The two ways to add someone to your account

You can add another person to your Wells Fargo checking account in two ways: as a joint account holder or as an authorized user. The difference matters because it changes what that person can do and what legal responsibility they have.

A joint account holder has equal ownership of the account and equal access to all the money in it. They can withdraw funds, make deposits, close the account, and change account settings — the same as you can. If the account goes negative, both of you are responsible for the debt. A joint account holder's name appears on the account title.

An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but they do not own the account. You remain the sole owner and the only person who can close it or change major settings. An authorized user's name does not appear on the account title, though Wells Fargo records show they have access. This is often the choice for teenagers, caregivers, or employees you want to give spending access without full ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint account holders own the account equally and can do anything you can do, including closing it or changing settings; authorized users can spend money but cannot change account details.
  • You can add either type of person online through Wells Fargo's website, by phone, or in person at a branch with the other person present.
  • The person you are adding will need to provide their Social Security number and government-issued ID so Wells Fargo can verify their identity.
  • Wells Fargo will run a background check and may ask questions about the relationship and the reason for adding them to the account.
  • The process usually takes a few business days to complete once you submit the request.

Adding someone online through Wells Fargo's website

Log into your Wells Fargo account on the website or mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section — the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you are using a computer or phone, but look for a menu option labeled "Account" or "Settings."

Look for an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. The wording depends on which type of person you want to add. Select the option that matches what you need, then enter the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Wells Fargo will ask you to confirm your relationship to this person and may ask why you are adding them.

The person you are adding will receive a notification from Wells Fargo asking them to verify their identity. They will need to provide their government-issued ID information and answer security questions. Once they complete this step, Wells Fargo will review the request and send you both confirmation.

Adding someone by phone or in person

Call Wells Fargo's customer service line at 1-800-869-3557 and tell them you want to add someone to your checking account. Have the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will walk you through the verification process and explain whether you need to visit a branch in person.

For a joint account holder, Wells Fargo usually requires both of you to be present at a branch with government-issued ID. This is because a joint account creates legal obligations for both parties, and the bank wants to confirm that both people understand and agree to this. Bring your ID and the other person's ID, and ask the representative which branch location is most convenient.

For an authorized user, you may be able to complete the process by phone without the other person present, though some branches prefer to do this in person as well. Call ahead to ask what your local branch requires.

What documents and information you will need

You will need the other person's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID. Bring or provide their date of birth and Social Security number. If you are meeting in person, both of you should bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

Wells Fargo may also ask for proof of your relationship, especially if you are adding someone with a different last name or if the relationship is not when ready obvious. A marriage certificate, birth certificate, or legal guardianship document can serve this purpose. If you are adding an employee or caregiver, be ready to explain the business or personal reason for adding them.

What happens after you submit the request

Wells Fargo will run a background check on the person you are adding. This is standard practice and does not mean anything is wrong — the bank does this for all new account holders and authorized users. The check usually takes a few business days.

Once the background check clears, Wells Fargo will send confirmation to both of you. If you added a joint account holder, they will receive their own debit card and online access within one to two weeks. If you added an authorized user, they can usually start using a debit card right away, though the card itself may take five to seven business days to arrive by mail.

You can check the status of your request by logging into your account online or calling customer service. If Wells Fargo has questions or concerns, they will contact you directly.

Removing someone from your account later

If you added a joint account holder and later want to remove them, you will need to visit a branch in person or call customer service. Wells Fargo will not remove a joint owner over the phone without both parties present, because removing someone from a joint account is a legal change that affects both people's rights.

Removing an authorized user is simpler — you can do this online, by phone, or in person. Once removed, that person loses access to the account when ready and cannot use any debit card or online login tied to their authorization. Their access ends the same day you request the removal.

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 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for anyone you add to an account. If the person does not have one, they will need to explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you can add them. This process takes several weeks.

What if the person I want to add is under 18?

You can add a minor as an authorized user, but Wells Fargo does not allow minors to be joint account holders. If you want to give a teenager access to money, add them as an authorized user. Once they turn 18, you can convert them to a joint owner if you both want to.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding someone as an authorized user does not affect their credit. Adding someone as a joint account holder may show up on their credit report because they now have legal responsibility for the account, but it typically does not hurt their score unless the account goes negative or is reported as delinquent.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

No. Wells Fargo requires the person you are adding to verify their identity and confirm they agree to be added. They will receive a notification and must respond before the process completes. This protects both of you from fraud.

What is the difference between a joint account and just giving someone my debit card?

If you give someone your debit card, they can spend the money but have no legal claim to the account. A joint account holder owns the account equally and can close it, change settings, or take all the money without your permission. An authorized user falls in between — they can spend but cannot change account details.