You can change your savings account name online, by phone, or in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Wells Fargo lets you update the name on your savings account through three channels: their online banking portal, a phone call to customer service, or a visit to a local branch. The online method is fastest if you have access to your login credentials. Phone and in-person changes take longer but may be necessary if you've forgotten your password or need to make changes to a joint account where both owners must consent.
The name change itself is free and typically takes effect within one business day for online requests, though it may take longer if you're updating a joint account or if the change requires verification of identity documents. Wells Fargo does not charge a fee for this service.
Key Takeaways
- Online changes through Wells Fargo's website or mobile app are the fastest method and usually take effect by the next business day.
- Phone changes require you to verify your identity and take 1 to 3 business days to process.
- In-person changes at a branch require a government-issued ID and are completed on the spot, though the system update may take a day.
- Joint account name changes require consent from all account owners and may take longer to process.
- Wells Fargo does not charge a fee to change your account name.
Changing your account name online through Wells Fargo's website
Log into your Wells Fargo account on their website or mobile app. Navigate to the account settings or profile section—this is usually labeled "Settings," "Profile," or "Account Details" depending on which platform you're using. Select the savings account you want to change, then look for an option to edit account information or account nickname.
Enter the new name you want on the account. Wells Fargo distinguishes between a legal account name (the name that appears on official documents and tax forms) and an account nickname (a label you see only in your own banking portal). If you're changing the legal name—for example, after a marriage or legal name change—you will need to provide supporting documents. If you're simply changing the nickname for your own reference, the change takes effect immediately online.
For legal name changes, Wells Fargo will ask you to upload or mail a copy of the document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The processing time extends to 5 to 10 business days while they verify the document. Once approved, the new legal name appears on your statements and tax documents.
Changing your account name by phone
Call Wells Fargo customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your most recent statement. Have your account number and a government-issued ID ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and answers to security questions you set up when you opened the account.
Tell the representative the new name you want on the account and whether this is a legal name change or just a nickname update. If it's a legal name change, you will need to mail or upload supporting documents after the call. The representative will provide you with instructions and a reference number for tracking. Phone-based changes typically take 1 to 3 business days to appear in your account.
Changing your account name in person at a Wells Fargo branch
Visit any Wells Fargo branch with a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Tell the teller or account representative that you want to change the name on your savings account. They will ask whether this is a legal name change or a nickname update and will request the new name you want.
For a nickname change, the teller can update it on the spot, and you'll see the change in your online account within one business day. For a legal name change, bring the supporting document with you—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The branch will make a copy and submit it for verification. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
What happens if your account is jointly owned
If your savings account is held jointly with another person, both owners must consent to a legal name change. Wells Fargo will not update the account name without written authorization from all owners. The easiest path is for both owners to visit the branch together with their IDs and supporting documents, or for one owner to call and request that Wells Fargo send a consent form to the other owner to sign and return.
If you and the other owner are changing your legal names together—for example, both taking a new surname after marriage—you can submit both documents at once and the process moves faster. If only one owner is changing their name, Wells Fargo will update the account to reflect both the old and new names, or they may ask you to clarify how you want the names to appear on the account.
Documents you need for a legal name change
Wells Fargo accepts the following documents as proof of a legal name change: a certified marriage certificate, a divorce decree showing your new name, a court order for a legal name change, or an amended birth certificate. The document must be an original or certified copy—photocopies are not accepted. If you're submitting by mail, send a copy, not the original.
If you're changing your name due to marriage or divorce, the document must show the date the change became effective. If you're submitting a court order, it must be signed by a judge and include the new legal name. Wells Fargo will not process the change until they receive a document that meets these requirements.
How long the name change takes to show up everywhere
Once Wells Fargo approves your name change, it appears in your online banking account and on new statements within 1 to 3 business days. Existing statements and tax documents (like 1099 forms) will continue to show the old name because they reflect the account status at the time they were issued. Your next statement will show the new name.
If you've changed your legal name, you may also need to update your name with the IRS, Social Security Administration, and your employer. Wells Fargo will not do this for you—those are separate processes. However, once your account name is updated at Wells Fargo, the bank will report your new name to the IRS on future tax documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account name if I don't have a government-issued ID?
No. Wells Fargo requires a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to verify your identity before making any account name changes. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one before visiting a branch or calling customer service.
What if I want to change the name but I'm not the account owner?
Only the account owner or an authorized representative (such as a power of attorney) can change the account name. If you're a joint owner, both owners must consent to a legal name change. If you're an authorized user but not an owner, you cannot make this change.
Does changing my account name affect my account number or routing number?
No. Your account number and routing number stay the same. Any direct deposits, automatic payments, or transfers linked to your account will continue to work without interruption after the name change.
How do I change just the nickname without changing the legal name?
You can change the nickname online through your Wells Fargo account settings, and it takes effect immediately. The nickname is only visible to you in your banking portal and does not appear on statements or tax documents. A legal name change requires supporting documents and takes longer to process.
What if Wells Fargo rejects my name change document?
Wells Fargo will contact you by phone or mail if your document doesn't meet their requirements. Common reasons for rejection include a photocopy instead of a certified copy, a document that doesn't show the effective date of the change, or a document that's not an official government or court record. They will tell you what additional information they need and give you time to resubmit.