You can add your spouse as an authorized user or joint owner through Fidelity's online account settings or by calling their service line
Adding your spouse to your Fidelity account depends on what access you want them to have. If you want them to trade, transfer money, and see all your holdings, you'll set up a joint account — both of you own the account equally and both can make changes. If you want them to view your account but not trade or move money without your permission, you can add them as a read-only authorized user. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes online, or you can do it over the phone with a Fidelity representative.
The choice between joint owner and authorized user affects what your spouse can do, how taxes are reported, and what happens to the account if one of you dies or if you divorce. Understanding the difference before you start will save you from having to undo the change later.
Key Takeaways
- Joint accounts give your spouse equal ownership and full trading rights; authorized users can view the account but cannot move money or trade without your permission.
- You can start the process online through your Fidelity account settings under "Account Permissions" or "Authorized Users," or call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548.
- Your spouse will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information during setup.
- Fidelity will send confirmation to both account holders, and the change typically takes effect within one business day.
- If you want to remove your spouse later, you can do so through the same settings menu or by calling Fidelity.
Joint account versus authorized user: which one to choose
A joint account means you and your spouse both own the account and both have full control. Either of you can buy or sell investments, transfer money out, change account settings, or close the account without the other's permission. Joint accounts are common for couples who manage finances together and want equal access. When you set up a joint account, Fidelity will ask you to choose the ownership structure — either "Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship" (JTWROS) or "Tenants in Common" (TIC). JTWROS means if one of you dies, the account automatically passes to the surviving spouse. Tenants in Common means your share goes through your estate.
An authorized user can view the account, see all holdings and transactions, and receive statements, but cannot trade, transfer money, or change account settings without your approval. This setup works well if you want your spouse to stay informed about your investments but prefer to keep trading decisions in your hands. Fidelity offers different permission levels for authorized users — you can allow them to view only, or to view and request trades (which you then approve). Adding an authorized user does not change the account's legal ownership.
How to add your spouse online through your Fidelity account
Log into your Fidelity account on the website or mobile app. Look for "Account Permissions," "Authorized Users," or "Manage Account Access" — the exact label varies depending on your account type and whether you're using the website or app. Click on the option to add a user or grant permissions.
You'll be asked whether you want to add a joint owner or an authorized user. If you're adding a joint owner, Fidelity will walk you through the ownership structure choice (JTWROS or TIC) and ask you to confirm that both of you agree to the change. If you're adding an authorized user, you'll select the permission level — view-only or view-and-request. Enter your spouse's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information (email and phone). Fidelity will use this to verify their identity.
Review the details, then submit. Fidelity will send a confirmation email to both your email and your spouse's email address. Your spouse may need to log in or click a link to confirm they accept the role. The change usually takes effect within one business day.
Adding your spouse by phone
Call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 and tell the representative you want to add your spouse to your account. Have your spouse's Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information ready. The representative will confirm your identity, explain the joint owner versus authorized user options, and walk you through the setup. They'll also explain the tax and legal implications of a joint account if that's what you choose.
The representative will send a confirmation to both of you via email. Your spouse will need to respond to confirm they accept the role. If your spouse is not available during the call, the representative can send them a separate invitation link that they can use to confirm later. The account change takes effect once both of you have confirmed.
What your spouse needs to know before you add them
If you're setting up a joint account, your spouse should understand that they have the same legal rights and responsibilities as you do. They can move money, trade, or close the account without your permission. Joint accounts also affect taxes — if the account generates dividends or capital gains, both of you may owe taxes on your share. Fidelity will send tax documents (1099 forms) to both account holders.
If you're adding them as an authorized user, make sure they know what they can and cannot do. If you've set them to view-only, they can see the account but cannot request trades. If you've set them to view-and-request, they can ask you to make a trade, but you'll have to approve it before it goes through. Authorized users do not receive tax documents — only the account owner does.
Removing your spouse from the account later
If you want to remove your spouse as a joint owner, you'll need to contact Fidelity. Removing a joint owner is more complex than removing an authorized user because it changes the legal structure of the account. Fidelity will ask both of you to confirm the change in writing. You may need to decide how to split the account's assets — whether your spouse keeps their portion in a separate account, or whether you keep everything and transfer their share to them separately.
Removing an authorized user is simpler. Log into your account, go to "Account Permissions" or "Authorized Users," find your spouse's name, and click "Remove" or "Revoke Access." Confirm the removal. The change takes effect immediately, and Fidelity will send a confirmation email to both of you.
Tax and legal considerations for joint accounts
A joint account at Fidelity is treated as a single account for tax purposes, but the income it generates is split between you and your spouse. If the account earns $2,000 in dividends in a year, Fidelity will report half of that income to each of you on your tax documents. You and your spouse will each owe taxes on your share based on your individual tax brackets and filing status.
Joint accounts also have implications for estate planning and creditor protection. If one spouse dies, the account automatically passes to the surviving spouse (if you chose JTWROS). If one spouse faces a lawsuit or debt collection, creditors may be able to go after the joint account. Talk to a tax professional or estate attorney if you have questions about whether a joint account is the right choice for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my spouse to just one of my Fidelity accounts, not all of them?
Yes. If you have multiple accounts at Fidelity (a brokerage account, an IRA, a 401(k), etc.), you can add your spouse to some and not others. Each account has its own permission settings. Note that some retirement accounts like IRAs have restrictions — you generally cannot add a spouse as a joint owner of an IRA, but you can name them as a beneficiary.
What if my spouse doesn't have a Social Security number?
Fidelity requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If your spouse is a non-citizen, they may have an ITIN. Call Fidelity at 1-800-343-3548 to discuss your situation — they can tell you what documentation you'll need.
Does adding my spouse to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding someone as a joint owner or authorized user on a brokerage or investment account does not affect credit scores. Credit scores are based on borrowing and payment history, not investment accounts. However, if you later apply for credit together, lenders may consider the joint account's assets when evaluating your application.
Can I add my spouse without them knowing?
No. Fidelity sends a confirmation email to your spouse and requires them to accept the role before the change takes effect. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access. Both of you must agree to the change.
What happens to the account if my spouse and I divorce?
A joint account does not automatically split during a divorce. The account remains joint until you or your spouse take steps to change it. Your divorce agreement may specify how the account should be handled — whether it stays joint, gets split, or transfers entirely to one person. You'll need to contact Fidelity to make any changes, and you may need to provide a copy of your divorce decree.