Jefferson County is about to lose its only Wells Fargo branch.

The Wells Fargo Bank location on E Street in Madras is set to permanently close on June 24, 2026. After that date, the bank says it will direct Madras-area customers to its nearest remaining branch — located on 6th Street in Redmond, approximately 30 miles to the south.

Wells Fargo stated it is "refurbishing its entire network" based on customer demand and changes to the retail banking landscape. The closure is part of a broader national trend of major banks shrinking their physical footprints as more customers shift to online and mobile banking.

What This Means for Madras Customers

For many Jefferson County residents, particularly older adults, those without reliable transportation, and those who prefer in-person banking, the closure creates a real inconvenience. A 30-mile round trip to Redmond for routine banking transactions is not trivial for a rural community.

Customers with Wells Fargo accounts have a few options following the closure:

  • Use online and mobile banking — Wells Fargo's app and website handle most routine transactions including deposits (via mobile check deposit), transfers, and bill pay.
  • Use ATMs — Wells Fargo has ATMs at select locations; customers can avoid fees by using Wells Fargo or partner ATMs.
  • Switch to a local institution — Jefferson County residents may want to consider banking with locally rooted institutions that maintain a physical Madras presence, such as regional credit unions or community banks.
  • Visit the Redmond branch — 6th Street, Redmond, for in-person needs.

Broader Trend Hits Rural Communities Hardest

Bank branch closures have accelerated across rural America in the past decade, and Jefferson County is not immune. Rural communities like Madras often lack the population density that justifies branches under big-bank profitability models — even though those same communities have fewer alternative options.

The Federal Reserve has documented a pattern of bank deserts developing in rural counties as major national banks consolidate operations. Credit unions and community development financial institutions (CDFIs) often fill the gap, and Jefferson County residents who find themselves underserved by the closure may want to explore those alternatives.

The Madras branch serves the city's growing population as well as residents from across Jefferson County — including Warm Springs, Culver, Metolius, Crooked River Ranch, and the unincorporated rural areas. Its closure marks a notable reduction in financial services for the county.

Customers can contact Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 or visit wellsfargo.com to manage their accounts and learn more about the transition.