Yes, you can add someone to a savings account, but the process and your options depend on the bank and the type of account
Most banks let you add another person to an existing savings account, but they handle it differently depending on whether you want them to have equal ownership or limited access. Some banks call this adding a joint owner; others call it adding an authorized user. The distinction matters because it changes what the person can do with the money and what happens to the account if you die. You'll need to go to your bank in person or call them directly—there's no standard online form that works across all banks.
The person you're adding will need to provide identification and usually a Social Security number or tax ID. Your bank will run a background check on them, typically through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This takes a few days to a week. Until it clears, the new person won't have access to the account.
Key Takeaways
- Joint ownership means both people own the money equally and can withdraw it all; authorized user status gives someone access without ownership rights.
- The person you add must provide a government ID and usually a Social Security number, and your bank will check their banking history.
- Adding someone takes three to ten business days once you start the process, depending on how fast your bank processes the background check.
- If you die, money in a joint account goes to the surviving owner automatically; money in an account with only an authorized user goes to your estate.
- You can remove someone from the account at any time by contacting your bank, though some banks require both owners to agree if it's a true joint account.
Joint owner versus authorized user—what's the real difference
A joint owner has equal legal claim to all the money in the account. Both of you can withdraw funds, close the account, or change the terms. If you die, the money passes to the joint owner automatically, outside of your will. This is called right of survivorship, and it happens whether or not you intended it.
An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but they don't own the money. You remain the sole owner. If you die, the account goes to your estate and is distributed according to your will, not to the authorized user. The authorized user loses access immediately.
Most banks default to joint ownership when you add someone, so you have to specifically ask for authorized user status if that's what you want. Some banks don't offer authorized user status on savings accounts at all—they may only offer it on checking accounts. Call your bank and ask which option they support before you start the process.
What you need to bring or provide
You'll need your account number and the other person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). If they don't have a Social Security number, ask your bank whether they accept an ITIN instead; some do, some don't.
Both of you will need to show a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're doing this in person, bring both IDs with you. If you're doing it by phone or mail, your bank will tell you how to submit copies.
Some banks also ask for proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease. This varies by bank and by how much money is in the account. Larger accounts sometimes trigger extra verification steps.
How long it takes from start to finish
If you go to your bank in person and both of you are present with ID, the paperwork usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The bank will have you both sign the account change form right there. However, the new person won't have access to the account until the background check clears, which typically takes three to ten business days.
If you're adding someone remotely—by phone or mail—the timeline stretches. You'll need to mail or upload signed documents, and your bank will verify the other person's identity separately. This can take two to three weeks total.
Some banks offer faster processing if you're both existing customers of that bank. If the person you're adding is new to the bank, expect the longer timeline. Ask your bank for a specific date when the person will have access; don't assume it's immediate.
What happens to the account if you die
If the account is set up as a joint account with right of survivorship, the surviving owner gets the money automatically. The bank will freeze the account briefly to verify your death, then transfer the balance to the surviving owner's name. This bypasses probate, which is why some people set up joint accounts for this reason.
If the account has only an authorized user, that person loses access when you die. The money becomes part of your estate and is distributed according to your will or, if you have no will, according to your state's intestacy laws. This can take months or longer.
If you want someone to inherit the account but don't want them to have access while you're alive, a joint account is not the right tool. Talk to your bank about whether they offer payable-on-death (POD) accounts or transfer-on-death (TOD) designations. These let you name a beneficiary who gets the money after you die, without giving them access now.
Removing someone from the account later
You can remove an authorized user at any time by contacting your bank. You don't need their permission. The bank will process this in a few business days, and the person will lose access immediately.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated. If the account is truly joint with equal ownership, most banks require both owners to agree to the removal. Some banks will let the original account holder remove the joint owner unilaterally, but this varies. Call your bank and ask what their policy is before you need to do it.
If you're trying to remove someone and they won't cooperate, you may need to close the account entirely and open a new one. This is messy if there's money in the account, because you'll have to split it or get a court order. Avoid this situation by being clear upfront about whether you're adding a joint owner or an authorized user.
Special cases: minors, guardians, and power of attorney
If you're adding a minor to the account, the rules change. Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to be the account owner, and the minor can be added as an authorized user or joint owner depending on their age. Some banks won't let minors be joint owners until they turn 18. Others allow it with parental consent.
If you want to give someone access to your account without adding them permanently—for example, to help you manage bills while you're recovering from surgery—ask your bank about power of attorney documents. A limited power of attorney lets someone act on your behalf for a specific time or purpose, without making them a permanent account holder. This requires a legal document, not just a bank form, so it takes longer to set up but gives you more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my savings account online?
Most banks don't let you add a joint owner or authorized user through their website. You'll need to call, visit a branch, or mail in a form. Some banks are starting to offer this online, so ask your bank directly. Even if they have an online option, the background check still takes several days before the person gets access.
What if the person I want to add doesn't have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Others require a Social Security number and won't proceed without one. Call your bank and ask before you bring the person in. If your bank won't accept an ITIN, you may need to look for a different bank or set up a different arrangement, such as a power of attorney.
If I add someone as a joint owner, can they take all the money without telling me?
Yes. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the money. They can withdraw the entire balance, close the account, or transfer funds without your permission. This is why you should only make someone a joint owner if you trust them completely. If you want someone to have access but not ownership, ask your bank about authorized user status instead.
Do I need both people present at the bank to add someone?
No. You can start the process alone, and your bank will contact the other person separately to verify their identity and get their signature. However, having both people present in person speeds things up and reduces the chance of delays. Ask your bank what their process is.
What if I want to remove a joint owner and they refuse?
If both of you own the account equally, most banks won't let you remove them without their consent. Your options are to close the account and open a new one, or to get a court order. This is why it's important to be clear about joint ownership before you set it up. If you're in this situation, talk to a lawyer about your options.