The two ways to add someone to your account
You can add someone to your Wells Fargo account in two ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder. The difference matters because it changes who owns the account, who can close it, and what happens to the money if one person dies.
An authorized user can use the account to make deposits and withdrawals, but the original account holder remains the legal owner. A joint account holder has equal ownership and equal rights to all the money in the account. Most people add a spouse, adult child, or trusted family member as a joint holder; authorized users are less common for bank accounts and more common for credit cards.
Both can be set up online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch. The person you are adding will need to provide identification and may need to be present, depending on which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Joint account holders have equal legal ownership and equal access to all money; authorized users can use the account but the original owner retains full ownership.
- You can add someone online through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app, by calling 1-800-869-3557, or by visiting a branch in person with the other person present.
- The person you are adding will need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or Tax ID.
- If you add someone as a joint holder, both of you become responsible for any overdrafts or fees on the account.
- Joint account holders can remove themselves or each other from the account; the original account holder can remove an authorized user at any time.
Adding a joint account holder online or through the app
Log into your Wells Fargo account online or open the mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section—the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but look for a link that says "Manage account" or "Account settings." From there, find the option to add an account owner or joint holder.
You will be asked to enter the other person's name, date of birth, Social Security number or Tax ID, and current address. Wells Fargo will verify this information against their records. If the person already has a Wells Fargo account, the process is faster; if not, Wells Fargo will create a customer record for them.
The other person will receive a notification and may need to accept the change through their own Wells Fargo account or by following a link in an email or text message. Once they accept, both of you will have full access to the account and all its money.
Adding someone in person at a branch
Visit your local Wells Fargo branch with the person you want to add. Bring your account information and their valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). A banker will verify both of your identities and explain the rights and responsibilities of a joint account holder.
The banker will have both of you sign the paperwork to add the joint holder. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The change takes effect immediately, and both of you can use the account right away.
If you want to add someone as an authorized user rather than a joint holder, you can also do this in person. The process is similar, but the paperwork will specify that the person is an authorized user only, not a joint owner.
Adding someone by phone
Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. Have your account number and the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address ready. A representative will verify your identity and walk you through the process.
The representative will explain the difference between a joint holder and an authorized user and confirm which one you want to add. They will then send paperwork to both of you by mail or email, depending on your preference. You and the other person will need to sign and return the paperwork before the change takes effect.
Phone-based additions usually take longer than in-person or online additions because of the paperwork step. Plan for the process to take one to two weeks from the time you call.
What happens to a joint account if one person dies
If one joint account holder dies, the surviving account holder automatically owns all the money in the account. This is called right of survivorship, and it happens by law—you do not need to go to court or file paperwork.
The surviving account holder should notify Wells Fargo of the death as soon as possible. Bring a death certificate to a branch or mail a copy to the address on your account statements. Wells Fargo will update their records and may freeze the account temporarily while they process the change.
If you do not want the surviving account holder to automatically own all the money, you need to set up the account differently—usually as "tenants in common" rather than "joint with right of survivorship." Ask a banker about this option when you add the joint holder, because changing it later is more complicated.
Removing someone from a joint account
Either account holder can remove themselves from a joint account at any time. Visit a Wells Fargo branch, call 1-800-869-3557, or use the online account settings to request the removal. You will need to decide what happens to the money—whether it stays in the account (and the remaining holder owns it all) or whether it is split between two separate accounts.
If you are the original account holder and want to remove the other person, you can do this without their permission. However, the other person will be notified of the change. If you want to remove an authorized user (not a joint holder), you can do this unilaterally and without notice.
The removal usually takes effect within one to three business days. Any pending transactions will still go through, so coordinate the timing if you are concerned about overdrafts or disputes.
Fees and account responsibility
Adding a joint holder does not change the monthly fee for your account—Wells Fargo charges the same fee regardless of how many owners there are. However, both joint holders are responsible for any overdraft fees, insufficient funds fees, or other charges on the account.
If the account goes negative, both of you are liable. If Wells Fargo pursues collection, they can pursue either or both of you. This is why it is important to add only someone you trust completely.
Authorized users are also responsible for overdrafts and fees, even though they do not own the account. The original account holder remains responsible as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?
Wells Fargo requires a Social Security number or Tax ID to add someone as a joint holder or authorized user. If the person has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, that will work. If they have neither, you will need to help them obtain one before Wells Fargo can complete the addition.
Does the other person have to be present when I add them?
For online or phone additions, the other person does not need to be physically present, but they will need to verify their identity and accept the change. For in-person additions at a branch, Wells Fargo typically requires both of you to be present and to sign the paperwork together.
What if I want to add someone but keep their access limited to certain transactions?
Wells Fargo does not offer granular transaction limits for joint account holders—both holders have full access to all the money. If you need more control, you could add them as an authorized user on a credit card instead, or set up a separate account with lower limits and transfer money to it as needed.
How long does it take to add someone to my account?
In-person additions at a branch take effect immediately. Online additions usually take one to three business days. Phone additions that require mailed paperwork can take one to two weeks. If Wells Fargo needs to verify information or create a new customer record, any method may take longer.
Can I add someone to a savings account, or only a checking account?
You can add a joint holder or authorized user to either a checking account or a savings account. The process is the same for both. Some Wells Fargo accounts have restrictions on the number of owners or authorized users, so ask a banker if you are unsure whether your specific account type allows it.