The basic steps to add an account holder
To add someone to your bank account, you will need to contact your bank directly — either by phone, in person at a branch, or through online banking if your bank offers that option. The person you are adding will need to provide a government-issued ID and sign paperwork authorizing them as a joint account holder. Your bank will then run a background check (usually through ChexSystems, which tracks banking history) and update the account registration within a few business days.
The exact process varies by bank. Some banks let you start online and finish in a branch; others require you to go to a branch from the start. A few banks allow you to add someone entirely through their app or website, though this is less common. Call your bank's customer service line or visit your local branch to find out which method they use.
Once the new account holder is added, they will have full access to the account — they can withdraw money, write checks, set up transfers, and close the account without your permission. This is different from adding someone as an authorized user on a credit card, where access can be more limited. Make sure you trust the person completely before adding them.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or through online banking to start the process of adding a joint account holder.
- The person you are adding must provide a government-issued ID and sign authorization paperwork.
- Your bank will run a background check and the change typically takes a few business days to complete.
- A joint account holder has full access to all funds and can withdraw money or close the account without your permission.
- Some banks offer online or app-based options, but many still require an in-person visit to a branch.
What documents and information you will need
Before you contact your bank, gather the following information about the person you want to add: their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You will also need to have your own account number and ID ready when you call or visit.
The person being added must bring an original government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks will accept a copy if you are adding someone remotely, but most require the original to be shown in person at a branch. If the person lives out of state or far away, ask your bank whether they can complete the process by mail or video verification before you make a trip.
You may also need a recent account statement or proof of address, depending on your bank's policies. Call ahead to confirm what documents are required so you do not make an unnecessary trip to the branch.
How long the process takes
Adding someone to your account typically takes three to five business days from the time you complete all paperwork. The background check is usually the slowest part — your bank runs it through ChexSystems or a similar service to verify the person has no history of fraud or banking violations. If the check comes back clean, the account is updated and the new holder can access the account immediately.
If there is a delay or issue with the background check, your bank will contact you. This can add a week or more to the timeline. Some banks prioritize in-person applications over phone or online requests, so visiting a branch may actually be faster than calling.
Different types of joint account arrangements
Most banks offer joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWROS), which means that if one account holder dies, the surviving holder automatically inherits the full account balance. This bypasses probate and is the default option at many banks. The other common option is tenancy in common, where each person's share of the account goes to their estate when they die, not automatically to the other holder.
Ask your bank which option they use by default and whether you can choose. If you are adding a spouse, JTWROS is standard. If you are adding an adult child or another family member, you may want to discuss with a lawyer or accountant which arrangement makes sense for your situation, especially if there are other heirs or complex finances involved.
Some banks also offer authorized user status, which is different from joint ownership. An authorized user can access the account but does not own it and cannot close it. This is less common for bank accounts than for credit cards, but it is worth asking about if you want to give someone limited access without making them a legal co-owner.
What happens after someone is added
Once the new account holder is officially added, they will receive their own debit card and checks (if applicable) within one to two weeks. They can log into online banking and the mobile app using their own login credentials. Both of you will see all transactions on the account in real time, and both of you can set up alerts and transfers.
Either account holder can change the account settings, add or remove authorized users, or close the account entirely. If you are concerned about this, you may want to discuss ground rules with the other person before adding them — for example, agreeing to notify each other before making large withdrawals or closing the account.
Removing someone from a joint account later
If you need to remove someone from the account later, you will need to contact your bank again. The process is simpler than adding someone — you typically just need to visit a branch or call and request that the person be removed. The account will remain open in your name only, and the other person will lose access.
However, if there are funds in the account that belong to the other person, you cannot simply remove them and keep the money. The funds must be divided or transferred to their own account first. If you and the other person disagree about who owns what, your bank may freeze the account until the dispute is resolved, or they may require a court order before making changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Most banks require the person to be present in a branch with a government-issued ID. Some larger banks now offer video verification or remote notarization, which allows you to add someone without an in-person visit. Call your bank to ask whether they offer this option.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding someone as a joint account holder does not appear on credit reports and does not affect their credit score. However, if the account goes overdrawn or has negative activity, it could be reported to ChexSystems, which banks use to decide whether to open accounts for that person in the future.
What if the person I want to add has a criminal record or bad banking history?
Your bank will run a background check and may deny the request if the person has a history of fraud, forgery, or other banking violations. If this happens, ask your bank what specifically disqualified them. You can also explore alternatives like adding them as an authorized user instead, though not all banks offer this for checking accounts.
Can I add someone to just part of my account balance?
No. When you add someone as a joint account holder, they have access to the entire account balance, not just a portion. If you want to give someone access to only part of your money, you would need to open a separate account and transfer that amount into it, then add them to that account only.
Do both account holders need to be present to close the account later?
No. Either account holder can close a joint account without the other person's permission. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the other person beforehand or consider a different arrangement, such as adding them as an authorized user on a separate account instead.