What you need to bring and who can open a joint account

Wells Fargo lets you open a joint account with another person if you both are at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued ID in person at a branch. Both account owners must be present together — you cannot open a joint account by mail, phone, or online. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) for each person, and have a Social Security number or ITIN ready for both account holders.

The second account holder does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but Wells Fargo will ask for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if they do not have a Social Security number. If either person does not have an ITIN yet, you can still open the account, but Wells Fargo will require one before the account becomes fully active for certain features.

You can open a joint account with a spouse, family member, business partner, or anyone else. Wells Fargo does not restrict who can be a joint owner. Both people will have equal access to the account and equal legal responsibility for any overdrafts or fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must visit a Wells Fargo branch in person with valid photo ID and a Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You can choose whether each owner can withdraw and deposit money independently, or whether both signatures are required for withdrawals.
  • Wells Fargo offers several joint account types: checking, savings, and money market accounts, each with different fees and minimum balance requirements.
  • The account is set up as "joint tenancy with rights of survivorship" by default, meaning the surviving owner inherits the account if one owner dies.
  • You will receive two debit cards and two sets of online login credentials so each person can manage the account separately.

Types of joint accounts Wells Fargo offers

Wells Fargo offers joint versions of its most common account types. A joint checking account is the most popular choice for couples and roommates who share expenses. It comes with a debit card for each owner, online banking access, and the ability to set up automatic bill payments and direct deposit. Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on which checking product you choose (Wells Fargo Everyday Checking, Wells Fargo Premier Checking, or Wells Fargo Platinum Checking).

A joint savings account earns interest on the balance and is useful if you are saving together for a goal like a vacation or down payment. The interest rate varies based on the current market and the account balance. Joint savings accounts typically have no monthly fee, but Wells Fargo may charge a fee if you make more than a certain number of withdrawals per month.

Wells Fargo also offers joint money market accounts, which combine features of checking and savings accounts. These accounts pay higher interest rates than savings accounts but may require a larger minimum balance to open. Ask the banker at your branch which account type fits your situation best.

Steps to open the account at a Wells Fargo branch

Visit a Wells Fargo branch with both account holders present. Bring photo ID for each person and have Social Security numbers or ITINs ready. Tell the banker you want to open a joint account and which type (checking, savings, or money market). The banker will explain the fees, minimum balance requirements, and features of each account type.

You will then decide on the account structure. Ask the banker whether you want the account set up so that either owner can withdraw money independently, or whether both signatures are required for withdrawals. Most joint accounts are set up to allow either owner to withdraw without the other's permission. You will also choose whether the account is "joint tenancy with rights of survivorship" (the surviving owner inherits the account if one owner dies) or "tenancy in common" (the deceased owner's share goes to their estate). Wells Fargo defaults to joint tenancy with rights of survivorship unless you request otherwise.

The banker will have both people sign the account opening documents. You will receive a confirmation of the account number, routing number, and initial debit cards. Each owner will set up online banking login credentials at the branch or at home after the account opens. The account is usually active the same day or within one business day.

What happens after you open the account

Both account holders will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Each person can use their card to withdraw cash, make purchases, and check the balance. You can also set up online banking so each person can view transactions, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills from the joint account.

Either owner can deposit money into the account at any Wells Fargo ATM or branch. Direct deposit can be set up for paychecks or other regular deposits. If one owner wants to receive statements by mail, both owners will receive them unless you change the mailing address preference in online banking.

If the account balance falls below the minimum required for your account type, Wells Fargo will charge a monthly fee. If the account is overdrawn, both owners are responsible for the overdraft fee and the negative balance, even if only one person made the withdrawal. You can set up overdraft protection by linking the joint account to another account or to a Wells Fargo line of credit.

Removing or changing an account owner

If you want to remove one owner from the joint account, both owners must visit a Wells Fargo branch together and sign a form authorizing the change. Wells Fargo will not remove an owner over the phone or online. The remaining owner can then convert the account to a single-owner account, or the removed owner can open their own separate account.

If one owner dies, the surviving owner can visit a branch with a death certificate to transfer the account into their name alone. Because most joint accounts are set up as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner inherits the account automatically by law, but Wells Fargo will still require documentation to update the account records.

Fees and minimum balances

Wells Fargo joint checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees that vary by account type. Wells Fargo Everyday Checking has a $10 monthly fee (waived if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit). Wells Fargo Premier Checking has a $15 monthly fee (waived with a $3,000 minimum daily balance or direct deposit). Wells Fargo Platinum Checking has no monthly fee but requires a $25,000 minimum daily balance.

Joint savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. If you make more than six withdrawals or transfers per month from a savings account, Wells Fargo charges $10 for each withdrawal over the limit. Joint money market accounts also have no monthly fee but have similar withdrawal limits and may require a higher opening balance.

Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if the account goes negative. Both owners are responsible for paying overdraft fees. You can avoid overdrafts by setting up overdraft protection, which links the account to another Wells Fargo account or credit line and automatically transfers money if the balance falls below zero.

Online banking and security for joint accounts

Each account holder can set up their own online banking login and receive their own username and password. Both people can see the full account balance and all transactions, and either person can initiate transfers, bill payments, or other account changes without the other's permission. If you want to restrict what one person can do, you will need to contact Wells Fargo — the standard joint account setup does not allow you to limit one owner's access.

Wells Fargo protects joint accounts with the same security features as single-owner accounts: encryption, fraud monitoring, and two-factor authentication if you set it up. If you notice unauthorized transactions, contact Wells Fargo immediately. Both owners can report fraud, but Wells Fargo may require both owners to sign a dispute form if the fraud involves a large amount or if one owner disputes a transaction that the other owner made.

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 photo ID. You cannot open a joint account online, by phone, or by mail. Both people must be present at the same time.

What if one owner wants to close the account?

Either owner can close a joint account by visiting a branch, but Wells Fargo will notify the other owner. If the account has a balance, both owners must agree on how to split or distribute the money. If one owner closes the account without the other's consent, the remaining owner can contact Wells Fargo to dispute the closure.

Does a joint account affect credit scores?

Opening a joint account does not directly affect either owner's credit score. However, if the account is overdrawn and the debt is sent to collections, it may appear on both owners' credit reports. Overdrafts and late payments on linked credit products (like overdraft protection) can also affect credit.

What is the difference between a joint account and an authorized user?

A joint account owner has equal legal responsibility for the account and can make any changes, including closing it. An authorized user can use the account but is not a legal owner and cannot close it or change account terms. Joint accounts are better if both people need full control; authorized user status is better if one person should have limited access.

Can I convert a single account to a joint account?

Yes. Visit a Wells Fargo branch with the other person you want to add as a joint owner, both with valid photo ID. The banker will add the second owner to the existing account. Both owners will then receive new debit cards and online banking access.