You cannot add another person to an existing American Express savings account, but you can open a joint account or give someone limited access
American Express Bank does not allow you to add a co-owner to a savings account after it has been opened in your name alone. If you want another person to have full ownership rights and access to the account, you will need to open a new joint savings account together. If you want to give someone temporary or limited access without making them a co-owner—such as allowing a family member to transfer money or check the balance—you may be able to set up authorized user access, though American Express Bank's specific options for this vary.
The path you take depends on what you actually need the other person to do: whether they need permanent co-ownership, temporary access to move money, or just the ability to see account information.
Key Takeaways
- American Express Bank does not add co-owners to existing accounts; you must open a new joint account if you want shared ownership.
- A joint savings account requires both people to apply together and provide identification, Social Security numbers, and initial deposit information.
- Both account holders on a joint account have equal rights to withdraw all funds, regardless of who deposited the money.
- If you only need to give someone access to move money or view the account without ownership, contact American Express Bank directly to learn what limited-access options are available.
Opening a new joint savings account with American Express Bank
If you and another person want to own a savings account together, you will both need to apply for a new joint account. American Express Bank will require both applicants to provide a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will also need to decide on the initial deposit amount and how the account will be titled—most joint accounts are set up as "either/or," meaning either person can withdraw funds without permission from the other.
The application process is typically completed online or by phone. Both people should be present or available to verify their information, though some banks allow one person to start the application and the other to complete it remotely. Once the account is open, both owners receive debit cards and online access, and both can make deposits and withdrawals.
What happens to money in a joint account if one person dies
In most states, money in a joint savings account passes directly to the surviving account holder outside of probate—the legal process that normally distributes a person's assets after death. This is called right of survivorship, and it is the default for most joint bank accounts unless you specifically choose a different arrangement when you open the account.
If you want the money to go into your estate instead (so it can be divided according to your will), you can ask American Express Bank whether they offer joint accounts without survivorship rights. Some states and some banks allow this, but it is not standard, so you will need to ask directly and may need to sign additional paperwork.
Giving someone access without making them a co-owner
If you want to keep the account in your name but allow another person to move money or check the balance, contact American Express Bank directly to ask what options are available. Some banks offer authorized user status, which gives another person access to the account without making them a legal owner. Others offer power of attorney arrangements, where you formally authorize someone to act on your behalf.
The specific tools American Express Bank offers, the paperwork required, and any fees involved vary, so a phone call to their customer service is the fastest way to find out what is possible. Have your account number ready when you call.
Risks of joint account ownership
When you open a joint account, both owners have equal legal rights to all the money in it. This means the other person can withdraw the entire balance without your permission, and creditors of either owner can potentially claim money from the account to pay debts. If the other person faces a lawsuit, tax lien, or bankruptcy, your shared savings could be at risk.
Joint accounts are useful for couples managing household expenses or parents and adult children sharing caregiving costs, but they are not a substitute for a will or trust if your main goal is to pass money to someone after you die. If you are concerned about these risks, talk to American Express Bank about whether a limited-access arrangement (authorized user or power of attorney) would work better for your situation.
Transferring money between accounts instead of adding an owner
If you simply need to move money to someone else's account regularly, you do not need to add them to your savings account. You can set up a transfer from your American Express savings account to their bank account using your online banking portal or by calling customer service. This keeps the account in your name only while still giving the other person access to the funds.
Transfers between banks typically take one to three business days. If you need the money to move faster, ask whether American Express Bank offers same-day or next-day transfer options, as these may be available for an additional fee or through certain account types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my spouse to my American Express savings account without opening a new account?
No. American Express Bank does not allow you to add a co-owner to an existing account. You will need to open a new joint account together. You can keep your original account open if you want to maintain separate savings.
What if I want to give my adult child access to my account in case of emergency?
Contact American Express Bank to ask about authorized user or power of attorney options. These arrangements let someone access or manage the account without being a legal co-owner. The bank can explain what paperwork and identification are needed.
If I open a joint account, can the other person take all the money without asking me?
Yes. Both owners of a joint account have equal rights to withdraw any amount. If you want to prevent this, a joint account is not the right tool—consider a limited-access arrangement or keeping separate accounts instead.
Do I need to be present in person to open a joint account with American Express Bank?
Most of the application can be completed online, but both people will need to verify their identity and information. Ask American Express Bank whether both applicants must be present at the same time or whether you can complete the process remotely at different times.