What you need to do to add a signer
To add a signer to your checking account, you contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through online banking—and request to add an authorized user or joint account holder. The person you want to add must be present (in person or by phone, depending on your bank's rules) and provide a government ID. Your bank will run a background check, update the account paperwork, and issue a new debit card to the signer. The whole process usually takes one to five business days.
The exact steps depend on your bank and whether you want the new signer to have equal ownership of the account or limited access. Some banks let you set spending limits or restrict certain transactions for the new signer. Others require both signers to approve large withdrawals or account changes.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact your bank directly—by phone, online, or in a branch—to add a signer; there is no standard form that works across all banks.
- The person you are adding must provide a government-issued ID and may need to be present in person, depending on your bank's policy.
- Your bank will run a background check on the new signer before approving the request.
- A new debit card for the signer typically arrives within five to ten business days after approval.
- You can often set spending limits or transaction restrictions for the new signer through your bank's online portal or by calling customer service.
The difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder
An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but does not own it. You remain the sole owner and can remove the authorized user at any time without their consent. The authorized user's name does not appear on the account title, and they have no legal claim to the money in the account if you die.
A joint account holder is a co-owner with equal rights to the money. Both signers can withdraw funds, close the account, or change the account terms. If you die, the money passes to the joint holder automatically (in most states) through right of survivorship. Joint accounts are common for spouses, domestic partners, and adult children managing a parent's finances.
Most banks let you choose which type you want when you add a signer. If you are unsure, ask your bank which option is right for your situation. The choice affects taxes, inheritance, and what happens if the relationship ends.
How to start the process at your bank
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your statement) and say you want to add a signer to your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask for the new signer's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. They will also ask whether you want an authorized user or a joint account holder.
If your bank requires an in-person visit, you and the new signer will both need to go to a branch with government IDs. Bring your debit card or account statement to confirm the account. Some banks let you start the process online through your account dashboard, but you may still need to verify the new signer's identity by phone or video call.
After you provide the information, your bank will run a background check. This usually takes one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email or call when the new signer is approved and added to the account.
What happens after approval
Once the new signer is approved, your bank will order a debit card in their name. The card typically arrives within five to ten business days. In the meantime, the new signer can often access the account through online banking or a mobile app if your bank allows it, though they may not be able to make transactions until the card arrives.
Your bank may send you both a new account agreement or disclosure form showing the updated account terms. Read this carefully, especially if you set spending limits or transaction restrictions. Some banks charge a fee to add a signer; others do not. Ask about this before you start the process.
The new signer's transactions will appear on the same statement as yours. If you want separate statements or tracking, ask your bank whether that is an option.
Setting limits and restrictions on the new signer
Many banks let you control what the new signer can do with the account. You can set a daily spending limit (for example, $500 per day), restrict transfers to external accounts, or require approval for withdrawals over a certain amount. These controls are usually available through your online banking portal under account settings or user management.
If your bank does not offer online controls, call customer service and ask what restrictions are available. Some banks let you set different rules for different signers if you have added more than one. Keep in mind that restrictions may not apply to all transaction types—for example, a spending limit might not block ATM withdrawals or bill payments.
You can change or remove restrictions at any time by logging into your account or calling customer service. If the new signer tries to exceed a limit, the transaction will be declined, and they will see an error message.
Removing a signer from your account
If you need to remove a signer later, contact your bank and request to remove them from the account. For an authorized user, you can usually do this without their knowledge or consent. For a joint account holder, the process may be more complicated—some banks require both signers to agree, or they may require you to close the account and open a new one in your name only.
When a signer is removed, their debit card will stop working immediately. Your bank may issue you a new card with a new number for security. The removal is final and cannot be undone, so make sure you want to proceed before you contact your bank.
What to do if your bank denies the request
Your bank may deny a request to add a signer if the person has a poor credit history, a record of fraud, or an active bankruptcy. Some banks also deny requests if the person does not have a Social Security number or valid ID. If your bank denies the request, ask for the specific reason in writing.
If the denial is due to credit or fraud history, the person you want to add may be able to dispute the information with the credit bureau or explain their situation to the bank. Some banks will reconsider if you provide additional documentation, such as a letter from an employer or proof of address.
If your bank will not budge, you can open a new account at a different bank that may have less strict requirements. However, this means closing your current account and moving your direct deposits and automatic payments, which takes time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a signer without going to the bank in person?
Many banks now allow you to add a signer entirely online or by phone, but some still require an in-person visit for identity verification. Call your bank and ask about their remote options. If they require a visit, you may be able to use video verification instead of going to a branch.
Does adding a signer affect my credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not affect your credit score. Adding a joint account holder also does not affect your credit directly, but if the joint holder has debt or a poor credit history, it may complicate things if you ever need to close the account or dispute transactions.
What if the signer I added starts taking money without permission?
If a signer withdraws money without your permission, contact your bank immediately and report the unauthorized transactions. Your bank can freeze the account, remove the signer, and investigate the withdrawals. You may be able to recover the money, but the process can take weeks. For a joint account holder, the legal situation is more complicated because they have equal rights to the account.
Can I add a minor as a signer to my checking account?
Most banks do not allow minors to be signers on adult accounts. However, many banks offer teen checking accounts designed for minors, where a parent or guardian is the primary account holder and the teen is an authorized user with limited access. Ask your bank about teen account options if you want to give a minor access to funds.
How long does it take to add a signer?
The process usually takes one to five business days from the time you submit the request. Background checks typically take one to three days, and the new debit card arrives within five to ten business days. Some banks can approve a signer the same day if you visit in person, but the card will still take several days to arrive.