You can add an authorized user to your Wells Fargo checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or through online banking if your account type supports it

An authorized user is someone you give permission to access and use your checking account. They can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and pay bills using your account number and debit card. Wells Fargo lets you add authorized users, but the process and restrictions depend on your account type and whether you're adding an adult or a minor.

The fastest route is usually a visit to your local Wells Fargo branch with the person you want to add and a valid government-issued ID for both of you. Some account types allow you to start the process online or by phone, but Wells Fargo typically requires in-person verification before the authorized user can access the account. The entire process usually takes one business day to a few days, depending on the method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Wells Fargo branch in person with the person you want to add and both of your valid government-issued IDs to complete the authorization.
  • Authorized users can make withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and bill payments from your account using a debit card or online access.
  • Wells Fargo does not allow you to add an authorized user online or by phone alone — in-person verification is required for most account types.
  • You can remove an authorized user at any time by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using online banking if your account supports it.
  • Adding an authorized user does not create a separate account; both of you access the same checking account and funds.

What you need to bring to the branch

Bring your valid government-issued ID and the ID of the person you want to add as an authorized user. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Wells Fargo will not add an authorized user without both IDs present.

You will also need your Wells Fargo account number or debit card. If you do not have your account number memorized, bring your debit card or a recent statement. The branch representative will verify your identity and the identity of the authorized user before making any changes to the account.

Adding an authorized user at a Wells Fargo branch

Go to your nearest Wells Fargo branch with the person you want to add and both IDs. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They will ask for your account number and verify your identity using your ID.

The representative will then verify the authorized user's identity and explain what access they will have. You will sign paperwork authorizing the change. The authorized user will also need to sign. Once both signatures are complete, the account is updated, and the authorized user can usually access the account immediately or within one business day.

If you want to set limits on what the authorized user can do — for example, preventing them from making transfers over a certain amount — ask the representative whether Wells Fargo offers those controls for your account type. Not all accounts support spending limits or transaction restrictions.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557 for checking accounts. The representative will verify your identity and ask for information about the person you want to add. However, Wells Fargo typically requires the authorized user to visit a branch in person or provide additional verification before the account is fully activated for them.

Starting the process by phone can save time if you cannot visit a branch immediately, but expect to complete the authorization in person later. The phone representative will tell you what steps come next and whether the authorized user needs to visit a branch or provide documents by mail.

What authorized users can and cannot do

An authorized user can deposit checks, withdraw cash, make transfers between accounts, pay bills, and use a debit card linked to your account. They can also access online banking and mobile banking if you give them login credentials or if Wells Fargo sets up separate access for them.

Authorized users cannot change account settings, close the account, add or remove other authorized users, or change the account holder's contact information. They also cannot open a line of credit or apply for overdraft protection on the account. If you want the authorized user to have those powers, you would need to make them a joint account holder instead, which is a different process and has different legal implications.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time by visiting a Wells Fargo branch, calling customer service, or using online banking if your account supports it. Visit a branch with your ID and tell the representative you want to remove an authorized user. They will verify your identity and remove the person from the account immediately.

If you remove an authorized user, any debit card issued to them will stop working. If the authorized user has online banking access, that access will be disabled. The removal usually takes effect immediately, though it may take up to one business day for all systems to update.

Adding a minor as an authorized user

Wells Fargo allows you to add a minor (under 18) as an authorized user on your checking account. The process is the same: visit a branch with the minor and both IDs. The minor does not need to sign the authorization paperwork in most cases, but Wells Fargo may require a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf.

A minor authorized user can use a debit card and access online banking, but some features may be restricted depending on Wells Fargo's policies and your state's laws. Ask the branch representative what restrictions apply to minors in your state before you complete the authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an authorized user without going to the branch?

No. Wells Fargo requires in-person verification at a branch for both the account holder and the authorized user before the authorization is complete. You can start the process by phone, but you will need to visit a branch to finish it.

Will adding an authorized user affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user to a checking account does not affect your credit score or the authorized user's credit score. Credit reports only track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts.

Can an authorized user see my account balance and transaction history?

Yes. An authorized user with online banking access can see the full account balance, transaction history, and all account details. If you want to keep some information private, do not add that person as an authorized user.

What happens if an authorized user makes unauthorized transactions?

Because they are an authorized user, transactions they make are legally considered authorized by you. Wells Fargo will not reverse them as fraud. If you want to dispute a transaction, you would need to work out a refund directly with the authorized user or remove them from the account.

Is an authorized user responsible for overdrafts or fees?

No. Only the account holder is legally responsible for overdraft fees, monthly fees, and other account charges. The authorized user can trigger an overdraft, but you are responsible for paying it.