What an authorized user is and why you might add one

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your checking account — they can withdraw money, write checks, use a debit card, and see your account balance. They are not the account owner, but they have full access to spend from the account. You remain responsible for all transactions, even ones the authorized user makes.

People add authorized users for many reasons: a spouse who needs to pay household bills, an adult child who helps manage finances, a caregiver who needs to buy groceries, or a business partner who handles expenses. The authorized user does not need to be a family member.

Wells Fargo lets you add multiple authorized users to the same account, and you can remove them at any time. The authorized user does not have to be present when you add them, though you will need some information about them.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user in person at a Wells Fargo branch, by phone, or online through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app.
  • You will need the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tax ID.
  • Wells Fargo will run a background check on the authorized user, which may take a few business days to complete.
  • The authorized user can receive their own debit card and PIN, or you can give them access without a physical card.
  • You remain liable for all transactions on the account, even those made by the authorized user.

Adding an authorized user at a Wells Fargo branch

Visit any Wells Fargo branch with your ID and bring the authorized user's information: their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tax ID. You do not need to bring the authorized user with you. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account.

The banker will fill out a form with the authorized user's details and yours. They will explain what an authorized user can do and ask whether you want the authorized user to receive a debit card. If yes, the card will be mailed to the address on file for your account, or you can pick it up at the branch. The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes in the branch, but the background check may take a few business days before the authorized user status becomes active.

Adding an authorized user online or through the mobile app

Log into your Wells Fargo account online or in the mobile app. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Details" — the exact wording varies by app version. Select the checking account you want to modify.

Find the option to add an authorized user, which may be under "Users," "Authorized Users," or "Account Access." You will be asked to enter the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tax ID. You will also choose whether to order a debit card for them. After you submit, Wells Fargo will send a confirmation email and begin the background check, which typically takes 2 to 5 business days.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Wells Fargo's customer service number on the back of your debit card or on a recent statement. Tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account.

Once verified, the representative will ask for the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tax ID. They will also ask whether you want a debit card sent for the authorized user. The representative will confirm the details and let you know when the background check will be complete. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens after you submit the request

Wells Fargo will run a background check on the authorized user, which typically takes 2 to 5 business days. During this time, the authorized user does not yet have access to the account. You will receive a confirmation email or letter once the background check is complete and the authorized user status is active.

If you ordered a debit card, it will be mailed to the address on file for your account within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can start using the account when ready once their status is active, even if the debit card has not arrived yet — they can use online banking or ask you for checks.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time using the same methods you used to add them: in person at a branch, online, through the app, or by phone. If you remove an authorized user, any debit card in their name will stop working when ready. The authorized user will no longer be able to see the account balance or make transactions.

If you are concerned about an authorized user's access before you can formally remove them, call Wells Fargo right away and ask them to freeze the debit card. This stops the card from working while you complete the removal process.

Things to know before adding an authorized user

You are responsible for all transactions the authorized user makes, even if you did not approve them. Wells Fargo will not reverse charges just because an authorized user spent the money without your permission. If you are concerned about overspending, consider setting limits on how much the authorized user can withdraw per day, or keep a lower balance in the account.

Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit report or yours. Wells Fargo does not report authorized user activity to credit bureaus. However, if the account goes negative or is sent to collections, it may appear on your credit report.

An authorized user is different from a power of attorney, which is a legal document that gives someone the right to act on your behalf in financial or medical matters. An authorized user has access only to that specific checking account. If you want to give someone broader control over your finances, you may want to speak with a lawyer about power of attorney instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

You can use a Tax ID (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. If the person does not have either, contact Wells Fargo directly to ask about other forms of identification they will accept. Requirements vary, so calling customer service is the fastest way to find out what options are available.

What if the background check is denied?

Wells Fargo will notify you if the background check cannot be completed or is denied. You can ask why, though they may not provide detailed reasons. You can try adding the authorized user again with corrected information, or contact Wells Fargo to discuss other options.

Can an authorized user see my other accounts?

No. An authorized user has access only to the specific account you added them to. They cannot see your savings account, credit card, or any other Wells Fargo account unless you separately add them as an authorized user to those accounts.

Does the authorized user need to be a U.S. citizen?

Wells Fargo does not require authorized users to be U.S. citizens, but they do need a valid form of identification and either a Social Security number or Tax ID. Non-citizens with a Tax ID can usually be added. Call Wells Fargo to confirm what documents the authorized user will need to provide.

What if I want to change the authorized user's access level?

Wells Fargo does not offer tiered access levels for authorized users on checking accounts — they either have full access or no access. If you want to limit what they can do, your options are to remove them and add them back with different instructions, or to keep a lower balance in the account and monitor spending regularly.