What you need to do to add a person to your account
Adding someone to your savings account means giving them legal access to the money in it. The person you add becomes a joint owner, and in most cases they can withdraw funds, make transfers, and see the account balance just as you can. The exact steps depend on your bank and whether the person already has an account there.
Start by contacting your bank directly — by phone, in person, or through their website. Most banks have a form called an "account ownership change" or "add authorized user" form that you and the other person both need to sign. Some banks let you start the process online, but you will likely need to verify identity in person or by mail before the change takes effect.
The person you are adding will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID. If they are not already a customer at your bank, they may need to open their own account first, or the bank may create one as part of adding them to yours. Ask your bank whether this is required before you begin.
Key Takeaways
- You and the person you are adding both need to sign paperwork, usually in person or notarized by mail.
- The other person will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID to be added.
- Some banks require the other person to have their own account at that bank before they can be added to yours.
- The process usually takes three to ten business days after both signatures are collected and verified.
- Once added, the other person has full access to withdraw money and make changes to the account unless you set restrictions with your bank.
Different types of account ownership and what they mean
When you add someone to a savings account, you are creating what is called a joint account. There are two common structures: "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" and "tenants in common." The difference matters if one owner dies.
With joint tenants with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner automatically inherits the full account balance when the other owner dies. This is the most common setup for spouses and family members. The account does not go through probate, which means the money transfers faster and without court involvement.
With tenants in common, each owner's share of the account goes to their estate when they die, not automatically to the other owner. This is less common for personal savings accounts but may be used when multiple people are contributing different amounts or when you want each person's share to go to different heirs. Ask your bank which structure they use by default, because you may be able to choose.
How to add someone if you bank online or by phone
If your bank offers online account management, log in and look for a section labeled "account settings," "manage account," or "authorized users." Some banks let you start an add-owner request from there, which generates a form that both you and the other person sign electronically or print and mail back.
If you prefer to work by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you want to add a joint owner to your savings account. They will verify your identity, explain the options, and either mail you forms or schedule an appointment at a branch. Some banks will not complete this over the phone and require at least one signature in person.
Online-only banks (sometimes called neobanks) vary widely in how they handle joint accounts. Some allow you to add an owner entirely through the app; others require you to mail in signed forms. Check your bank's website or call before you start, because the process is not standardized.
Adding someone in person at a bank branch
Going to a branch in person is often the fastest route. Bring your ID and ask to speak with an account representative about adding a joint owner. They will pull up your account, explain the options, and have you sign the necessary paperwork on the spot.
The other person does not have to be present for you to start the process, but most banks require their signature as well. If they cannot come to the branch, the bank will mail them a form to sign and return, or they may be able to sign electronically through a secure link. Once both signatures are collected, the bank processes the change, which usually takes three to ten business days.
If the other person lives far away or cannot visit the branch, ask whether your bank accepts notarized signatures. A notary public can witness and certify their signature on the form, and you can mail the notarized document back to the bank. This costs between $5 and $15 but avoids the need for the other person to visit a branch.
What happens after someone is added to your account
Once the bank confirms the change, the other person can access the account immediately. They can use a debit card, make online transfers, withdraw cash at ATMs, and see the full balance. They can also close the account or remove you as an owner, depending on your bank's rules.
If you want to limit what the other person can do, ask your bank about restrictions. Some banks let you set daily withdrawal limits, prevent online transfers, or require both owners to approve large transactions. These options vary by bank and account type, so ask before the person is added if this matters to you.
You remain responsible for any fees, overdrafts, or debt tied to the account. If the account goes negative or is used for fraud, both owners can be held liable. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the other person before adding them, or consider a different arrangement like making them an authorized user instead of a joint owner.
The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user
Some banks offer authorized user status as an alternative to joint ownership. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but they do not legally own it. The account remains in your name only.
This matters if you want to give someone access without giving them the legal right to close the account, change the ownership, or inherit it. Authorized users are common for teenagers, caregivers, or employees who need to make transactions on your behalf but should not have full control.
Adding an authorized user is usually simpler than adding a joint owner — many banks do it over the phone or online without requiring the other person's signature. Ask your bank whether this option is available and whether it fits what you need.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove a joint owner in the future, contact your bank and ask for an "account ownership removal" or "remove joint owner" form. You will need to sign it, and the bank will process the change within a few business days.
If the other person refuses to sign or cannot be reached, the process is more complicated. Some banks require both owners to agree to a removal; others let the original account holder remove someone unilaterally. Ask your bank about their policy before you add someone, so you know what your options are if the relationship changes.
Removing an authorized user is usually simpler — you can often do it online or by phone without the other person's consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
No. Most banks require the other person to sign the paperwork and verify their identity before they are added as a joint owner. If you try to add someone without their knowledge, the bank will contact them to confirm, and they can refuse. Attempting to add someone without consent may also expose you to legal liability.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding a joint owner to a savings account does not directly affect credit scores, because savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the account goes overdrawn or is sent to collections, both owners may be affected. Credit bureaus may also see the account if it is linked to a credit product like an overdraft line.
What if I want to add someone but keep some money separate?
A joint account means both owners have access to all the money in it. If you want to keep some funds separate, open a second account in your name only, or suggest that the other person open their own account. Some couples use a combination — a joint account for shared expenses and separate accounts for personal money.
How long does it take to add someone after we both sign?
Most banks process the change within three to ten business days after both signatures are collected and verified. Some banks are faster if you complete the process in person at a branch. Call your bank to ask for an estimate based on how you are submitting the paperwork.
Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?
This depends on your bank and the person's immigration status. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others have restrictions on accounts for non-citizens. Contact your bank directly to ask what documents they will accept.