What you need to do to add an account holder
Adding someone to your savings account means giving them legal access to deposit, withdraw, and manage the money in that account. The process differs by bank, but most require you to visit a branch in person with the other person present, bring identification for both of you, and sign paperwork that names them as a joint owner or authorized user. Some banks now allow you to start the process online or by phone, but they still require an in-person visit to finish it.
The person you are adding must be at least 18 years old at most banks, though a few allow minors with a parent or guardian present. You will need their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and current address. Your bank will run a background check on them through ChexSystems, a banking history database, though this rarely blocks someone from being added.
The timeline is usually one to three business days after you complete the paperwork, though some banks make the change available the same day. Once they are added, they have full access to the account unless you specifically set up restrictions with your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require both you and the person being added to visit a branch together with photo ID to complete the process.
- You will need the other person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address before you go to the bank.
- The new account holder will have full access to deposit and withdraw money unless you ask your bank to set up restrictions beforehand.
- The change typically takes one to three business days to show up in the system, though some banks process it the same day.
- Joint ownership and authorized user status have different legal meanings — ask your bank which one you are setting up.
The difference between joint owner and authorized user
A joint owner has equal legal claim to the money in the account. If you die, the money passes to them automatically without going through your will or estate. Both of you can close the account, change the account terms, or remove the other person. If one of you owes money to a creditor or the government, that creditor can potentially freeze or seize the entire account balance, even the portion the other person contributed.
An authorized user can access the account and move money, but does not have legal ownership. If you die, the money does not automatically go to them — it becomes part of your estate. You remain the sole owner and can close the account or remove them at any time without their permission. Creditors cannot go after an authorized user's personal assets through the account, though they can still freeze the account itself.
Most banks default to joint ownership when you add someone, so ask explicitly if you want authorized user status instead. Some banks charge a small monthly fee for authorized user accounts, while joint accounts are usually free.
What to bring to the bank
Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the person being added. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If the other person does not have a photo ID, ask your bank in advance what alternatives they accept — some will take a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill.
Have the other person's Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. If they do not have one, some banks can still add them using an alternative ID number, but call ahead to confirm. Bring your account number or the card itself so the bank can pull up your account quickly.
If you are adding someone who lives out of state or out of the country, ask your bank whether they can still be added. Some banks restrict account holders to people with a U.S. address, and a few require all account holders to live in the state where the branch is located.
Steps to add someone at your bank
Call your bank's main customer service line or visit your local branch and ask to add an account holder to your savings account. If you call, they will usually schedule an appointment or tell you to come in at your convenience. Some banks let you request the paperwork online, which you can review before the appointment.
Go to the branch together at the scheduled time. Bring both IDs and have the other person's Social Security number available. A bank employee will verify both identities, explain whether you are setting up joint ownership or authorized user status, and have you both sign the paperwork. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Ask the bank employee when the change will take effect. Most banks process it the same day or within one to three business days. Request written confirmation of the change — some banks email it, others mail it, and a few only provide it in person. Keep this confirmation in case there is a dispute later about who has access to the account.
What happens after someone is added
The new account holder can usually access the account through online banking or the bank's mobile app within one business day. They may need to set up their own login credentials or call the bank to activate their access. If they want a debit card, they can request one at the branch or online, and it typically arrives in five to ten business days.
Both of you will receive statements going forward, either by mail or email depending on your bank's setup. If one of you changes the account settings — like the mailing address or notification preferences — it affects both of you. Some banks allow you to set up separate login credentials so each person can see the account independently.
If you want to remove the person later, you can do so by visiting the branch or calling customer service, depending on your bank's policy. Removal usually takes one to three business days. If the account is set up as joint ownership, some banks require both people to agree to the removal, while others let the original owner remove someone unilaterally — ask your bank about their specific rule.
Adding someone online or by phone
A growing number of banks let you start the process online through your account dashboard or mobile app. You enter the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and the bank sends them a verification link via email or text. They confirm their identity, and the bank schedules an in-person appointment for both of you to complete the paperwork.
Some banks allow the entire process to happen by video call with a bank employee instead of visiting a branch. You both show your IDs to the camera, sign electronically, and the account is updated within one to three business days. This option is most common at online banks and larger national banks, but not all branches offer it yet.
Call your specific bank to ask whether they offer online or video options. If they do, they can walk you through the process over the phone. If not, you will need to visit a branch in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone without them being present?
No. Banks require both the account holder and the person being added to be present and show photo ID. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. Some banks now allow a video call with a bank employee instead of an in-person visit, but both people must still participate.
What if the person I want to add lives in another state?
Call your bank and ask whether they can add someone who lives out of state. Most large national banks can, but some regional banks restrict account holders to people with a local address. If your bank cannot add them, you may need to open a new account at a bank that operates in their state, or they can open their own account and you can transfer money between accounts instead.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding someone as a joint owner or authorized user on a savings account does not show up on credit reports and does not change credit scores. Credit reports track borrowing and debt, not deposit accounts. However, if the account is overdrawn and sent to collections, it could affect both people's credit.
Can I add someone and then remove them later?
Yes. You can remove someone from the account by visiting your bank or calling customer service. The removal usually takes one to three business days. If the account is joint ownership, some banks require both people to agree to the removal, while others let the original owner remove someone without permission — ask your bank which rule applies to you.
What if I want to add a minor to my account?
Most banks do not allow minors to be joint owners or authorized users on a savings account. Instead, you can open a custodial account or youth account in the minor's name with yourself as the custodian. This gives them access to the account while you maintain control until they reach age 18 or 21, depending on your bank. Ask your bank about their youth account options.