The basic process depends on your bank and the type of account
Most banks let you add someone to a checking or savings account by visiting a branch with that person, calling customer service, or using online banking. The person you add becomes an authorized user or joint account holder — the difference matters, because it changes what they can do with the money and what happens to the account if you die.
The fastest method is usually online banking if your bank offers it. You log in, find the account settings, and follow the prompts to add a name and Social Security number. Some banks process this in minutes; others take one to three business days. If your bank does not offer online addition, you will need to visit a branch or call and speak to someone who can verify your identity and the new account holder's identity over the phone.
Bring a government-issued ID and have the other person's Social Security number ready. Most banks will ask for their date of birth and current address as well. If the person is not present, some banks will mail them a form to sign and return, which adds time to the process.
Key Takeaways
- You can add someone online, by phone, or in person at a branch, depending on what your bank offers.
- An authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally with you and can close it or withdraw all funds.
- You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
- Online addition usually takes minutes to three business days; in-person or phone methods may take longer if documents need to be mailed.
- If you die, a joint account passes to the other holder outside of your will, but an authorized user's access stops immediately.
Authorized user versus joint account holder
An authorized user can withdraw money, make deposits, and use a debit card linked to the account, but they do not own the account. You remain the sole owner. If you die, the account does not automatically go to them — it becomes part of your estate. If you remove them, they lose access immediately and have no claim to the money.
A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. They can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings without your permission. If you die, the account passes to them automatically by right of survivorship, meaning it bypasses your will and probate. If you want to remove them, they have to agree in most cases, or you have to close the account and open a new one.
For a child or someone you trust to help manage bills, an authorized user is usually the safer choice. For a spouse or long-term partner, a joint account makes sense if you want them to inherit the account directly. Ask your bank which option they recommend for your situation — they can explain how each works at your specific bank.
How to add someone online
Log into your online banking portal and look for account settings, account management, or a menu labeled "Users" or "Authorized Users." The exact name varies by bank. Click the option to add a user or account holder.
Enter the person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Some banks ask for a phone number and email address as well. Review the information for accuracy — a typo in the Social Security number will cause the request to fail or be delayed.
Choose whether you want them to be an authorized user or joint account holder, if your bank gives you that choice. Some banks only offer one option. Confirm the request and submit. You should see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email receipt. The bank will send a separate email or letter to the person you added, asking them to confirm their identity or accept the addition.
Check your account settings a few days later to confirm the addition went through. If it did not, call customer service — there may have been a mismatch in the information you entered.
How to add someone in person or by phone
Visit a branch with the other person and bring both government-issued IDs. Tell the teller you want to add an account holder or authorized user. They will pull up your account, verify your identity, and ask the other person to sign paperwork. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The account is active immediately or within one business day.
If you cannot go in person, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account. They will then take the other person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address over the phone.
Some banks will complete the addition right away over the phone. Others will mail you and the other person forms to sign and return. Ask the representative which applies to your bank and how long it will take. If forms are being mailed, expect the process to take one to two weeks from the time you call.
What happens after someone is added
If they are an authorized user, they can use the account immediately or within one business day. They can request a debit card, make withdrawals, set up bill pay, and see the full transaction history. You remain the account owner and can remove them at any time without their permission.
If they are a joint account holder, the same access applies, but they also have the legal right to close the account, change the account settings, or remove you. Some banks require both account holders to sign off on major changes; others do not. Ask your bank what decisions require both signatures and what decisions either person can make alone.
Both you and the other person will receive statements and transaction alerts if you have them turned on. If you want to keep some transactions private, you cannot — a joint account or authorized user account is fully transparent to both parties.
Removing someone from your account
If the person is an authorized user, you can remove them online, by phone, or in person. Log into your account settings, find the authorized user, and select "Remove" or "Delete." Call customer service and ask them to remove the person by name. Or visit a branch with your ID and ask a teller to remove them. Most banks process this immediately or within one business day.
If the person is a joint account holder, removal is more complicated. You cannot remove them unilaterally at most banks. Your options are to ask them to agree to be removed (they sign a form), or to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If you close the account, any automatic payments or direct deposits linked to it will stop, so plan ahead.
Once someone is removed, their access stops immediately. They cannot use the debit card, make withdrawals, or see the account online. If they are a joint account holder and the account closes, they have no claim to the remaining balance if you close it and keep the money.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the addition is taking longer than expected, call customer service and ask for a status update. Provide your account number and the name of the person being added. The representative can tell you whether the request is still processing, whether there was an error, or whether additional information is needed.
If the bank rejected the addition, ask why. Common reasons include a mismatch in the Social Security number or address, a name spelled differently than it appears on government ID, or a system error. The representative can usually fix these on the spot or tell you what to correct and resubmit.
If you added someone and they say they cannot access the account, have them check their email for a confirmation message from the bank. They may need to click a link or log in to accept the addition. If they still cannot access it after a few days, call customer service together and have them troubleshoot the login.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
Legally, no. Most banks require the person being added to provide their Social Security number and sign consent forms, either in person or by mail. Some banks send a confirmation email or letter to the person's address on file. If you add someone without their knowledge, the bank may reverse the addition if the person reports it, and you could face legal consequences.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding an authorized user or joint account holder does not appear on their credit report or affect their credit score. The account is linked to your credit history, not theirs, unless the account goes into overdraft or default.
What if I want to add someone but they live out of state?
You can add them by phone or online without them being present. You will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Some banks will mail forms for them to sign and return. In-person addition at a branch requires them to visit a branch in your bank's network, which may not be possible if they live far away.
Can I add a minor to my account?
Yes, but the rules vary by bank and by state. Most banks require a parent or legal guardian to be present and to sign consent forms. Some banks have a minimum age for authorized users, usually 13 or 16. Call your bank and ask about their policy for minors before you visit a branch.
What if I want to add someone temporarily?
You can add them as an authorized user and remove them whenever you want without their permission. This is the most flexible option if you only need them to have access for a short time. Just remember that they can see all transactions and balances while they are on the account.