Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-3: Nos. 33-2232, 333-79183, 333-90161, Form S-4: No. 333-53344, and Form S-8: Nos. 2-99538, 33-34386, 33-35357, 33-53325, 333-02239, 333-32255, 333-36889, 333-37339, 333-45099, 333-68823, 333-81627 and 333-83583) of Wachovia Corporation and in the related Prospectuses of our report dated January 17, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Wachovia Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000. /s/Ernst & Young LLP Winston-Salem, North Carolina February 28, 2001