The basic process: what banks require
To add a person to your checking account, you and that person must visit your bank together with government-issued ID, or your bank may allow one of you to start the process online or by phone and the other to complete it in person. The exact steps depend on your bank and whether you want the new person to have equal access to the account (a joint account holder) or limited access (an authorized user).
Most banks require the person being added to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and a current address. Some banks will run a background check or review your account history before approving the addition. The whole process typically takes a few minutes in person or one to three business days if done remotely, though some banks may take longer.
Before you go to the bank, confirm with your institution whether they require both people present, what documents to bring, and whether there are any fees. Many banks charge nothing to add an account holder, but some charge a one-time fee or a monthly fee if the account type changes.
Key Takeaways
- Joint account holders have equal legal rights to all money in the account; authorized users typically cannot write checks or close the account.
- Both the account owner and the person being added usually need government-issued ID and must provide their Social Security number.
- You can often start the process online or by phone, but most banks require at least one person to verify their identity in person or through a video call.
- The process takes minutes in person or one to three business days if done remotely, and most banks do not charge a fee.
Joint account holder versus authorized user
A joint account holder is a co-owner with full legal rights to the account. They can deposit money, withdraw money, write checks, set up automatic payments, close the account, and change account settings without permission from the other owner. If one joint owner dies, the surviving owner typically keeps the account and all its money. If one owner owes money to a creditor, that creditor may be able to freeze or seize the joint account.
An authorized user can usually access the account through a debit card or online banking, but cannot write checks, change account settings, or close the account. The account still belongs to the original owner. Authorized users are common for parents adding teenagers or for caregivers managing accounts for elderly relatives. Not all banks offer this option, so ask whether your bank distinguishes between the two.
If you are unsure which option you need, think about whether the other person should be able to make permanent changes to the account or close it without your permission. If yes, choose joint account holder. If no, ask your bank whether they offer authorized user status.
What to bring and what information you need
Bring a current government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the person being added. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some banks also accept a tribal ID or foreign passport if you do not have a U.S. ID yet.
Have the following information ready: the person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. If the person being added does not have a Social Security number, ask your bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or what alternatives they offer.
Bring your account number or debit card so the bank can pull up your account quickly. If you are doing this remotely, have this information typed out and ready to provide over the phone or through your bank's website.
Adding someone in person at a branch
Call your bank or visit their website to confirm your nearest branch is open and whether you need an appointment. Some banks require appointments for account changes, especially during busy hours. Tell the representative you want to add a person to your checking account and ask whether both people need to be present or if one person can start the process.
When you arrive, go to the desk and explain what you want to do. The representative will ask for ID from both people, verify the information, and explain whether you are creating a joint account or adding an authorized user. They will show you the paperwork or screen where you authorize the change. The new account holder may need to sign a document or confirm their identity through a PIN or password.
Ask the representative for a receipt or confirmation number and when the change will take effect. Most banks activate the new account holder the same day or within one business day. If the new person needs a debit card, ask whether one will be mailed or whether they can use the account through online banking immediately.
Adding someone online or by phone
Log into your online banking and look for a section called "Account Settings," "Manage Account," "Account Holders," or "Authorized Users." Some banks have this under a menu labeled "Profile" or "Security." If you cannot find it, call your bank's customer service line and ask whether you can add someone remotely.
If your bank allows online addition, you will enter the person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Your bank will then send a verification link or code to that person's email or phone number. The person being added must click the link or enter the code to confirm their identity. This step usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
If you are adding someone by phone, call your bank's main customer service line and say you want to add an account holder. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting your account number and PIN. They will then take the other person's information and may ask to speak with that person directly to confirm they consent. Some banks will mail a form for the new account holder to sign and return before the change is final.
What happens after you add someone
Once the new account holder is added, they can access the account through online banking and mobile apps using their own login credentials. If they need a debit card, your bank will mail one to their address on file. Debit cards typically arrive within five to ten business days, though some banks offer expedited delivery for a fee.
The new account holder will see all transactions, balances, and account history from the moment they are added. If this is a joint account, they can also make changes to the account, such as adding overdraft protection or changing the mailing address. If this is an authorized user, they will have limited permissions set by the account owner.
If you added someone by mistake or want to remove them later, you can usually do so through online banking or by visiting a branch. Removal is typically instant, though some banks process it within one business day. The person being removed will lose access to the account immediately.
Fees and account type changes
Most banks do not charge a fee to add a joint account holder or authorized user. However, some banks charge a one-time fee of $10 to $25, and a few charge a monthly maintenance fee if the account type changes. For example, if you convert a single-owner account to a joint account, your bank may reclassify it and apply a different fee structure.
Before you add someone, ask your bank whether the change will affect your monthly fees, interest rate, or minimum balance requirement. Some banks offer lower fees for joint accounts or waive fees if you maintain a certain balance. If your current account has benefits you want to keep, confirm that adding someone will not change those terms.
If your bank does charge a fee and you want to avoid it, ask whether you can open a separate joint account instead of converting your existing account. This way, your original account stays unchanged and you have a new account for shared expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Most banks allow you to start the process without the other person present, but they will need to verify their identity at some point—usually through a link sent to their email, a code sent to their phone, or a visit to a branch. Some banks require both people to be present from the start, so call your bank first to ask their specific policy.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Ask your bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is issued by the IRS to people who do not may have access to for a Social Security number. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. If your bank will not accept an ITIN, you may need to open the account under your name only and add the person as an authorized user with limited access instead.
Can I add someone to my account if they live in a different state?
Yes. You can add someone who lives out of state through online banking or by phone. Your bank will mail any necessary documents or debit cards to their address. The process is the same as adding someone locally, though it may take slightly longer if paperwork needs to be mailed back and forth.
What is the difference between a joint account and a payable-on-death account?
A joint account gives the other person full access and ownership rights while you are alive. A payable-on-death (POD) account remains yours alone during your lifetime, but passes to a named person when you die without going through probate. POD accounts do not give the other person access to your money while you are alive. Ask your bank which option fits your situation.
Can I remove someone from my account later?
Yes. If the account is joint, both owners usually have the right to remove the other, though some banks require both signatures. If the person is an authorized user, only the account owner can remove them. Visit a branch or use online banking to request removal, which typically takes effect immediately or within one business day.