What you need to do it

To open a joint account at Wells Fargo, you and the other account holder must both be present in person at a branch with valid government-issued ID. Wells Fargo requires both people because the bank needs to verify your identities and confirm you both want the account. You cannot open a joint account online or by phone — it has to happen face-to-face.

Bring a current driver's license, passport, or state ID for each person. You will also need a Social Security number for each account holder. If either of you does not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Wells Fargo will ask for a current mailing address, so have that ready as well.

If you are opening the account with someone who cannot come to the branch — for example, a spouse deployed overseas or a family member in another state — you will need to contact Wells Fargo directly to ask about alternatives. Some situations have workarounds, but they are handled case-by-case and require a phone call to the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must visit a Wells Fargo branch in person with valid ID and a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You can choose whether both people can withdraw and transfer money, or whether one person has limited access.
  • Wells Fargo offers several joint account types — checking, savings, and money market — so decide which fits your needs before you go to the branch.
  • The account opens the same day you sign the paperwork, and you can use a debit card or online banking when ready.
  • If one account holder cannot visit a branch, contact Wells Fargo to ask about alternatives for your specific situation.

Choosing the type of joint account

Wells Fargo offers joint accounts in three main forms: joint checking, joint savings, and joint money market. A joint checking account is what most people open — it comes with a debit card and online bill pay, and both people can access the money anytime. A joint savings account has the same access but is designed for saving rather than daily spending, and it earns interest on your balance. A joint money market account is a hybrid that earns higher interest than savings but usually requires a larger opening deposit and limits how many withdrawals you can make per month.

Before you go to the branch, talk with the other account holder about what you are using the account for. If you need to pay shared bills or household expenses, a joint checking account is the standard choice. If you are saving together for a goal — a vacation, a down payment, an emergency fund — a joint savings account makes more sense. Money market accounts are less common for joint household use unless you have a large amount to deposit and do not need frequent access.

Deciding who can do what with the account

When you open a joint account, you and the other person decide whether you both have full access or whether one person has restrictions. In most cases, both account holders can withdraw money, make transfers, and close the account without permission from the other person. This is called joint tenancy with rights of survivorship — if one person dies, the account automatically goes to the surviving account holder.

Some couples or family members prefer a different arrangement. You can ask Wells Fargo to set up the account so that only one person can withdraw money or make large transfers, while the other person can only view the balance. This is less common and requires you to specify it when you open the account. The bank will ask you directly which arrangement you want, so discuss it with the other account holder beforehand.

Be aware that once the account is open, changing these permissions later requires both people to visit the branch together again. It is not something you can change online or by phone. So make sure you both agree on the access level before you sign the paperwork.

What happens at the branch

When you arrive at the Wells Fargo branch, tell the banker you want to open a joint account. They will ask you both for ID and Social Security numbers, confirm your mailing address, and ask which type of account you want. They will also ask about the access arrangement — whether both people have full rights or whether one person has limits. This is when you tell them what you decided.

The banker will show you the account terms and fee structure. Wells Fargo charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts, though the fee is waived if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask the banker what the fee is for the account type you are opening and whether you meet the waiver requirements. Some joint accounts have different fee structures than individual accounts, so do not assume.

Once you agree to the terms, you will both sign the account agreement. The account opens when ready. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using online banking right away — the banker will give you the login information before you leave the branch.

Using the account after it opens

Both account holders can log into the account online or through the Wells Fargo mobile app using the same login credentials. You will see the same balance and transaction history. If you want separate logins, you can set that up online after the account opens — each person can create their own username and password while still accessing the same account.

The debit card that arrives in the mail can be used by either person. If you want both people to have a card, one of you can request a second card online or by calling Wells Fargo. There is no extra charge for a second debit card on a joint account.

If you need to change the account later — add another person, remove someone, or change the access permissions — both account holders must visit the branch together. You cannot make these changes online or by phone. Plan ahead if you know changes are coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we open a joint account if we are not married?

Yes. Wells Fargo does not require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, a business partner, a roommate, or anyone else. Both people just need to be present with ID and a Social Security number.

What if one of us does not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the ITIN documentation along with your other ID. If you do not have either, contact Wells Fargo before you visit the branch to ask what documents they will accept.

Can we open a joint account online?

No. Wells Fargo requires both account holders to visit a branch in person. The bank verifies your identities face-to-face before opening a joint account. You cannot do this by mail, phone, or online.

What happens to the account if one person dies?

The account automatically goes to the surviving account holder. This is the default arrangement for joint accounts at Wells Fargo. The surviving person can continue using the account without any action from the bank. If you want a different arrangement, discuss it with Wells Fargo when you open the account.

Can we remove one person from the account later?

Yes, but both people must visit the branch together to do it. You cannot remove someone online or by phone. If the other person will not come to the branch, contact Wells Fargo to ask about your options — they may be able to help in specific situations.