You can remove a parent from your account once you turn 18, but the process depends on how the account was set up

If your parent is a joint owner on your account, you cannot remove them unilaterally—both owners must agree, or you need a court order. If your parent is only an authorized user (they can access the account but don't own it), you can remove them on your own by contacting the bank. The distinction matters because it determines who has legal rights to the money and who can make decisions about the account.

Start by calling your bank or visiting a branch to ask what role your parent holds. The bank can tell you in minutes whether they are listed as a joint owner or an authorized user. This answer determines your next step.

Key Takeaways

  • If your parent is a joint owner, both of you must consent to their removal, or you will need a court order to remove them without permission.
  • If your parent is only an authorized user, you can remove them yourself by contacting the bank and providing your ID.
  • Your bank can tell you your parent's exact role on the account in one phone call or visit.
  • Removing a joint owner may require closing the account and opening a new one in your name alone, depending on the bank's policy.
  • If you and your parent disagree about removal, consult a family law attorney before taking legal action.

How to find out whether your parent is a joint owner or authorized user

Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. Tell the representative you want to know the account ownership structure. They will pull up your account and tell you whether your parent is listed as a joint owner or an authorized user.

Ask them to send you or show you the account agreement from when the account was opened. This document will state the account type and list all owners and authorized users. Keep a copy for your records.

Removing an authorized user parent

If your parent is an authorized user only, you have full authority to remove them. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch with your government-issued ID. Tell the representative you want to remove the authorized user from your account and provide your parent's name.

The bank will ask you to confirm your identity and may require you to sign a form authorizing the removal. This usually takes a few minutes over the phone or up to 15 minutes in person. The removal is effective immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the change to appear in the bank's system.

After removal, your parent will no longer be able to access the account online, make transfers, or withdraw money. If they have a debit card linked to the account, it will stop working.

Removing a joint owner parent with their consent

If your parent is a joint owner and agrees to be removed, visit a branch together or call customer service with your parent on the line. The bank will require both of you to verify your identities and consent to the change.

Some banks allow you to remove a joint owner by having both parties sign a form and submit it by mail or in person. Others require you to close the account entirely and open a new account in your name alone. Ask the bank which option applies to your account type.

If the bank requires account closure, ask whether any pending transactions will clear first and whether you can transfer the balance to the new account immediately. This process typically takes three to five business days from the date both signatures are received.

Removing a joint owner parent without their consent

If your parent is a joint owner and refuses to be removed, you cannot do so through the bank alone. Joint ownership means both parties have equal legal rights to the account and its funds. The bank will not remove a joint owner without consent from both parties or a court order.

Your options are to negotiate with your parent, close the account and open a new one (though your parent may have legal claim to half the balance), or pursue a court order. Consult a family law attorney in your state to understand your rights and the cost of filing for a court order. The process varies by state and can take several weeks to months.

If you choose to close the account without your parent's consent, be aware that they may take legal action to recover their share of the funds. Do not move money out of the account before consulting an attorney.

What happens to money in the account after removal

If your parent is an authorized user, all money in the account remains yours. Removing them changes only their access, not the ownership of funds.

If your parent is a joint owner, the money in the account legally belongs to both of you unless you can prove otherwise (for example, if you can show that all deposits came from your paychecks). When a joint owner is removed with consent, the bank typically does not divide the balance—the remaining owner keeps it all. If removal happens through a court order, the court may order the balance split between you and your parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my parent see my account activity after I remove them as an authorized user?

No. Once removed, they lose all access to the account online, by phone, or in person. They cannot see balances, transaction history, or statements. If they have a debit card, it will be deactivated.

What if my parent refuses to remove themselves as a joint owner?

You cannot force removal through the bank. You can close the account and open a new one, but your parent may have legal claim to half the balance. A family law attorney can advise you on whether a court order is worth pursuing in your situation.

Will removing my parent affect their credit score?

No. Removing someone as an authorized user or joint owner does not appear on credit reports or affect credit scores. It is a change to account access only.

Can I remove my parent if I am under 18?

No. Banks require you to be 18 or older to make changes to account ownership or authorized users. Once you turn 18, you gain this authority.

How long does it take to remove a joint owner?

With consent, removal or account closure typically takes three to five business days. Without consent, you need a court order, which can take weeks to months depending on your state's court system.