What you need to do to open a joint account at Wells Fargo

You and the other account owner can open a joint account at Wells Fargo in person at a branch, by phone, or online through the Wells Fargo website. Both people must be present (in person or by phone) and provide government-issued ID, Social Security numbers, and initial deposit funds. Wells Fargo will ask you to choose the account type — checking, savings, or money market — and decide how the account will be owned: as joint tenants with rights of survivorship (meaning the surviving owner inherits the account if one dies) or as tenants in common (meaning each owner's share goes to their estate).

The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch, or longer if you're doing it by phone because the representative must verify both owners separately. You'll receive debit cards, online access, and a welcome packet with your account number and routing number within 5 to 7 business days. Both owners can deposit, withdraw, and manage the account when ready, though some transactions may require both signatures depending on how you set it up.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must provide government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit — Wells Fargo does not open joint accounts with just one person present.
  • You choose between joint tenants with rights of survivorship (surviving owner inherits) or tenants in common (each owner's share goes to their estate) when you open the account.
  • Opening in a branch is fastest; opening by phone or online takes longer because Wells Fargo must verify both owners separately.
  • Both owners have full access to the account when ready, though you can request that certain transactions require both signatures.

Opening a joint account in a Wells Fargo branch

Bring both owners, both government-issued IDs (driver's license, passport, or state ID), both Social Security numbers, and your initial deposit to any Wells Fargo branch. Tell the representative you want to open a joint account and which type — checking, savings, or money market. The representative will ask you to choose the ownership structure and will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) on both owners; this takes a few minutes and does not affect your credit score.

You'll sign the account agreement together, receive temporary debit cards or a temporary account number, and leave with your account open. Permanent debit cards arrive in 5 to 7 business days. If either owner has a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks, Wells Fargo may deny the account or require a higher initial deposit — there is no appeal process for this decision, but you can reapply after 30 days.

Opening a joint account by phone or online

Call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557 or start the process at wellsfargo.com. Both owners must be available during the call or must complete the online process separately but on the same day. Wells Fargo will verify each owner's identity by asking for the last four digits of their Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions based on their credit history. This verification step takes 10 to 15 minutes per person.

Online, you'll upload a photo of both IDs and provide the initial deposit information (bank account or debit card). The account opens within one business day, but you won't receive debit cards or online access until Wells Fargo mails them — typically 5 to 7 business days. If you need to access the account before the cards arrive, you can use the temporary account number to set up transfers or direct deposit.

What happens if one owner has a negative banking history

Wells Fargo uses ChexSystems, a database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees at other banks. If one owner appears in ChexSystems with recent negative activity, Wells Fargo may require a higher initial deposit (sometimes $500 to $1,000 instead of the standard $25) or may deny the account outright. The decision is made during the verification step and is final — you cannot appeal it.

If your account is denied, you can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, you may open a joint account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks, though these institutions have their own verification processes. Ask Wells Fargo which specific ChexSystems issue caused the denial so you know what to address before reapplying.

Joint ownership structures and what they mean

Joint tenants with rights of survivorship is the default option at Wells Fargo. If one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically inherits the entire account balance — it does not go through probate and is not subject to the deceased owner's debts or estate taxes. This is the simplest structure for most couples and families.

Tenants in common means each owner has a separate legal claim to their share of the account. If one owner dies, their share goes to their estate and is subject to probate, taxes, and creditor claims. This structure is less common but may be chosen if the owners want to keep their finances legally separate or if one owner has significant debts.

You choose the structure when you open the account, and you can change it later by visiting a branch or calling Wells Fargo — there is no fee to change it. The choice does not affect how you use the account day-to-day; both owners have full access either way.

What you can and cannot do with a joint account

Both owners can deposit money, withdraw money, write checks, set up automatic payments, and view the account online. Neither owner needs permission from the other to make a transaction. If you want to require both signatures for withdrawals over a certain amount, you can request this when you open the account or add it later — tell the branch representative or call the account services line at 1-800-869-3557.

You cannot add or remove an owner after the account is open without closing it and opening a new one. If you want to add a third owner, you'll need to close the joint account, open a new account with all three owners present, and transfer the balance. This takes one business day and does not incur a fee, but you will receive a new account number and debit cards.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Wells Fargo charges a monthly service fee for most checking accounts ($10 to $15, depending on the account type) unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or have a linked Wells Fargo savings account with a minimum balance. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee but pay very low interest — often 0.01% or less.

Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if the account goes negative. Wells Fargo allows up to four overdraft fees per day. If you exceed this, subsequent transactions are declined. You can opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee, though this may cause checks to bounce or payments to fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one owner lives out of state?

Yes. You can open the account by phone or online, and both owners can complete the process remotely. Wells Fargo will mail debit cards and account materials to the address you provide. If you prefer to open it in person, you can visit any Wells Fargo branch — the branch does not have to be in your home state.

What if one owner wants to close the account?

Either owner can close the account without the other's permission. The account closes within one business day, and the remaining balance is mailed to the address on file. If the other owner still needs access to the funds, you'll need to open a new account. This is why joint accounts work best when both owners fully trust each other.

Does opening a joint account affect my credit score?

No. Wells Fargo runs a ChexSystems check, not a credit check, so your credit score is not affected. However, if you overdraft the account or fail to pay fees, this can be reported to ChexSystems and may prevent you from opening accounts at other banks.

Can I have a joint account with someone who is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but they must have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Wells Fargo will ask for this during the verification step. If the other owner does not have either, they cannot open a joint account at Wells Fargo.

What happens to a joint account if one owner files for bankruptcy?

The account may be frozen while the bankruptcy is processed, and creditors may attempt to claim the funds. The outcome depends on the bankruptcy type and the ownership structure. Speak with a bankruptcy attorney before opening a joint account if either owner is considering bankruptcy.