24,282 / 1,345,915 = 1.80%; 2025 20,449 / (987,198 + 360,047 = 1,347,245) = 1.52%. Bank of America 2025: 34,513 / (1,469,705 + 514,477 = 1,984,182) = 1.74%. Gap to JPMorgan 1.80% - 1.52% = 0.28 points x 1,347,245 = about 3,772 (about $3.8 billion); gap to Bank of America 1.74% - 1.52% = 0.22 points. Noninterest-bearing share of average deposits: 2020 412,669 / 1,376,011 = 30.0%; 2021 499,644 / 1,437,812 = 34.8%; 2022 505,770 / 1,424,269 = 35.5%; 2023 399,737 / 1,346,282 = 29.7%; 2024 352,379 / 1,345,915 = 26.2%; 2025 360,047 / 1,347,245 = 26.7%. Average deposits 2023-2025 range 1,345,915 to 1,347,245 = 1,330 (about $1.3 billion). Period-end deposits 1,371,804 / 1,335,991 - 1 = 2.7% (Dec 2017 to Dec 2024); Dec 2025 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,426,207 = 75,198 (about $75 billion). Consumer Banking and Lending share of average deposits Q2 2026 828.4 / 1,465.6 = 57%. Held-to-maturity: Dec 2024 carrying 234,948 - fair value 193,779 = 41,169 unrealised loss; June 2026 loss 32,408 / common equity 165,000 = 19.6%. Balance sheet: total assets 2,282,201 / 1,951,757 - 1 = 16.9% above the 2017 cap level; 2,282,201 - 1,929,845 = 352,356 (about $352 billion); 2,282,201 / 1,929,845 - 1 = 18.3% (about 18%). CIB total assets 862,472 / 597,278 - 1 = 44%. Average loans Q2 2026 1,026.5 - 916.7 = 109.8; CIB 359.4 - 285.9 = 73.5; 73.5 / 109.8 = 67% (about two-thirds). CIB share of average loans 359.4 / 1,026.5 = 35.0% (Q2 2026); 285.9 / 916.7 = 31.2% (Q2 2025). Trading-related assets 401.5 / 283.7 - 1 = 41.5%; Markets loans 111.2 / 79.0 - 1 = 40.8%; CIB average loans 359.4 / 285.9 - 1 = 25.7%. Tangible common equity / total assets: Dec 2024 135.6 / 1,929.8 = 7.0%; June 2026 139.7 / 2,282.2 = 6.1%. Branches 4,079 - 5,032 = -953; 4,079 / 5,032 - 1 = -19%. Mobile active customers 33.7 / 29.9 - 1 = 13%. Headcount 197,466 / 212,804 - 1 = -7%. Personnel expense 36,281 / noninterest expense 54,842 = 66% (about two-thirds). Efficiency gap to JPMorgan (66% - 52%) x 83,699 = about 11,718 (about $11.7 billion). JPMorgan deposits 2,559,320 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 79%; market value 911.91 / 250.90 = 3.6 times. Capital: CET1 headroom 10.3% - 8.5% = 1.8 points. Returned 2025 (17.7 billion buybacks + 6.5 billion dividends - 1.053 billion preferred dividends) / 20.285 billion net income to common = 114%. Average diluted shares 3,242.3 / 5,108.3 - 1 = -36.5% (2016 to 2025). EPS 6.26 / 4.12 - 1 = 52%. Revenue 83,699 / 86,057 - 1 = -2.7% (2015 to 2025). Trailing twelve months to June 2026: revenue 21,436 + 21,292 + 21,446 + 22,622 = 86,796; net income 5,589 + 5,361 + 5,253 + 6,407 = 22,610; EPS 1.66 + 1.62 + 1.60 + 2.00 = 6.88. First half 2026: net income 5,253 + 6,407 = 11,660; net interest income 12,096 + 12,317 = 24,413; noninterest expense 14,330 + 13,661 = 27,991, about 50.3% of the ~55,700 guidance. Market value 250.90 / 298.75 - 1 = -16% (end 2017 to Sept 2026). Segments (2025): revenue 37,362 + 11,978 + 19,232 + 16,328 = 84,900; plus Corporate 747, less Reconciling Items 1,948 = 83,699. Shares of segment revenue: Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 84,900 = 44%; Commercial Banking 11,978 / 84,900 = 14%; CIB 19,232 / 84,900 = 23%; Wealth and Investment Management 16,328 / 84,900 = 19%. Shares of company net income 21,338: Consumer Banking and Lending 7,865 = 37%; CIB 7,283 = 34%; Commercial Banking 4,184 = 20%; Wealth and Investment Management 2,119 = 10%. CIB share of segment net income 7,283 / (7,865 + 4,184 + 7,283 + 2,119 = 21,451) = 34%; of total revenue 19,232 / 83,699 = 23%. Wealth net income / revenue 2,119 / 16,328 = 13%. Commercial Banking net income 4,184 / 5,104 - 1 = -18%. CIB Banking 2,522 + 2,507 + 2,008 = 7,037. Investment banking 2,008 / 1,404 - 1 = 43%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,809 - 1 = 10%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -31%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 891 - 1 = 26%. Consumer Banking and Lending share of Q2 2026 revenue 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Consumer Banking and Lending provision 3,362 / total provision 3,658 = 92%. Markets loans 111.2 - 79.0 = 32.2; 32.2 / 73.5 = 44% of the CIB loan increase. Investment banking share of CIB revenue 1,404 / 19,191 = 7% (2023); 2,008 / 19,232 = 10% (2025). Debit plus credit card purchase volume 530.5 + 186.0 = 716.5 billion. More deposits: noninterest-bearing deposits 505,770 - 360,047 = 145,723 (about $146 billion, 2022 to 2025); average deposits 1,424,269 - 1,347,245 = 77,024 (about $77 billion). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 24,282 - 20,449 = 3,833 (about $3.8 billion). Bank of America 2024 all-in deposit cost 38,442 / 1,924,106 = 2.00%. JPMorgan average deposits 2,506,565 / 1,347,245 = 1.9 times. Average loans to average deposits Q2 2026 1,026.5 / 1,465.6 = 70%. Bank of America deposits 2,018,729 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 42%. Held-to-maturity share of total assets 198,573 / 2,282,201 = 8.7% (June 2026); 208,023 / 2,148,631 = 9.7% (Dec 2025). More balance sheet and valuation: branches closed 5,032 - 4,777 = 255 (2021); 4,598 - 4,311 = 287 (2023); 4,177 - 4,090 = 87 (2025); 4,090 - 4,079 = 11 (H1 2026); 4,311 - 4,079 = 232 (end 2023 to June 2026). Second half 2025 assets 2,148,631 - 1,981,269 = 167,362 (about $167 billion). Market value 233.86 / 298.75 - 1 = -22% (end 2017 to end 2024); Bank of America 394.32 / 250.90 - 1 = 57%; market value over trailing net income 250.90 / 22.61 = 11.1 times. Risk-weighted assets 137.7 / 0.103 = about 1,337 billion (about $1.34 trillion). Total equity 182,323 / 2,282,201 = 8.0%. 2016 penalties 100 + 35 + 50 = 185 million. Commercial Banking net interest income 7,902 / 11,978 = 66%. Consumer Banking and Lending deposit surplus 779,994 - 322,052 = 457,942 (about $458 billion) - deposits, deposit cost and the securities book. — Length additions: held-to-maturity Dec 2025 208,023 - 175,797 = 32,226; carrying value 208,023 - 198,573 = 9,450 (about $9.5 billion in six months). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 16,503 / 2,349 = 7.0 (about seven times). Consumer Banking and Lending net interest income 29,183 / 37,362 = 78%. Average deposits per branch 1,437,812 / 4,777 = 301 (2021); 1,347,245 / 4,090 = 329 (2025). Deposits Dec 2024 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,371,804 = 129,601 (about $130 billion). TLAC cushion 23.22 - 21.50 = 1.72 points; 22.81 - 21.50 = 1.31 points. CIB assets 862,472 / 2,282,201 = 38%; CIB period-end assets 787,751 / 597,278 - 1 = 32%. CIB investment banking 1,814 / 1,404 - 1 = 29%; 2,008 / 1,814 - 1 = 11%; Q2 2026 628 / 5,425 = 12%. CIB revenue per dollar of expense 19,232 / 9,436 = 2.04; Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 23,515 = 1.59. CRE 5,083 / 19,232 = 26%. Q2 2026 expense 13,661 / 13,379 - 1 = 2.1%; revenue 22,622 / 20,822 - 1 = 8.6%. Headcount 205 - 197 = 8 thousand. Average assets per employee 1,933.4 / 212,804 = $9.1 million (Q2 2025); 2,227.9 / 197,466 = $11.3 million (Q2 2026), +24%. Personnel expense per employee 36,281 / 205,000 = 0.177 ($177,000). Efficiency gap to Bank of America (66% - 61.65%) x 83,699 = 3,641 (about $3.6 billion). Risk-weighted assets about 1,340 billion x 1% = about $13 billion per point; 9.80% - 8.50% = 1.30 points x 1,340 = about $17 billion. Stockholders equity 180,190 / 206,936 - 1 = -12.9%. Charge-offs 876 x 4 = 3,504 (about $3.5 billion); 14,129 / 139,700 = 10.1%. JPMorgan cost of total deposits 2024 2.08% against Wells Fargo 1.80%. ROTCE H1 2026 16.1% - 14.4% = 1.7 points. Target 17.5% x 139.7 = 24.4 billion; 24.4 / 20.285 = 1.20. Net income 6,407 x 4 = 25,628 (about $25.6 billion). H1 2026 expense 27,991 / 55,700 = 50.3%; net interest income 24,413 / 50,000 = 48.8%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,908 - 1 = 7.9%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -30.6%. Home Lending 3,364 / 37,362 = 9.0%; originations 26.3 / 986.2 = 2.7%. Buybacks 22.7 billion / 79.80 = 284 million shares; 284 / 3,085.6 = 9.2%. Tangible book 1 / 1.79 = 0.56. Dividend 0.50 x 4 x 3.02 billion = 6.04 (about $6.0 billion). Accounts 16 million / 32.8 million = 49%. Remediation 236 / 160,700 = 0.15%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 2,509 = 45%. Investment banking fees 3,027 / 83,699 = 3.6%. Advisory fees 10,498 / 36,215 = 29%. Branches 4,090 - 4,079 = 11. Buyback runway 22.7 / 17.7 = 1.3 years (about fifteen months); 22.7 / (7 x 2) = 1.6 years. Deposits 1,347,245 / 1,376,011 - 1 = -2.1%. Q2 2026 consumer bank share 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Card fees 4,589 / mortgage banking 1,152 = 4.0. 2015-2026 · publ. September 2026 · source ↗
    Method: Arithmetic on figures reported in Wells Fargo's annual reports, Forms 10-Q, earnings releases and presentations, JPMorgan's and Bank of America's Forms 10-K and market data; operands shown in the source line.
  6. Moat Explorer calcThe gap to JPMorgan is about 28 basis points, which on Wells Fargo's deposit base is worth roughly $3.8 billion a year before tax.
    Moat Explorer calculation from Wells Fargo's reported figures ($ millions unless stated). Deposits: cost of total deposits = interest on interest-bearing deposits / (average interest-bearing + average noninterest-bearing deposits): 2020 2,804 / 1,376,011 = 0.20%; 2021 388 / 1,437,812 = 0.03%; 2022 2,349 / 1,424,269 = 0.16%; 2023 16,503 / 1,346,282 = 1.23%; 2024 24,282 / 1,345,915 = 1.80%; 2025 20,449 / (987,198 + 360,047 = 1,347,245) = 1.52%. Bank of America 2025: 34,513 / (1,469,705 + 514,477 = 1,984,182) = 1.74%. Gap to JPMorgan 1.80% - 1.52% = 0.28 points x 1,347,245 = about 3,772 (about $3.8 billion); gap to Bank of America 1.74% - 1.52% = 0.22 points. Noninterest-bearing share of average deposits: 2020 412,669 / 1,376,011 = 30.0%; 2021 499,644 / 1,437,812 = 34.8%; 2022 505,770 / 1,424,269 = 35.5%; 2023 399,737 / 1,346,282 = 29.7%; 2024 352,379 / 1,345,915 = 26.2%; 2025 360,047 / 1,347,245 = 26.7%. Average deposits 2023-2025 range 1,345,915 to 1,347,245 = 1,330 (about $1.3 billion). Period-end deposits 1,371,804 / 1,335,991 - 1 = 2.7% (Dec 2017 to Dec 2024); Dec 2025 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,426,207 = 75,198 (about $75 billion). Consumer Banking and Lending share of average deposits Q2 2026 828.4 / 1,465.6 = 57%. Held-to-maturity: Dec 2024 carrying 234,948 - fair value 193,779 = 41,169 unrealised loss; June 2026 loss 32,408 / common equity 165,000 = 19.6%. Balance sheet: total assets 2,282,201 / 1,951,757 - 1 = 16.9% above the 2017 cap level; 2,282,201 - 1,929,845 = 352,356 (about $352 billion); 2,282,201 / 1,929,845 - 1 = 18.3% (about 18%). CIB total assets 862,472 / 597,278 - 1 = 44%. Average loans Q2 2026 1,026.5 - 916.7 = 109.8; CIB 359.4 - 285.9 = 73.5; 73.5 / 109.8 = 67% (about two-thirds). CIB share of average loans 359.4 / 1,026.5 = 35.0% (Q2 2026); 285.9 / 916.7 = 31.2% (Q2 2025). Trading-related assets 401.5 / 283.7 - 1 = 41.5%; Markets loans 111.2 / 79.0 - 1 = 40.8%; CIB average loans 359.4 / 285.9 - 1 = 25.7%. Tangible common equity / total assets: Dec 2024 135.6 / 1,929.8 = 7.0%; June 2026 139.7 / 2,282.2 = 6.1%. Branches 4,079 - 5,032 = -953; 4,079 / 5,032 - 1 = -19%. Mobile active customers 33.7 / 29.9 - 1 = 13%. Headcount 197,466 / 212,804 - 1 = -7%. Personnel expense 36,281 / noninterest expense 54,842 = 66% (about two-thirds). Efficiency gap to JPMorgan (66% - 52%) x 83,699 = about 11,718 (about $11.7 billion). JPMorgan deposits 2,559,320 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 79%; market value 911.91 / 250.90 = 3.6 times. Capital: CET1 headroom 10.3% - 8.5% = 1.8 points. Returned 2025 (17.7 billion buybacks + 6.5 billion dividends - 1.053 billion preferred dividends) / 20.285 billion net income to common = 114%. Average diluted shares 3,242.3 / 5,108.3 - 1 = -36.5% (2016 to 2025). EPS 6.26 / 4.12 - 1 = 52%. Revenue 83,699 / 86,057 - 1 = -2.7% (2015 to 2025). Trailing twelve months to June 2026: revenue 21,436 + 21,292 + 21,446 + 22,622 = 86,796; net income 5,589 + 5,361 + 5,253 + 6,407 = 22,610; EPS 1.66 + 1.62 + 1.60 + 2.00 = 6.88. First half 2026: net income 5,253 + 6,407 = 11,660; net interest income 12,096 + 12,317 = 24,413; noninterest expense 14,330 + 13,661 = 27,991, about 50.3% of the ~55,700 guidance. Market value 250.90 / 298.75 - 1 = -16% (end 2017 to Sept 2026). Segments (2025): revenue 37,362 + 11,978 + 19,232 + 16,328 = 84,900; plus Corporate 747, less Reconciling Items 1,948 = 83,699. Shares of segment revenue: Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 84,900 = 44%; Commercial Banking 11,978 / 84,900 = 14%; CIB 19,232 / 84,900 = 23%; Wealth and Investment Management 16,328 / 84,900 = 19%. Shares of company net income 21,338: Consumer Banking and Lending 7,865 = 37%; CIB 7,283 = 34%; Commercial Banking 4,184 = 20%; Wealth and Investment Management 2,119 = 10%. CIB share of segment net income 7,283 / (7,865 + 4,184 + 7,283 + 2,119 = 21,451) = 34%; of total revenue 19,232 / 83,699 = 23%. Wealth net income / revenue 2,119 / 16,328 = 13%. Commercial Banking net income 4,184 / 5,104 - 1 = -18%. CIB Banking 2,522 + 2,507 + 2,008 = 7,037. Investment banking 2,008 / 1,404 - 1 = 43%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,809 - 1 = 10%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -31%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 891 - 1 = 26%. Consumer Banking and Lending share of Q2 2026 revenue 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Consumer Banking and Lending provision 3,362 / total provision 3,658 = 92%. Markets loans 111.2 - 79.0 = 32.2; 32.2 / 73.5 = 44% of the CIB loan increase. Investment banking share of CIB revenue 1,404 / 19,191 = 7% (2023); 2,008 / 19,232 = 10% (2025). Debit plus credit card purchase volume 530.5 + 186.0 = 716.5 billion. More deposits: noninterest-bearing deposits 505,770 - 360,047 = 145,723 (about $146 billion, 2022 to 2025); average deposits 1,424,269 - 1,347,245 = 77,024 (about $77 billion). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 24,282 - 20,449 = 3,833 (about $3.8 billion). Bank of America 2024 all-in deposit cost 38,442 / 1,924,106 = 2.00%. JPMorgan average deposits 2,506,565 / 1,347,245 = 1.9 times. Average loans to average deposits Q2 2026 1,026.5 / 1,465.6 = 70%. Bank of America deposits 2,018,729 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 42%. Held-to-maturity share of total assets 198,573 / 2,282,201 = 8.7% (June 2026); 208,023 / 2,148,631 = 9.7% (Dec 2025). More balance sheet and valuation: branches closed 5,032 - 4,777 = 255 (2021); 4,598 - 4,311 = 287 (2023); 4,177 - 4,090 = 87 (2025); 4,090 - 4,079 = 11 (H1 2026); 4,311 - 4,079 = 232 (end 2023 to June 2026). Second half 2025 assets 2,148,631 - 1,981,269 = 167,362 (about $167 billion). Market value 233.86 / 298.75 - 1 = -22% (end 2017 to end 2024); Bank of America 394.32 / 250.90 - 1 = 57%; market value over trailing net income 250.90 / 22.61 = 11.1 times. Risk-weighted assets 137.7 / 0.103 = about 1,337 billion (about $1.34 trillion). Total equity 182,323 / 2,282,201 = 8.0%. 2016 penalties 100 + 35 + 50 = 185 million. Commercial Banking net interest income 7,902 / 11,978 = 66%. Consumer Banking and Lending deposit surplus 779,994 - 322,052 = 457,942 (about $458 billion) - deposits, deposit cost and the securities book. — Length additions: held-to-maturity Dec 2025 208,023 - 175,797 = 32,226; carrying value 208,023 - 198,573 = 9,450 (about $9.5 billion in six months). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 16,503 / 2,349 = 7.0 (about seven times). Consumer Banking and Lending net interest income 29,183 / 37,362 = 78%. Average deposits per branch 1,437,812 / 4,777 = 301 (2021); 1,347,245 / 4,090 = 329 (2025). Deposits Dec 2024 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,371,804 = 129,601 (about $130 billion). TLAC cushion 23.22 - 21.50 = 1.72 points; 22.81 - 21.50 = 1.31 points. CIB assets 862,472 / 2,282,201 = 38%; CIB period-end assets 787,751 / 597,278 - 1 = 32%. CIB investment banking 1,814 / 1,404 - 1 = 29%; 2,008 / 1,814 - 1 = 11%; Q2 2026 628 / 5,425 = 12%. CIB revenue per dollar of expense 19,232 / 9,436 = 2.04; Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 23,515 = 1.59. CRE 5,083 / 19,232 = 26%. Q2 2026 expense 13,661 / 13,379 - 1 = 2.1%; revenue 22,622 / 20,822 - 1 = 8.6%. Headcount 205 - 197 = 8 thousand. Average assets per employee 1,933.4 / 212,804 = $9.1 million (Q2 2025); 2,227.9 / 197,466 = $11.3 million (Q2 2026), +24%. Personnel expense per employee 36,281 / 205,000 = 0.177 ($177,000). Efficiency gap to Bank of America (66% - 61.65%) x 83,699 = 3,641 (about $3.6 billion). Risk-weighted assets about 1,340 billion x 1% = about $13 billion per point; 9.80% - 8.50% = 1.30 points x 1,340 = about $17 billion. Stockholders equity 180,190 / 206,936 - 1 = -12.9%. Charge-offs 876 x 4 = 3,504 (about $3.5 billion); 14,129 / 139,700 = 10.1%. JPMorgan cost of total deposits 2024 2.08% against Wells Fargo 1.80%. ROTCE H1 2026 16.1% - 14.4% = 1.7 points. Target 17.5% x 139.7 = 24.4 billion; 24.4 / 20.285 = 1.20. Net income 6,407 x 4 = 25,628 (about $25.6 billion). H1 2026 expense 27,991 / 55,700 = 50.3%; net interest income 24,413 / 50,000 = 48.8%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,908 - 1 = 7.9%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -30.6%. Home Lending 3,364 / 37,362 = 9.0%; originations 26.3 / 986.2 = 2.7%. Buybacks 22.7 billion / 79.80 = 284 million shares; 284 / 3,085.6 = 9.2%. Tangible book 1 / 1.79 = 0.56. Dividend 0.50 x 4 x 3.02 billion = 6.04 (about $6.0 billion). Accounts 16 million / 32.8 million = 49%. Remediation 236 / 160,700 = 0.15%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 2,509 = 45%. Investment banking fees 3,027 / 83,699 = 3.6%. Advisory fees 10,498 / 36,215 = 29%. Branches 4,090 - 4,079 = 11. Buyback runway 22.7 / 17.7 = 1.3 years (about fifteen months); 22.7 / (7 x 2) = 1.6 years. Deposits 1,347,245 / 1,376,011 - 1 = -2.1%. Q2 2026 consumer bank share 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Card fees 4,589 / mortgage banking 1,152 = 4.0. 2015-2026 · publ. September 2026 · source ↗
    Method: Arithmetic on figures reported in Wells Fargo's annual reports, Forms 10-Q, earnings releases and presentations, JPMorgan's and Bank of America's Forms 10-K and market data; operands shown in the source line.
  7. Moat Explorer calcIn 2024 Wells Fargo's all-in cost was about 1.80% against JPMorgan's 2.08%.
    Moat Explorer calculation from Wells Fargo's reported figures ($ millions unless stated). Deposits: cost of total deposits = interest on interest-bearing deposits / (average interest-bearing + average noninterest-bearing deposits): 2020 2,804 / 1,376,011 = 0.20%; 2021 388 / 1,437,812 = 0.03%; 2022 2,349 / 1,424,269 = 0.16%; 2023 16,503 / 1,346,282 = 1.23%; 2024 24,282 / 1,345,915 = 1.80%; 2025 20,449 / (987,198 + 360,047 = 1,347,245) = 1.52%. Bank of America 2025: 34,513 / (1,469,705 + 514,477 = 1,984,182) = 1.74%. Gap to JPMorgan 1.80% - 1.52% = 0.28 points x 1,347,245 = about 3,772 (about $3.8 billion); gap to Bank of America 1.74% - 1.52% = 0.22 points. Noninterest-bearing share of average deposits: 2020 412,669 / 1,376,011 = 30.0%; 2021 499,644 / 1,437,812 = 34.8%; 2022 505,770 / 1,424,269 = 35.5%; 2023 399,737 / 1,346,282 = 29.7%; 2024 352,379 / 1,345,915 = 26.2%; 2025 360,047 / 1,347,245 = 26.7%. Average deposits 2023-2025 range 1,345,915 to 1,347,245 = 1,330 (about $1.3 billion). Period-end deposits 1,371,804 / 1,335,991 - 1 = 2.7% (Dec 2017 to Dec 2024); Dec 2025 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,426,207 = 75,198 (about $75 billion). Consumer Banking and Lending share of average deposits Q2 2026 828.4 / 1,465.6 = 57%. Held-to-maturity: Dec 2024 carrying 234,948 - fair value 193,779 = 41,169 unrealised loss; June 2026 loss 32,408 / common equity 165,000 = 19.6%. Balance sheet: total assets 2,282,201 / 1,951,757 - 1 = 16.9% above the 2017 cap level; 2,282,201 - 1,929,845 = 352,356 (about $352 billion); 2,282,201 / 1,929,845 - 1 = 18.3% (about 18%). CIB total assets 862,472 / 597,278 - 1 = 44%. Average loans Q2 2026 1,026.5 - 916.7 = 109.8; CIB 359.4 - 285.9 = 73.5; 73.5 / 109.8 = 67% (about two-thirds). CIB share of average loans 359.4 / 1,026.5 = 35.0% (Q2 2026); 285.9 / 916.7 = 31.2% (Q2 2025). Trading-related assets 401.5 / 283.7 - 1 = 41.5%; Markets loans 111.2 / 79.0 - 1 = 40.8%; CIB average loans 359.4 / 285.9 - 1 = 25.7%. Tangible common equity / total assets: Dec 2024 135.6 / 1,929.8 = 7.0%; June 2026 139.7 / 2,282.2 = 6.1%. Branches 4,079 - 5,032 = -953; 4,079 / 5,032 - 1 = -19%. Mobile active customers 33.7 / 29.9 - 1 = 13%. Headcount 197,466 / 212,804 - 1 = -7%. Personnel expense 36,281 / noninterest expense 54,842 = 66% (about two-thirds). Efficiency gap to JPMorgan (66% - 52%) x 83,699 = about 11,718 (about $11.7 billion). JPMorgan deposits 2,559,320 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 79%; market value 911.91 / 250.90 = 3.6 times. Capital: CET1 headroom 10.3% - 8.5% = 1.8 points. Returned 2025 (17.7 billion buybacks + 6.5 billion dividends - 1.053 billion preferred dividends) / 20.285 billion net income to common = 114%. Average diluted shares 3,242.3 / 5,108.3 - 1 = -36.5% (2016 to 2025). EPS 6.26 / 4.12 - 1 = 52%. Revenue 83,699 / 86,057 - 1 = -2.7% (2015 to 2025). Trailing twelve months to June 2026: revenue 21,436 + 21,292 + 21,446 + 22,622 = 86,796; net income 5,589 + 5,361 + 5,253 + 6,407 = 22,610; EPS 1.66 + 1.62 + 1.60 + 2.00 = 6.88. First half 2026: net income 5,253 + 6,407 = 11,660; net interest income 12,096 + 12,317 = 24,413; noninterest expense 14,330 + 13,661 = 27,991, about 50.3% of the ~55,700 guidance. Market value 250.90 / 298.75 - 1 = -16% (end 2017 to Sept 2026). Segments (2025): revenue 37,362 + 11,978 + 19,232 + 16,328 = 84,900; plus Corporate 747, less Reconciling Items 1,948 = 83,699. Shares of segment revenue: Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 84,900 = 44%; Commercial Banking 11,978 / 84,900 = 14%; CIB 19,232 / 84,900 = 23%; Wealth and Investment Management 16,328 / 84,900 = 19%. Shares of company net income 21,338: Consumer Banking and Lending 7,865 = 37%; CIB 7,283 = 34%; Commercial Banking 4,184 = 20%; Wealth and Investment Management 2,119 = 10%. CIB share of segment net income 7,283 / (7,865 + 4,184 + 7,283 + 2,119 = 21,451) = 34%; of total revenue 19,232 / 83,699 = 23%. Wealth net income / revenue 2,119 / 16,328 = 13%. Commercial Banking net income 4,184 / 5,104 - 1 = -18%. CIB Banking 2,522 + 2,507 + 2,008 = 7,037. Investment banking 2,008 / 1,404 - 1 = 43%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,809 - 1 = 10%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -31%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 891 - 1 = 26%. Consumer Banking and Lending share of Q2 2026 revenue 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Consumer Banking and Lending provision 3,362 / total provision 3,658 = 92%. Markets loans 111.2 - 79.0 = 32.2; 32.2 / 73.5 = 44% of the CIB loan increase. Investment banking share of CIB revenue 1,404 / 19,191 = 7% (2023); 2,008 / 19,232 = 10% (2025). Debit plus credit card purchase volume 530.5 + 186.0 = 716.5 billion. More deposits: noninterest-bearing deposits 505,770 - 360,047 = 145,723 (about $146 billion, 2022 to 2025); average deposits 1,424,269 - 1,347,245 = 77,024 (about $77 billion). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 24,282 - 20,449 = 3,833 (about $3.8 billion). Bank of America 2024 all-in deposit cost 38,442 / 1,924,106 = 2.00%. JPMorgan average deposits 2,506,565 / 1,347,245 = 1.9 times. Average loans to average deposits Q2 2026 1,026.5 / 1,465.6 = 70%. Bank of America deposits 2,018,729 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 42%. Held-to-maturity share of total assets 198,573 / 2,282,201 = 8.7% (June 2026); 208,023 / 2,148,631 = 9.7% (Dec 2025). More balance sheet and valuation: branches closed 5,032 - 4,777 = 255 (2021); 4,598 - 4,311 = 287 (2023); 4,177 - 4,090 = 87 (2025); 4,090 - 4,079 = 11 (H1 2026); 4,311 - 4,079 = 232 (end 2023 to June 2026). Second half 2025 assets 2,148,631 - 1,981,269 = 167,362 (about $167 billion). Market value 233.86 / 298.75 - 1 = -22% (end 2017 to end 2024); Bank of America 394.32 / 250.90 - 1 = 57%; market value over trailing net income 250.90 / 22.61 = 11.1 times. Risk-weighted assets 137.7 / 0.103 = about 1,337 billion (about $1.34 trillion). Total equity 182,323 / 2,282,201 = 8.0%. 2016 penalties 100 + 35 + 50 = 185 million. Commercial Banking net interest income 7,902 / 11,978 = 66%. Consumer Banking and Lending deposit surplus 779,994 - 322,052 = 457,942 (about $458 billion) - capital, balance sheet, valuation, returns and comparisons with JPMorgan and Bank of America. — Length additions: held-to-maturity Dec 2025 208,023 - 175,797 = 32,226; carrying value 208,023 - 198,573 = 9,450 (about $9.5 billion in six months). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 16,503 / 2,349 = 7.0 (about seven times). Consumer Banking and Lending net interest income 29,183 / 37,362 = 78%. Average deposits per branch 1,437,812 / 4,777 = 301 (2021); 1,347,245 / 4,090 = 329 (2025). Deposits Dec 2024 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,371,804 = 129,601 (about $130 billion). TLAC cushion 23.22 - 21.50 = 1.72 points; 22.81 - 21.50 = 1.31 points. CIB assets 862,472 / 2,282,201 = 38%; CIB period-end assets 787,751 / 597,278 - 1 = 32%. CIB investment banking 1,814 / 1,404 - 1 = 29%; 2,008 / 1,814 - 1 = 11%; Q2 2026 628 / 5,425 = 12%. CIB revenue per dollar of expense 19,232 / 9,436 = 2.04; Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 23,515 = 1.59. CRE 5,083 / 19,232 = 26%. Q2 2026 expense 13,661 / 13,379 - 1 = 2.1%; revenue 22,622 / 20,822 - 1 = 8.6%. Headcount 205 - 197 = 8 thousand. Average assets per employee 1,933.4 / 212,804 = $9.1 million (Q2 2025); 2,227.9 / 197,466 = $11.3 million (Q2 2026), +24%. Personnel expense per employee 36,281 / 205,000 = 0.177 ($177,000). Efficiency gap to Bank of America (66% - 61.65%) x 83,699 = 3,641 (about $3.6 billion). Risk-weighted assets about 1,340 billion x 1% = about $13 billion per point; 9.80% - 8.50% = 1.30 points x 1,340 = about $17 billion. Stockholders equity 180,190 / 206,936 - 1 = -12.9%. Charge-offs 876 x 4 = 3,504 (about $3.5 billion); 14,129 / 139,700 = 10.1%. JPMorgan cost of total deposits 2024 2.08% against Wells Fargo 1.80%. ROTCE H1 2026 16.1% - 14.4% = 1.7 points. Target 17.5% x 139.7 = 24.4 billion; 24.4 / 20.285 = 1.20. Net income 6,407 x 4 = 25,628 (about $25.6 billion). H1 2026 expense 27,991 / 55,700 = 50.3%; net interest income 24,413 / 50,000 = 48.8%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,908 - 1 = 7.9%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -30.6%. Home Lending 3,364 / 37,362 = 9.0%; originations 26.3 / 986.2 = 2.7%. Buybacks 22.7 billion / 79.80 = 284 million shares; 284 / 3,085.6 = 9.2%. Tangible book 1 / 1.79 = 0.56. Dividend 0.50 x 4 x 3.02 billion = 6.04 (about $6.0 billion). Accounts 16 million / 32.8 million = 49%. Remediation 236 / 160,700 = 0.15%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 2,509 = 45%. Investment banking fees 3,027 / 83,699 = 3.6%. Advisory fees 10,498 / 36,215 = 29%. Branches 4,090 - 4,079 = 11. Buyback runway 22.7 / 17.7 = 1.3 years (about fifteen months); 22.7 / (7 x 2) = 1.6 years. Deposits 1,347,245 / 1,376,011 - 1 = -2.1%. Q2 2026 consumer bank share 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Card fees 4,589 / mortgage banking 1,152 = 4.0. 2015-2026 · publ. September 2026 · source ↗
    Method: Arithmetic on figures reported in Wells Fargo's annual reports, Forms 10-Q, earnings releases and presentations, JPMorgan's and Bank of America's Forms 10-K and market data; operands shown in the source line.
  8. ReportedIn 2024 Wells Fargo's all-in cost was about 1.80% against JPMorgan's 2.08%.
    JPMorgan Chase Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - deposits, cost of total deposits, ROTCE, overhead ratio and CET1. — FY2025 · publ. February 2026 · source ↗
  9. ReportedThe average deposit cost was 1.73% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 1.44% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
    Wells Fargo 2025 Annual Report to Shareholders (financial statements, MD&A and segment note), part of the Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - average balance sheet, deposits, net interest income and securities. — FY2025 · publ. 24 February 2026 · source ↗
  10. ReportedInterest on interest-bearing deposits fell from $24,282 million in 2024 to $20,449 million in 2025, about $3.8 billion less, on average balances that barely moved.
    Wells Fargo 2025 Annual Report to Shareholders (financial statements, MD&A and segment note), part of the Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - operating segment note and segment tables (Table 19.1, revenue by line of business, selected metrics). — FY2025 · publ. 24 February 2026 · source ↗
  11. Moat Explorer calcInterest on interest-bearing deposits fell from $24,282 million in 2024 to $20,449 million in 2025, about $3.8 billion less, on average balances that barely moved.
    Moat Explorer calculation from Wells Fargo's reported figures ($ millions unless stated). Deposits: cost of total deposits = interest on interest-bearing deposits / (average interest-bearing + average noninterest-bearing deposits): 2020 2,804 / 1,376,011 = 0.20%; 2021 388 / 1,437,812 = 0.03%; 2022 2,349 / 1,424,269 = 0.16%; 2023 16,503 / 1,346,282 = 1.23%; 2024 24,282 / 1,345,915 = 1.80%; 2025 20,449 / (987,198 + 360,047 = 1,347,245) = 1.52%. Bank of America 2025: 34,513 / (1,469,705 + 514,477 = 1,984,182) = 1.74%. Gap to JPMorgan 1.80% - 1.52% = 0.28 points x 1,347,245 = about 3,772 (about $3.8 billion); gap to Bank of America 1.74% - 1.52% = 0.22 points. Noninterest-bearing share of average deposits: 2020 412,669 / 1,376,011 = 30.0%; 2021 499,644 / 1,437,812 = 34.8%; 2022 505,770 / 1,424,269 = 35.5%; 2023 399,737 / 1,346,282 = 29.7%; 2024 352,379 / 1,345,915 = 26.2%; 2025 360,047 / 1,347,245 = 26.7%. Average deposits 2023-2025 range 1,345,915 to 1,347,245 = 1,330 (about $1.3 billion). Period-end deposits 1,371,804 / 1,335,991 - 1 = 2.7% (Dec 2017 to Dec 2024); Dec 2025 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,426,207 = 75,198 (about $75 billion). Consumer Banking and Lending share of average deposits Q2 2026 828.4 / 1,465.6 = 57%. Held-to-maturity: Dec 2024 carrying 234,948 - fair value 193,779 = 41,169 unrealised loss; June 2026 loss 32,408 / common equity 165,000 = 19.6%. Balance sheet: total assets 2,282,201 / 1,951,757 - 1 = 16.9% above the 2017 cap level; 2,282,201 - 1,929,845 = 352,356 (about $352 billion); 2,282,201 / 1,929,845 - 1 = 18.3% (about 18%). CIB total assets 862,472 / 597,278 - 1 = 44%. Average loans Q2 2026 1,026.5 - 916.7 = 109.8; CIB 359.4 - 285.9 = 73.5; 73.5 / 109.8 = 67% (about two-thirds). CIB share of average loans 359.4 / 1,026.5 = 35.0% (Q2 2026); 285.9 / 916.7 = 31.2% (Q2 2025). Trading-related assets 401.5 / 283.7 - 1 = 41.5%; Markets loans 111.2 / 79.0 - 1 = 40.8%; CIB average loans 359.4 / 285.9 - 1 = 25.7%. Tangible common equity / total assets: Dec 2024 135.6 / 1,929.8 = 7.0%; June 2026 139.7 / 2,282.2 = 6.1%. Branches 4,079 - 5,032 = -953; 4,079 / 5,032 - 1 = -19%. Mobile active customers 33.7 / 29.9 - 1 = 13%. Headcount 197,466 / 212,804 - 1 = -7%. Personnel expense 36,281 / noninterest expense 54,842 = 66% (about two-thirds). Efficiency gap to JPMorgan (66% - 52%) x 83,699 = about 11,718 (about $11.7 billion). JPMorgan deposits 2,559,320 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 79%; market value 911.91 / 250.90 = 3.6 times. Capital: CET1 headroom 10.3% - 8.5% = 1.8 points. Returned 2025 (17.7 billion buybacks + 6.5 billion dividends - 1.053 billion preferred dividends) / 20.285 billion net income to common = 114%. Average diluted shares 3,242.3 / 5,108.3 - 1 = -36.5% (2016 to 2025). EPS 6.26 / 4.12 - 1 = 52%. Revenue 83,699 / 86,057 - 1 = -2.7% (2015 to 2025). Trailing twelve months to June 2026: revenue 21,436 + 21,292 + 21,446 + 22,622 = 86,796; net income 5,589 + 5,361 + 5,253 + 6,407 = 22,610; EPS 1.66 + 1.62 + 1.60 + 2.00 = 6.88. First half 2026: net income 5,253 + 6,407 = 11,660; net interest income 12,096 + 12,317 = 24,413; noninterest expense 14,330 + 13,661 = 27,991, about 50.3% of the ~55,700 guidance. Market value 250.90 / 298.75 - 1 = -16% (end 2017 to Sept 2026). Segments (2025): revenue 37,362 + 11,978 + 19,232 + 16,328 = 84,900; plus Corporate 747, less Reconciling Items 1,948 = 83,699. Shares of segment revenue: Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 84,900 = 44%; Commercial Banking 11,978 / 84,900 = 14%; CIB 19,232 / 84,900 = 23%; Wealth and Investment Management 16,328 / 84,900 = 19%. Shares of company net income 21,338: Consumer Banking and Lending 7,865 = 37%; CIB 7,283 = 34%; Commercial Banking 4,184 = 20%; Wealth and Investment Management 2,119 = 10%. CIB share of segment net income 7,283 / (7,865 + 4,184 + 7,283 + 2,119 = 21,451) = 34%; of total revenue 19,232 / 83,699 = 23%. Wealth net income / revenue 2,119 / 16,328 = 13%. Commercial Banking net income 4,184 / 5,104 - 1 = -18%. CIB Banking 2,522 + 2,507 + 2,008 = 7,037. Investment banking 2,008 / 1,404 - 1 = 43%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,809 - 1 = 10%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -31%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 891 - 1 = 26%. Consumer Banking and Lending share of Q2 2026 revenue 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Consumer Banking and Lending provision 3,362 / total provision 3,658 = 92%. Markets loans 111.2 - 79.0 = 32.2; 32.2 / 73.5 = 44% of the CIB loan increase. Investment banking share of CIB revenue 1,404 / 19,191 = 7% (2023); 2,008 / 19,232 = 10% (2025). Debit plus credit card purchase volume 530.5 + 186.0 = 716.5 billion. More deposits: noninterest-bearing deposits 505,770 - 360,047 = 145,723 (about $146 billion, 2022 to 2025); average deposits 1,424,269 - 1,347,245 = 77,024 (about $77 billion). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 24,282 - 20,449 = 3,833 (about $3.8 billion). Bank of America 2024 all-in deposit cost 38,442 / 1,924,106 = 2.00%. JPMorgan average deposits 2,506,565 / 1,347,245 = 1.9 times. Average loans to average deposits Q2 2026 1,026.5 / 1,465.6 = 70%. Bank of America deposits 2,018,729 / 1,426,207 - 1 = 42%. Held-to-maturity share of total assets 198,573 / 2,282,201 = 8.7% (June 2026); 208,023 / 2,148,631 = 9.7% (Dec 2025). More balance sheet and valuation: branches closed 5,032 - 4,777 = 255 (2021); 4,598 - 4,311 = 287 (2023); 4,177 - 4,090 = 87 (2025); 4,090 - 4,079 = 11 (H1 2026); 4,311 - 4,079 = 232 (end 2023 to June 2026). Second half 2025 assets 2,148,631 - 1,981,269 = 167,362 (about $167 billion). Market value 233.86 / 298.75 - 1 = -22% (end 2017 to end 2024); Bank of America 394.32 / 250.90 - 1 = 57%; market value over trailing net income 250.90 / 22.61 = 11.1 times. Risk-weighted assets 137.7 / 0.103 = about 1,337 billion (about $1.34 trillion). Total equity 182,323 / 2,282,201 = 8.0%. 2016 penalties 100 + 35 + 50 = 185 million. Commercial Banking net interest income 7,902 / 11,978 = 66%. Consumer Banking and Lending deposit surplus 779,994 - 322,052 = 457,942 (about $458 billion) - deposits, deposit cost and the securities book. — Length additions: held-to-maturity Dec 2025 208,023 - 175,797 = 32,226; carrying value 208,023 - 198,573 = 9,450 (about $9.5 billion in six months). Interest on interest-bearing deposits 16,503 / 2,349 = 7.0 (about seven times). Consumer Banking and Lending net interest income 29,183 / 37,362 = 78%. Average deposits per branch 1,437,812 / 4,777 = 301 (2021); 1,347,245 / 4,090 = 329 (2025). Deposits Dec 2024 to Jun 2026 1,501,405 - 1,371,804 = 129,601 (about $130 billion). TLAC cushion 23.22 - 21.50 = 1.72 points; 22.81 - 21.50 = 1.31 points. CIB assets 862,472 / 2,282,201 = 38%; CIB period-end assets 787,751 / 597,278 - 1 = 32%. CIB investment banking 1,814 / 1,404 - 1 = 29%; 2,008 / 1,814 - 1 = 11%; Q2 2026 628 / 5,425 = 12%. CIB revenue per dollar of expense 19,232 / 9,436 = 2.04; Consumer Banking and Lending 37,362 / 23,515 = 1.59. CRE 5,083 / 19,232 = 26%. Q2 2026 expense 13,661 / 13,379 - 1 = 2.1%; revenue 22,622 / 20,822 - 1 = 8.6%. Headcount 205 - 197 = 8 thousand. Average assets per employee 1,933.4 / 212,804 = $9.1 million (Q2 2025); 2,227.9 / 197,466 = $11.3 million (Q2 2026), +24%. Personnel expense per employee 36,281 / 205,000 = 0.177 ($177,000). Efficiency gap to Bank of America (66% - 61.65%) x 83,699 = 3,641 (about $3.6 billion). Risk-weighted assets about 1,340 billion x 1% = about $13 billion per point; 9.80% - 8.50% = 1.30 points x 1,340 = about $17 billion. Stockholders equity 180,190 / 206,936 - 1 = -12.9%. Charge-offs 876 x 4 = 3,504 (about $3.5 billion); 14,129 / 139,700 = 10.1%. JPMorgan cost of total deposits 2024 2.08% against Wells Fargo 1.80%. ROTCE H1 2026 16.1% - 14.4% = 1.7 points. Target 17.5% x 139.7 = 24.4 billion; 24.4 / 20.285 = 1.20. Net income 6,407 x 4 = 25,628 (about $25.6 billion). H1 2026 expense 27,991 / 55,700 = 50.3%; net interest income 24,413 / 50,000 = 48.8%. Credit card revenue 6,375 / 5,908 - 1 = 7.9%; Auto 1,016 / 1,464 - 1 = -30.6%. Home Lending 3,364 / 37,362 = 9.0%; originations 26.3 / 986.2 = 2.7%. Buybacks 22.7 billion / 79.80 = 284 million shares; 284 / 3,085.6 = 9.2%. Tangible book 1 / 1.79 = 0.56. Dividend 0.50 x 4 x 3.02 billion = 6.04 (about $6.0 billion). Accounts 16 million / 32.8 million = 49%. Remediation 236 / 160,700 = 0.15%. Advisory assets 1,127 / 2,509 = 45%. Investment banking fees 3,027 / 83,699 = 3.6%. Advisory fees 10,498 / 36,215 = 29%. Branches 4,090 - 4,079 = 11. Buyback runway 22.7 / 17.7 = 1.3 years (about fifteen months); 22.7 / (7 x 2) = 1.6 years. Deposits 1,347,245 / 1,376,011 - 1 = -2.1%. Q2 2026 consumer bank share 10,288 / 22,622 = 45%. Card fees 4,589 / mortgage banking 1,152 = 4.0. 2015-2026 · publ. September 2026 · source ↗
    Method: Arithmetic on figures reported in Wells Fargo's annual reports, Forms 10-Q, earnings releases and presentations, JPMorgan's and Bank of America's Forms 10-K and market data; operands shown in the source line.
  12. ReportedBank of America paid 2.35% on its interest-bearing deposits in 2025, against Wells Fargo's 2.07%.
    Bank of America Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - deposits, average balances and interest on deposits, ROTCE and efficiency ratio. — FY2025 · publ. 25 February 2026 · source ↗
  13. ReportedBank of America paid 2.35% on its interest-bearing deposits in 2025, against Wells Fargo's 2.07%.
    Wells Fargo 2025 Annual Report to Shareholders (financial statements, MD&A and segment note), part of the Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 - average balance sheet, deposits, net interest income and securities. — FY2025 · publ. 24 February 2026 · source ↗
  14. ReportedWells Fargo reported an average deposit cost of 1.51% in the second quarter of 2026; a cost that rose above JPMorgan's while rates were steady would mean the growth after the asset cap was being paid for at the counter.
    Wells Fargo second-quarter 2026 earnings presentation, Form 8-K exhibit 99.3 - segment returns, deposit cost, market shares and the 2026 outlook - the 2026 outlook, deposit cost and loan yield. — Q2 2026 · publ. 14 July 2026 · source ↗
Sources
Generated September 28, 2026