You can add a person to your Wells Fargo checking account in person, by phone, or online, depending on the account type and your relationship to that person

Wells Fargo lets you add an authorized user or a joint account holder to most checking accounts. The difference matters: an authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns the account equally with you and can make all decisions about it, including closing it. Which one you choose depends on what you want the other person to do and how much control you want them to have.

The fastest route is usually online through your Wells Fargo account if you already have login access. If you do not bank online yet, you can call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or visit a branch in person. The person you are adding will need to provide identification and may need to sign paperwork, depending on whether they are becoming an authorized user or a joint owner.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can access and spend from the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and can make all account decisions.
  • You can start the process online, by phone, or in person, but adding a joint account holder usually requires both of you to sign documents in person or by mail.
  • The person you are adding will need a government-issued ID and may need to provide a Social Security number or Tax ID.
  • Wells Fargo may run a background check or review your account history before approving the change.
  • The process typically takes a few business days to complete once all paperwork is signed.

Adding an authorized user online or by phone

If you want to add someone as an authorized user — meaning they can use a debit card and access the account, but you remain the sole owner — you can often do this without the other person being present. Log into your Wells Fargo online account, go to the account settings or account management section, and look for an option to add an authorized user. The exact menu location varies depending on whether you use the standard Wells Fargo website or the mobile app.

If you prefer not to use online banking, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. They will ask for the person's full name, date of birth, and relationship to you. You do not need the other person on the call, but Wells Fargo may ask you to confirm you have their permission. The bank will issue a new debit card in their name and mail it to the address on file.

Authorized users do not need to sign anything or provide their own identification at this stage, though Wells Fargo may contact them separately to confirm the request. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Adding a joint account holder in person or by mail

If you want to add someone as a joint account holder — giving them equal ownership and full control — both of you will need to sign paperwork. This cannot be done entirely online or by phone. You have two options: go to a Wells Fargo branch together, or have the bank mail you the forms to sign and return.

To do this in person, visit your local Wells Fargo branch with the other person. Bring a government-issued photo ID for both of you — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The branch representative will explain what it means to be a joint account holder, have both of you sign the paperwork, and process the change on the spot. The account will be updated when ready, and the other person can begin using the account right away.

If you cannot meet in person, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 and ask them to mail you the joint account paperwork. Both you and the other person will need to sign the forms and return them to Wells Fargo. The bank will verify the signatures and update the account once they receive the signed documents back. This route takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail the forms back — because the bank has to receive, verify, and process them.

What identification and information you will need

The person you are adding will need to provide a government-issued photo ID. Wells Fargo accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If the person does not have a photo ID, call the bank to ask what alternatives they accept — some branches may accept other forms of identification, but this varies.

Wells Fargo will also ask for a Social Security number or Tax ID for the person being added. If they do not have a Social Security number, let the bank know when you start the process so they can tell you what to do instead. For authorized users, you may be able to provide this information yourself; for joint account holders, the other person will usually need to provide it themselves or sign a form authorizing you to provide it.

Have the account number for your checking account ready when you call or visit. If you are adding a joint account holder, the bank may also ask about the person's employment status and whether they have other accounts with Wells Fargo.

What happens after you submit the request

Once you have submitted the request to add an authorized user, Wells Fargo will process it within a few business days. A new debit card will be ordered and mailed to the address on file. The person can begin using the account online or through mobile banking as soon as the bank confirms the change, even if the physical card has not arrived yet.

For a joint account holder, the timeline depends on how you submitted the paperwork. If you signed in person at a branch, the change is usually effective when ready. If you mailed in signed forms, the bank will contact you once they receive them to confirm everything is correct, then update the account. This can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on mail delivery and how busy the bank is.

Wells Fargo may run a background check or review your account history before approving the addition of a joint account holder. If there are any issues — such as a history of fraud or account problems — the bank may contact you to discuss them before proceeding.

Removing someone from the account later

If you need to remove an authorized user, you can do this online, by phone, or in person. Log into your account and go to account settings, call 1-800-869-3557, or visit a branch. The authorized user's debit card will be deactivated, and they will lose access to the account. You do not need their permission to remove an authorized user.

Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because they have equal ownership. Both account holders must agree to the change, or you will need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If you and the joint account holder disagree, you may need to contact Wells Fargo to discuss your options, as the bank cannot remove a joint owner without their consent or a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Tax ID for most account changes. If the person does not have one, call the bank at 1-800-869-3557 before you start the process. They can tell you what alternatives they accept and whether you can proceed.

Does the person I am adding need to be present when I add them?

For an authorized user, no — you can add them without them being there. For a joint account holder, yes — both of you must sign paperwork, either in person at a branch or by mail with witnessed signatures.

Can I add someone to my account if they do not bank with Wells Fargo?

Yes. The person does not need to have their own Wells Fargo account. They just need a government-issued ID and a Social Security number or Tax ID. Wells Fargo will add them to your account regardless of where they bank.

What is the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?

An authorized user can spend money and access the account but does not own it — you remain the sole owner and can remove them anytime. A joint account holder owns the account equally with you and can make all decisions about it, including closing it. Both require your consent to remove.

How long does it take to add someone to my account?

Adding an authorized user takes a few business days. Adding a joint account holder takes the same if you sign in person at a branch, or 1 to 3 weeks if you mail in signed forms.