Yes, you can add someone to your Wells Fargo checking account, but the process and what they can do depends on how you add them

Wells Fargo lets you add another person to your checking account in two main ways: as a joint account holder or as an authorized user. A joint account holder has full ownership rights and can withdraw, deposit, and manage the account. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but does not own it and cannot close it or change account terms. Which one you choose affects what paperwork you need, what the other person can do, and how the account shows up on their credit report.

You can start the process online through Wells Fargo's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. The person you are adding will need to provide identification and sign documents. If you are adding them as a joint owner, Wells Fargo will likely run a credit check and may ask about the source of funds in the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint account holders own the account equally and can do anything with it; authorized users can transact but cannot own the account or change its terms.
  • Adding a joint owner requires both people to sign documents and provide identification, and Wells Fargo may run a credit check.
  • An authorized user can be added with less paperwork and does not need to be present in person at all branches.
  • Both joint owners and authorized users appear on the account, but only joint owners are liable for overdrafts and account debt.
  • You can remove a joint owner or authorized user, but removing a joint owner may require their consent or a court order depending on your state.

Adding someone as a joint account owner

A joint account owner has equal rights to the money and equal responsibility for the account. Both of you can deposit, withdraw, write checks, and use the debit card. Either of you can close the account or change the terms without asking the other. If the account goes negative, both of you are responsible for the overdraft.

To add a joint owner, you and the other person must both go to a Wells Fargo branch or call the bank together. Bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Wells Fargo will have you both sign the signature card and may ask questions about the account's purpose and where the money comes from. The bank will run a credit check on the person you are adding. The process usually takes one business day to complete, though it can take longer if Wells Fargo needs more information.

Once the account is joint, both names appear on statements and checks. The account will show up on both of your credit reports if Wells Fargo reports it to the credit bureaus. If one of you dies, the account typically passes to the survivor automatically — this is called right of survivorship — unless you have a will or trust that says otherwise.

Adding someone as an authorized user

An authorized user can use the account to make deposits and withdrawals, but does not own it. They cannot close the account, change the account terms, remove themselves, or add other people. Only you, as the account owner, can make those changes. If the account goes negative, you are responsible for the overdraft, not the authorized user.

Adding an authorized user is faster than adding a joint owner. You can often do it online through your Wells Fargo account, by calling the bank, or in person at a branch. The person does not have to be present. You will need to provide their full name, date of birth, and address. Wells Fargo will issue them a debit card and give them online access to the account. The process usually takes one to three business days.

An authorized user's name may or may not appear on statements, depending on how Wells Fargo sets it up. The account typically does not show up on their credit report unless Wells Fargo reports it, which varies by bank and account type. If you want to remove an authorized user, you can do it yourself without their permission.

What documents you will need

For a joint owner, bring a government-issued photo ID for both people — a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Wells Fargo will ask you to sign a signature card together. You may also need to provide proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease, if your ID does not show your current address. If either of you has a recent address change, bring documentation of that as well.

For an authorized user, you typically need only the account owner's ID. You will provide the authorized user's name, date of birth, and address over the phone or online, and Wells Fargo will handle the rest. If you are doing it in person, the authorized user does not have to come with you.

Online, phone, and in-person options

Wells Fargo offers three ways to add someone to your account. Online is the fastest for authorized users — log into your account, go to the account settings or manage account section, and look for an option to add an authorized user. You can usually complete this in minutes. Joint owners cannot be added online; you must use the phone or visit a branch.

By phone, call the number on the back of your debit card or the Wells Fargo customer service line. A representative can walk you through adding an authorized user and may be able to start the process for a joint owner, though you may still need to sign documents in person or by mail. Phone calls typically take 15 to 30 minutes.

In person at a Wells Fargo branch is the most thorough option and the only way to may provide a joint owner can be added without delays. Both people should go together with their IDs. The branch can run the credit check, have you sign the signature card, and issue a debit card on the spot. Call ahead to make sure the branch has time to help you, as the process can take 30 minutes to an hour.

What happens to the account if one person dies

If you set up the account as a joint account with right of survivorship, the surviving owner automatically owns the entire account. The bank will freeze the account briefly to verify the death, but the money does not go through probate. You will need to bring a death certificate to the bank.

If the account is in your name only and you have an authorized user, the authorized user loses access when you die. The account becomes part of your estate and goes through probate or passes according to your will or trust. The authorized user has no claim to the money.

Removing someone from the account

You can remove an authorized user at any time by calling Wells Fargo, logging into your online account, or visiting a branch. The authorized user does not have to agree. Wells Fargo will cancel their debit card and online access, usually within one business day.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated. In some states, you can remove them unilaterally by converting the account to a single-owner account, but in others you may need their written consent or a court order. Call Wells Fargo to ask what your state requires. If the joint owner refuses to agree and you cannot reach a settlement, you may need to speak with a lawyer about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Yes, if you are adding them as an authorized user. You can do it online or by phone without them there. For a joint owner, both people must be present or sign documents, though some banks allow remote notarization in certain states. Call Wells Fargo to ask what options are available in your state.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit?

A joint owner's credit may be affected because the account shows up on their credit report. An authorized user's credit is usually not affected unless Wells Fargo reports the account to the credit bureaus, which varies. Call Wells Fargo before you add someone if their credit score matters to them.

What if I want to add my child to my account?

Wells Fargo has a separate product called Wells Fargo Student Checking for minors, which may be a better fit than adding them to your adult account. If you want to add them to your existing account, they will need a government ID or birth certificate and your permission. Some states require a parent or guardian to co-sign. Ask at your branch about the best option for your child's age.

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for both joint owners and authorized users. If the person does not have one, they will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can add them. This can take several weeks.

What if the joint owner wants to remove themselves?

A joint owner can ask Wells Fargo to remove themselves, but the account remains open in your name. They can also close the account entirely if they want, which closes it for both of you. If you want to keep the account open, you may need to convert it to a single-owner account or open a new one. Discuss this with the other owner before one of you takes action.