What you need to do to add a person to your account
The process starts with your bank, not with the person you want to add. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person with a valid ID, and tell them you want to add a joint account holder or authorized user to your savings account. The bank will give you a form to fill out with the new person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The person you're adding will usually need to sign the form themselves — most banks will not let you sign on their behalf, even if you're a spouse or parent.
After you submit the form, the bank runs a background check and verifies the new person's identity. This typically takes one to three business days. Once approved, the person's name goes on the account and they can access it immediately, either through the bank's app, online portal, or by visiting a branch with their own ID.
The exact steps and timeline vary by bank. Some banks let you start the process online; others require you to go in person. A few banks have different rules for spouses versus adult children versus other relatives. Call your specific bank before you start so you know what documents to bring and whether the other person needs to be present.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your bank directly — by phone, online, or in person — and ask to add a joint account holder or authorized user to your savings account.
- The person you're adding will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address, and will usually need to sign the form themselves.
- The bank will run a background check and verify identity, which takes one to three business days in most cases.
- Once approved, the new account holder can access the account through the bank's app, website, or in person with their own ID.
- Rules and timelines differ by bank, so confirm your bank's specific process before gathering documents.
Joint account holder versus authorized user — which one to choose
A joint account holder has equal ownership and equal rights to the money. Both of you can withdraw funds, make deposits, close the account, or change the account settings without asking permission. If you die, the money in the account typically passes to the joint holder automatically, outside of your will. Joint accounts are common between spouses, parents and adult children who share finances, or business partners.
An authorized user can access the account and move money, but does not own it. You remain the sole owner. If you die, the authorized user loses access and the money goes through your estate according to your will. Authorized users are often used for teenagers, adult children who need access but shouldn't have full control, or caregivers who need to pay bills on your behalf.
The choice matters for taxes, liability, and what happens to the money if something happens to you. If you're unsure which one fits your situation, ask your bank to explain the difference for your specific account type — some banks use different names or have slightly different rules.
What documents and information you'll need
Bring a valid government-issued ID for yourself and for the person you're adding. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You'll also need the person's Social Security number, full legal name, date of birth, and current address. If the person lives with you, bring proof of that address — a utility bill or lease in their name works.
Some banks ask for additional information depending on the relationship. If you're adding a minor, you may need to show proof of guardianship or a birth certificate. If you're adding someone who is not a U.S. citizen, the bank may ask for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, or for additional identity documents. Call ahead and ask what your bank specifically requires.
How long the process takes from start to finish
Most banks complete the background check and approve the new account holder within one to three business days. Some banks are faster — a few can add someone the same day if you go in person. Others take up to five business days, especially if the bank needs to verify information or if there's a discrepancy in the background check.
Once the bank approves the addition, the new person can usually access the account immediately through online banking or the mobile app. If they want a debit card or checkbook linked to the account, that takes an additional five to ten business days to arrive by mail.
The timeline can stretch if the person you're adding has a common name, a recent address change, or a flag in the background check that needs manual review. If that happens, the bank will contact you or the other person to clarify. Stay in touch with your bank during this time so you know where things stand.
Adding someone who is not a U.S. citizen or resident
Banks can add non-citizens to accounts, but the process is more complicated. The person will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a valid passport and visa, depending on the bank. Some banks require the non-citizen to be physically present at a branch to verify their identity in person. Others will not add a non-citizen to a savings account at all, though this is less common.
Call your bank and ask whether they can add a non-citizen, and what documents that person needs to bring. If your bank says no, ask whether they offer any alternative — some banks have special accounts for non-residents, or they may refer you to a bank that does. International banks and banks in communities with large immigrant populations are often more experienced with this process.
What happens if the bank denies the request
Banks rarely deny a request to add someone to an account, but it can happen. The most common reason is a failed background check — usually because of identity theft concerns, fraud history, or a mismatch between the information provided and what the bank's system finds. If this happens, the bank will tell you why and may offer a chance to correct the information and reapply.
Less commonly, a bank will refuse to add a non-citizen, someone with a very recent address change, or someone who cannot provide the required documents. If your bank refuses, ask for the specific reason in writing. Then contact another bank — different banks have different policies, and you may find one that will work with you.
Removing someone from the account later
If you need to remove a joint account holder or authorized user in the future, contact your bank and ask to remove them. You'll need to fill out a form and provide your ID. The bank will remove their access within one to three business days. If the person is a joint holder and there's money in the account, the bank may ask you to confirm in writing that you want to proceed — some banks require both account holders to sign off on the removal, depending on the account agreement.
If you and the other person disagree about removing them, or if there's a dispute over the money, the bank may freeze the account or require a court order before making changes. This is rare, but it can happen in cases of divorce, estrangement, or suspected fraud. If you're in this situation, contact a lawyer before approaching the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Most banks require the person to sign the form themselves, but not all require them to be physically present. Some banks let you mail in a signed form or use an electronic signature process. Call your bank and ask — if they require in-person verification, you may be able to have the person visit a branch near them instead of your branch.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding someone as a joint holder or authorized user does not show up on their credit report or affect their credit score. The account belongs to you, and their access to it is a banking matter, not a credit matter.
What if I want to add someone but keep their name off the account?
You cannot do this through your bank's official process. If you want someone to have access without their name on the account, you can give them your debit card and PIN, or set up a power of attorney document that lets them act on your behalf. A power of attorney is a legal document, so talk to a lawyer about whether it fits your situation.
Can I add someone to a savings account if they have bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not check credit scores when adding someone to an account. They run a background check for fraud and identity theft concerns, but bad credit will not stop them from being added.
What if the person I want to add is a minor?
You can add a minor as an authorized user, but not as a joint holder — minors cannot own accounts in most states. As an authorized user, they can access the account and make transactions, but you remain the owner. When they turn 18, you can convert the account to a joint account if you both want to, or keep it as is.