Most banks let you add an account holder through their website or app, but the process and what happens next depend on your bank and the type of account
You can add someone to your bank account online at most major banks by logging into your account, finding the account settings or authorized users section, entering their name and Social Security number, and confirming the change. The person you're adding may need to verify their identity through a link sent to their email or phone, or they may be added immediately depending on your bank's rules. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person instead, especially if the account is old or has restrictions on it.
The timeline varies: some banks complete the addition within minutes, while others take one to three business days. Once someone is added as a joint account holder or authorized user, they typically gain access to the account right away through their own login, though some banks delay access by a day or two.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks have an online option to add account holders, usually found under account settings, authorized users, or account management in your banking app or website.
- You will need the other person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the addition online.
- The person being added may receive an email or text asking them to verify their identity before they can access the account.
- Some banks complete the process in minutes; others take one to three business days before the new holder can log in and use the account.
- If your bank does not offer online addition, you can usually add someone by visiting a branch with both people present and valid ID.
Where to find the add account holder option at your bank
Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for a section called Account Settings, Manage Account, Account Holders, Authorized Users, or Account Access. The exact name varies by bank. Chase calls it "Manage Users," Bank of America uses "Account Access," and Wells Fargo lists it under "Account Settings." If you cannot find it in the main menu, try searching within the app or website for "add user" or "add account holder."
Some banks hide this option one level deeper: you may need to select your specific account first, then look for settings or management options tied to that account rather than your overall profile. If you have been banking with the same institution for many years, the option might not appear online at all—older accounts sometimes require a branch visit to make changes.
What information you need before you start
Have the following details ready for the person you want to add: their full legal name (as it appears on their ID or Social Security card), their date of birth, and their Social Security number. Some banks also ask for their current address and phone number. If the person lives outside the United States, your bank may not allow you to add them online and may require a branch visit instead.
You will also need to know what type of access you want to give them. Most banks distinguish between a joint account holder (who owns the account equally and can make all decisions about it) and an authorized user (who can access and use the account but does not own it). This choice affects what they can do—for example, an authorized user typically cannot close the account or remove other users, while a joint holder can. Decide which one fits your situation before you begin.
The step-by-step process to add someone online
Open your bank's app or website and log in with your credentials. Navigate to the account settings or account management area for the specific account you want to modify. Look for a button or link that says "Add User," "Add Account Holder," "Manage Authorized Users," or similar. Click it.
Enter the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number into the fields provided. Select whether you want them to be a joint holder or authorized user. Review the information for accuracy—errors here can delay the process or cause the addition to fail. Click confirm or submit.
Your bank will then send a verification request to the person you added, usually via email or text message. They will need to click a link or enter a code to confirm their identity. Some banks skip this step and add them immediately, but most require this confirmation before the new holder can access the account. Once they verify, they can usually log into the bank's app or website using their own credentials and see the account.
How long it takes and when they can use the account
The speed depends on your bank. Some institutions, like Ally Bank and Charles Schwab, complete the addition within minutes and send the verification link right away. Others, including many regional banks, take one to three business days to process the request before sending any verification. A few banks require you to visit a branch even though they advertise an online option, so if nothing happens after 24 hours, contact your bank to confirm the request went through.
Once the person verifies their identity (or immediately if your bank skips verification), they can usually log in and access the account the same day. Some banks delay access by one business day as an extra security measure. If they cannot see the account after logging in, wait until the next business day and try again, or contact your bank's customer service to confirm the addition is complete.
What happens if your bank does not offer an online option
If you cannot find an add account holder option in your bank's app or website, or if you try and receive an error message, your bank may require a branch visit. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card or on their website) and ask whether you can add an account holder online or if you must come in. Some banks have different rules for different account types—a savings account might allow online addition while a business account does not.
If a branch visit is required, both you and the person being added will need to go together with valid photo ID. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your account number and the person's Social Security number to speed things up. Ask the banker to confirm in writing that the addition is complete and when the new holder will have access.
What to do if the addition fails or gets stuck
If you submit the request and nothing happens after 24 hours, or if you receive an error message, contact your bank's customer service. Have your account number and the person's name and Social Security number ready. Common reasons for failure include a typo in the name or Social Security number, a mismatch between the name you entered and the name on file with the Social Security Administration, or a security flag on the account.
If the person's identity verification email or text never arrives, ask them to check their spam folder or confirm their email address and phone number are correct in your bank's system. If they still do not receive it after 24 hours, call your bank and ask them to resend the verification or complete the addition manually. Some banks will do this over the phone if you can confirm the person's identity details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
Technically yes—you can enter their information and submit the request—but most banks send a verification email or text to the person being added as part of the process. They will see that they have been added to your account. Some banks skip this notification, so check your bank's policy if privacy is a concern. If you want to add someone without their knowledge, a branch visit may be your only option, though many banks now require both parties to be present.
What is the difference between a joint account holder and an authorized user?
A joint account holder owns the account equally with you and can make any decision about it, including closing it, removing other users, or changing account settings. An authorized user can access and use the account but does not own it and cannot make major changes. If you want someone to help manage money but not have full control, choose authorized user. If you want to share ownership equally, choose joint holder.
Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number to add someone online. If the person does not have one, you will likely need to visit a branch. Bring their passport or other government-issued ID and ask the banker what alternatives are available. Some banks can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by institution.
What happens to the account if I add someone and then change my mind?
You can remove an authorized user online at most banks using the same account settings where you added them. Removing a joint account holder is more complicated and may require both of you to visit a branch or sign paperwork, depending on your bank. Contact your bank to ask about their removal process before you add someone.
Do I need to tell the IRS or file any paperwork when I add someone to my account?
No. Adding someone to a bank account is a banking transaction, not a tax event. You do not need to file anything with the IRS or any government agency. However, if you are adding someone to an account that earns interest, that interest is still reported to the IRS under your Social Security number unless you change the account ownership structure, which may have tax consequences. Speak with a tax professional if you have questions about how this affects your taxes.