What you need to bring and who can open a joint account
Wells Fargo lets you open a joint account with another person if both of you are at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued ID. You'll need to visit a Wells Fargo branch in person — you cannot open a joint account online or by phone. Both account holders must be there at the same time.
Bring a government-issued photo ID for each person (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You'll also need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for each account holder. If either person is a non-U.S. citizen, bring a passport or visa documentation.
Wells Fargo does not require a minimum opening deposit for most joint checking and savings accounts, though some account types may have different rules. Ask the banker which account type fits your needs before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must visit a Wells Fargo branch together with valid photo ID and a Social Security number or ITIN to open a joint account.
- You cannot open a joint account online or over the phone — in-person is the only option.
- Each person on the account has full access to all funds and can make withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without permission from the other person.
- Wells Fargo will report account activity to the credit bureaus for both account holders if either person has a credit file with the bank.
How joint ownership works at Wells Fargo
When you open a joint account at Wells Fargo, both people own the account equally and have the same rights. This means either person can withdraw money, make transfers, write checks, or use the debit card without asking the other person first. There is no way to restrict one person's access or require both signatures on transactions.
If one account holder dies, the money in the account passes to the surviving account holder automatically. This is called "right of survivorship" and happens outside of a will or probate. If you want different rules — for example, if you want the money to go to your estate instead — you need to speak with a Wells Fargo banker about other account structures or a lawyer about your overall plan.
Both account holders are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, either person can be held liable for the full amount owed, even if only one person made the withdrawal.
Documents and information to have ready
Before you go to the branch, gather these items for each account holder:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Current address (Wells Fargo will verify this)
- Phone number and email address
- Employment information (optional, but the banker may ask)
If either person has moved recently, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. Wells Fargo uses this to verify identity and comply with federal banking rules.
If you want to link the joint account to an existing Wells Fargo account you already own, have that account number ready. This makes transfers between accounts easier later.
What happens during the account opening appointment
When you arrive at the branch, tell the banker you want to open a joint account. Both people will need to show ID and answer questions about the account — what you plan to use it for, whether you expect large deposits, and how you want to be contacted. The banker will verify your Social Security numbers and run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database.
You'll choose an account type: Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, Wells Fargo Gold Checking, Wells Fargo Platinum Checking, or a savings account. Each has different fees and features. Ask the banker to explain the monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fees, and any minimum balance requirements for each type.
You'll sign documents that explain the account rules, including that both people have equal access and that the account will be reported to credit bureaus. Read these carefully — they spell out your rights and responsibilities. Once you sign, the account opens immediately, and you can use it the same day.
Debit cards and online access
Wells Fargo will issue a debit card to each account holder. The cards arrive separately by mail, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate each card online or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Both account holders can set up online and mobile banking access using their own username and password. Each person sees the full account balance and transaction history — there is no way to hide transactions from the other person. If you want to keep some finances separate, you'll need separate individual accounts instead of a joint account.
You can set up alerts together so both people get notified when the balance drops below a certain amount, when a large withdrawal happens, or when a check clears. This helps both account holders stay aware of the account's activity.
Fees and account maintenance
Wells Fargo charges a monthly maintenance fee for most checking accounts, ranging from $0 to $15 depending on the account type. You can waive the fee on many accounts if you maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Ask the banker which fee waivers apply to the account you're opening.
Overdraft fees apply if either account holder spends more than the available balance. Wells Fargo charges a fee per overdraft transaction, and you can have multiple overdrafts in a single day. You can opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee — ask the banker about this option.
If you close the joint account, both account holders must agree, or one person can close it unilaterally. If one person closes it without the other's knowledge, the remaining funds are typically mailed to the address on file. This is why communication between account holders matters.
What to do if you want to remove someone from the account
You cannot simply remove one person from a joint account at Wells Fargo. Instead, you have two options: close the joint account and open a new individual account, or have the person you want to remove visit the branch and formally request removal from the account.
If both people agree to remove one person, visit the branch together with ID. The banker will process the removal, and the remaining account holder becomes the sole owner. Any funds in the account stay with the account — they don't split automatically.
If only one person wants out and the other refuses to close the account, the person leaving can visit the branch alone and request their name be removed. However, Wells Fargo may require both people to be present to process this, depending on the account type and the bank's policy at that specific branch. Call ahead to ask what your branch requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account online or by phone?
No. Wells Fargo requires both account holders to visit a branch in person with valid ID. You cannot complete the process remotely, even if you're an existing Wells Fargo customer.
What if one person on the joint account has bad credit?
Wells Fargo does not deny a joint account based on credit history. However, if either person has a negative banking history (like unpaid overdrafts at another bank), ChexSystems may flag it. The banker will tell you if there's an issue and what options you have.
Can I set up a joint account so one person needs permission to withdraw money?
No. Joint accounts at Wells Fargo give both people equal, unrestricted access. If you need to limit one person's spending, you'll need separate individual accounts or a different account structure — ask a banker about alternatives.
What happens to the joint account if one person dies?
The surviving account holder automatically owns all the money in the account. This happens because of right of survivorship, which is built into joint accounts. The money does not go through probate or a will.
Can I have a joint account with someone who doesn't live in the same state?
Yes, but both people must still visit a Wells Fargo branch in person to open it. You can visit any Wells Fargo branch nationwide. After the account opens, you can live anywhere and manage it online or by phone.