Most banks let you add an account holder online, but the process and what you can do afterward depends on your bank and account type
You can add someone to a bank account online through your bank's website or mobile app in most cases, but not all banks offer this option for all account types. Some banks require you to visit a branch or call, especially for certain savings accounts or if the new person is not already a customer. The person you are adding will usually need to verify their identity, and your bank may place temporary limits on what they can do with the account until the process is complete.
The steps differ between banks, but the general flow is: log into your account, find the option to add an authorized user or joint account holder, enter the other person's information, and wait for your bank to verify them. Some banks complete this in minutes; others take a few business days. What matters most is understanding whether you are adding an authorized user (someone who can access and use the account but does not own it) or a joint account holder (someone who owns the account equally with you).
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks allow you to add an authorized user or joint account holder through their website or app, but some require a phone call or branch visit for certain account types.
- An authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and has full legal responsibility for the account balance.
- The person you are adding will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and sometimes a government ID, and your bank will verify their identity before completing the addition.
- Processing time ranges from a few minutes to several business days depending on your bank and whether the person is already a customer.
- Once someone is added, you can usually set spending limits or restrictions on an authorized user through your online banking, but a joint account holder has the same access and authority as you do.
Authorized user versus joint account holder: what each one means
An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account. They can make deposits, withdrawals, and purchases, but they do not own the account and are not legally responsible for overdrafts or debt. If you remove them, the account stays yours. Most banks allow you to set daily spending limits or transaction restrictions on an authorized user.
A joint account holder is a co-owner. Both of you own the account equally, both are responsible for any overdraft fees or negative balance, and either of you can withdraw all the money or close the account without the other's permission. Joint accounts are common for spouses, business partners, or parents managing money for adult children. If you remove someone as a joint holder, they may still have legal claims to money that was in the account while they were a co-owner.
Most banks let you choose which type you want when you add someone online. If you are unsure which is right for your situation, call your bank before you start—changing from one to the other later can be complicated.
How to add someone through your bank's website or app
Log into your online banking account and look for a menu option labeled "Manage Account," "Account Settings," "Add User," or "Authorized Users." The exact wording varies by bank. Once you find it, you will usually see a button or link to add a new person. Click it and enter their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Some banks also ask for a phone number or email address.
Your bank will then send a verification request to the person you are adding. They may receive an email, text message, or phone call asking them to confirm their identity. They will need to log into their own online banking (if they are already a customer) or create an account with your bank. Some banks send a one-time code that the person must enter to complete the process. This step usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, but can take up to one business day if your bank is verifying their identity through a third-party service.
Once the person confirms, your bank will show them as added to your account. You should see them listed in your account settings, and you can usually set spending limits or restrictions from there if they are an authorized user. If they are a joint account holder, they will have the same access as you immediately.
Banks that require a phone call or branch visit
Some banks do not allow you to add someone online. This is more common with smaller regional banks, credit unions, and certain savings account products. If your bank does not offer the online option, you will need to call customer service or visit a branch in person.
When you call, have the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address ready. The bank representative will walk you through the process and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. If you visit a branch, bring a government-issued ID and ask the person you are adding to come with you if possible—many banks require both account holders to be present for joint accounts.
Processing time is usually faster over the phone or in person than online. A branch can often complete the addition the same day, while a phone call may take one to two business days.
What happens after someone is added
Once the person is added as an authorized user, they can usually access the account immediately through their own online banking login or by calling customer service. They will see the account in their list of accounts and can make transactions right away. You can set daily spending limits, restrict certain types of transactions (like ATM withdrawals or online purchases), or disable certain features through your account settings.
If the person is a joint account holder, they have the same access and authority as you do. They can withdraw money, close the account, or change account settings without your permission. Some banks allow you to set alerts so you are notified when the other person makes a transaction, but you cannot restrict what they do.
Either way, the person you added will receive their own debit card if the account is a checking account. Delivery usually takes five to ten business days. If they need to use the account before the card arrives, they can use the online banking platform or call the bank to make transactions.
Removing someone from your account later
You can remove an authorized user from your account online in most cases. Log into your account settings, find the authorized user, and look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option. The removal is usually immediate, and the person will no longer be able to access the account. Your bank may send them a notification that they have been removed.
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated. You cannot unilaterally remove a co-owner—both people usually have to agree, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. Some banks allow one joint holder to remove the other if they have a court order or if the account has been inactive for a long time, but this varies. Call your bank to ask about your options if you need to remove a joint account holder.
What to do if the online option does not work
If you try to add someone online and the process fails or gets stuck, the most common reasons are: the person's name does not match their Social Security number exactly, their address is not current in the bank's system, or they are not yet a customer and your bank requires them to open an account first. Check that all information is spelled correctly and matches government records.
If the problem persists, call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you whether your account type supports adding someone online, whether the other person needs to be a customer first, or whether you need to visit a branch. Some banks also have a chat feature in their mobile app where you can ask for help without calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have either, call your bank to ask about alternatives. Some banks may accept a passport number or other government ID, but this varies.
Does the person I am adding have to be present when I add them online?
No. You can start the process online yourself, but the other person will need to verify their identity when your bank sends them a confirmation request. They do not need to be with you at the time you initiate the addition.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit score. Adding a joint account holder may appear on their credit report if your bank reports account activity to the credit bureaus, but it typically does not lower their score unless the account goes negative or is reported as delinquent.
Can I add someone to a savings account online, or only a checking account?
Most banks allow you to add someone to either a checking or savings account online, but some restrict this for certain savings products like money market accounts or certificates of deposit. Check your account type in your online banking or call your bank to confirm.
How long does it take for the new person to receive their debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive within five to ten business days of being ordered. Some banks offer expedited shipping for an extra fee. The person can use the account online or by phone before the card arrives.