Adding your husband to your Wells Fargo bank account is a straightforward process that can offer numerous benefits, from simplified finances to easier bill management. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Ready to take control of your shared finances and simplify your banking life? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand the Benefits and Gather Necessary Information
Before you even step foot into a Wells Fargo branch, it's crucial to understand why adding your husband to your account is a smart move and what essential documents you'll need.
- Why add your husband?
- Simplified Financial Management: Joint accounts make it easier to track shared expenses and income.
- Convenience: Both of you can deposit, withdraw, and manage funds without needing the other's presence.
- Bill Payment: Streamline household bill payments from a single account.
- Emergency Access: In unforeseen circumstances, both parties have access to funds.
- Building Credit (for some account types): While not directly impacting credit score for checking/savings, some joint credit products can help.
- What you'll need (for both you and your husband):
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: This could be a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Ensure it's current and not expired.
- Social Security Number (SSN): Required for tax identification purposes.
- Proof of Address: A utility bill, lease agreement, or other official document showing your current residential address. Make sure the address matches the one on your ID or the one you want on file.
- Existing Wells Fargo Account Information: Your current account number and routing number.
- Optional but Recommended: A copy of your marriage certificate, although often not strictly required, it can be helpful for any identity verification queries.
Step 2: Choose Your Method: In-Person or Online (with Limitations)
Wells Fargo offers a couple of ways to add an authorized user, though the most complete way for joint ownership is typically in person.
- Option A: The Recommended Approach - Visit a Wells Fargo Branch (Best for Joint Ownership)
- This is the most comprehensive and recommended method for truly adding your husband as a joint owner with full access and rights to the account. Both you and your husband will need to be present.
- Why this is preferred: Branch staff can verify identities, answer questions, and ensure all necessary paperwork for joint ownership is completed correctly.
- Option B: Online (Adding an Authorized User for Specific Accounts, with Limitations)
- For certain types of accounts, particularly credit cards, you might be able to add an authorized user online through your Wells Fargo online banking portal. However, for a standard checking or savings account, this typically does not make your husband a joint owner with full rights. It often only allows them to make purchases or access funds in a limited capacity.
- Consider this for: Credit cards where you want your husband to have a card linked to your account but not necessarily be a co-borrower.
Step 3: The In-Person Branch Visit: What to Expect
If you've chosen the recommended in-person route, here's what to prepare for and what will happen at the branch.
- Before You Go:
- Schedule an appointment: While not always necessary, calling ahead and scheduling an appointment can save you time, especially during busy periods.
- Double-check documents: Ensure you have all the required IDs, SSNs, and proof of address for both you and your husband.
- Discuss your needs: Talk with your husband beforehand about the type of access you want him to have (e.g., full joint ownership, authorized user).
- At the Branch:
- Meet with a Banker: Inform the banker that you wish to add your husband to your existing account as a joint owner.
- Identity Verification: Both you and your husband will need to present your valid government-issued photo IDs and Social Security Numbers. The banker will verify these documents.
- Account Agreement Review: You will be provided with an account agreement to review and sign. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the joint account, including responsibilities, access, and what happens in various scenarios. Read this carefully!
- Signatures: Both you and your husband will need to sign the necessary forms to authorize the addition.
- New Debit Cards/Checks (if applicable): If your account involves debit cards and checks, new ones will likely be issued with both your names on them, or you may be asked if you'd like your husband to have his own card.
- Online Banking Setup (if applicable): If your husband doesn't already have Wells Fargo online banking, the banker can assist in setting it up for him so he can manage the joint account online.
- Confirmation: The banker will confirm that your husband has been successfully added to the account and provide you with any necessary documentation.
Step 4: After the Account Update: What to Do Next
Once your husband is added to the account, there are a few important steps to take to ensure smooth financial operations.
- Update Direct Deposits and Automatic Payments:
- Direct Deposits: If you have direct deposits coming into your account, you generally do not need to update them unless you're changing the account number entirely (which is unlikely when simply adding a joint owner). However, it's always good to double-check with your employer's HR or payroll department if you have any concerns.
- Automatic Payments/Bill Pay: If you have recurring automatic payments set up through your Wells Fargo Bill Pay or directly with service providers, these should continue to function as before. However, it's a good practice to review them together to ensure everything is in order and that your husband is aware of all recurring debits.
- Activate New Cards (if issued): If new debit cards were issued for your husband, ensure he activates them promptly.
- Set Up Online Banking and Mobile App Access: If your husband doesn't already have Wells Fargo online banking, help him set it up so he can monitor the account, pay bills, and transfer funds. Encourage him to download the Wells Fargo mobile app for convenient on-the-go access.
- Communicate and Plan:
- Regularly discuss finances: Now that you share an account, make it a habit to regularly discuss your financial goals, budget, and spending habits.
- Establish spending rules: Decide how you'll manage shared expenses and individual spending.
- Review statements: Periodically review your bank statements together to catch any discrepancies and stay on top of your finances.
Step 5: Understanding Account Ownership Types and Implications
It's important to understand the different types of account ownership and their implications, especially when adding a joint owner.
- Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS):
- Most common for spouses: This means that if one account holder passes away, the ownership of the account automatically transfers to the surviving account holder,
bypassing probate. - Equal rights: Both account holders have equal rights to deposit, withdraw, and manage funds.
- Most common for spouses: This means that if one account holder passes away, the ownership of the account automatically transfers to the surviving account holder,
- Tenancy in Common (TIC):
- Less common for spouses: This means each account holder owns a specified percentage of the funds. If one owner passes away, their share goes to their estate, not automatically to the other account holder.
- Authorized User (for specific accounts like credit cards):
- This is not joint ownership. An authorized user can make purchases or access funds, but they do not have ownership of the account and are not responsible for the debt (in the case of credit cards). The primary account holder remains solely responsible.
When adding your husband to a checking or savings account at Wells Fargo, you will almost certainly be establishing a Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship (JTWROS), which is generally the most suitable option for married couples.
Related FAQ Questions
How to find a Wells Fargo branch near me? You can easily find a Wells Fargo branch by using the "Locations" or "ATM & Branch Locator" tool on the Wells Fargo website or mobile app, entering your zip code or current location.
How to make an appointment at Wells Fargo? You can make an appointment at Wells Fargo online through their website, by calling their customer service line, or directly at a branch.
How to change my address on my Wells Fargo account? You can change your address on your Wells Fargo account online through your Wells Fargo Online Banking, by visiting a branch, or by calling customer service.
How to order new checks for my joint Wells Fargo account? You can order new checks for your joint Wells Fargo account online through your Wells Fargo Online Banking, by visiting a branch, or by calling customer service.
How to set up online banking for my husband at Wells Fargo? Your husband can set up Wells Fargo Online Banking by visiting the Wells Fargo website and clicking "Enroll Now" or by asking a banker for assistance at a branch.
How to activate a new Wells Fargo debit card? You can activate a new Wells Fargo debit card by calling the activation number provided with the card, by using it at a Wells Fargo ATM, or through your Wells Fargo Online Banking.
How to link external accounts to my Wells Fargo account? You can link external accounts to your Wells Fargo account through your Wells Fargo Online Banking by navigating to the "Transfers" section and selecting "Add External Accounts."
How to set up alerts for my Wells Fargo account? You can set up alerts for your Wells Fargo account through your Wells Fargo Online Banking or mobile app by going to the "Alerts" section and customizing your preferences.
How to find my Wells Fargo account number and routing number? You can find your Wells Fargo account number and routing number on your checks, through your Wells Fargo Online Banking, or by calling customer service.
How to close a Wells Fargo joint account? To close a Wells Fargo joint account, both account holders generally need to be present at a branch, or specific written instructions may be required if one person cannot be present. It's best to call Wells Fargo customer service or visit a branch to understand the specific requirements.
