You can add a joint account holder to a Discover savings account by calling Discover Bank directly or using their online account management portal

Discover does not offer the option to add a joint account holder online through their website or mobile app. You must contact Discover Bank by phone at 1-800-347-2000 to request this change. Have your account number and the Social Security number of the person you want to add ready before you call.

The person you want to add as a joint holder must be at least 18 years old and willing to provide their personal information. Discover will verify their identity and run a background check as part of the process. Once approved, both account holders have equal access to the full account balance and can make deposits or withdrawals.

The timeline for adding a joint account holder typically takes 5 to 10 business days after your call. Discover will send confirmation documents to both the primary account holder and the new joint holder. You should receive these by mail at the addresses on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding a joint account holder to a Discover savings account requires a phone call to Discover Bank at 1-800-347-2000; the option is not available online.
  • The person you want to add must be at least 18 years old and provide their Social Security number for identity verification.
  • Both account holders will have full access to the account balance and can make deposits or withdrawals once the change is complete.
  • The process takes 5 to 10 business days, and Discover will mail confirmation documents to both holders.

What information you need before calling Discover

Gather these details before you pick up the phone: your Discover account number, the full legal name of the person you want to add, their date of birth, and their Social Security number. You should also have the mailing address where Discover should send confirmation documents to the new joint holder.

If the person you want to add lives at a different address than you, make sure you have that address correct. Discover will mail separate confirmation to each account holder, so the address must match what they have on file or what you provide during the call.

What happens during the phone call

When you call, a Discover representative will verify your identity by asking security questions about your account. They will then ask for the information about the person you want to add as a joint holder. The representative will explain that both account holders will have equal rights to the account and can access all funds.

You will need to confirm that the other person has agreed to be added to the account. Discover may also ask whether you want the new joint holder to receive statements and account notifications. After you provide all the information, the representative will give you a confirmation number and tell you when to expect the paperwork.

How joint account access works after setup

Once the joint account holder is added, both of you can log into the account using your own online banking credentials. Each person can set up their own username and password for the Discover online portal and mobile app. You can also each call Discover customer service to make transactions or ask questions about the account.

Both account holders see the same account balance and transaction history. If one person makes a withdrawal or transfer, the other person will see that transaction reflected immediately. There is no way to hide transactions from a joint account holder or to set spending limits on what they can withdraw.

Removing a joint account holder later

If you need to remove a joint account holder in the future, you will also need to call Discover Bank. The process is similar to adding one: you call customer service, verify your identity, and request the removal. Discover will send confirmation documents to both the primary account holder and the person being removed.

Removing a joint holder does not close the account. The account continues to exist under the primary account holder's name. The person being removed will no longer have access to the account after the change is complete, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days.

What to do if the person you want to add has no Social Security number

If the person you want to add is a non-citizen or does not have a Social Security number, Discover may ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service and serves the same verification purpose as a Social Security number for banking purposes.

If the person does not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, contact Discover directly to ask what alternative forms of identification they will accept. Some banks have different policies for non-citizens, so it is worth confirming before you attempt to add the joint holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a joint account holder if the account is in my name only?

Yes. You can add a joint account holder to an existing Discover savings account that is currently in your name only. Call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 to start the process. The new joint holder will have equal access to the account once the change is complete.

What if I want to add someone who is under 18?

Discover requires joint account holders to be at least 18 years old. If you want to open an account for someone under 18, you may need to open a custodial account instead, which has different rules and restrictions. Call Discover to ask about custodial account options.

Can I add a joint holder without their knowledge or permission?

No. Discover will ask you to confirm that the other person has agreed to be added to the account. Adding someone without their knowledge is fraud and is illegal. Both account holders must consent to the arrangement.

Will adding a joint holder affect my credit score?

Adding a joint holder to a savings account does not affect your credit score. Savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Only credit products like credit cards and loans appear on your credit report.

What if the joint holder wants to close the account?

Either account holder can request to close the account by calling Discover. If one joint holder closes the account without the other's knowledge, the account will be closed for both of you. Funds will be returned to the address on file for the primary account holder.