Yes, you can add someone to your TD Bank account, but the method depends on the account type and your relationship to that person
TD Bank allows you to add another person to most checking and savings accounts through a process called adding an authorized user or opening a joint account. The difference matters: an authorized user can access and use the account, but you remain the owner and keep legal control. A joint account makes both people equal owners with full rights to withdraw, transfer, or close the account.
You can start the process online through TD Bank's website, by phone at the customer service number on your card, or by visiting a branch in person. The person you're adding will need to provide identification and may need to sign paperwork, depending on which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Adding an authorized user keeps you as the sole owner; adding a joint owner gives both people equal legal control of the account.
- You can add an authorized user online, by phone, or in branch; joint account changes typically require a branch visit or notarized paperwork.
- The person you add will need a valid ID and may need to sign documents or appear in person depending on the account type.
- Both authorized users and joint owners can see the full transaction history and access all funds in the account.
- Removing someone from an account is easier if they are an authorized user; removing a joint owner may require their consent or a court order.
Authorized user versus joint account owner
An authorized user is someone you add to your existing account who can use a debit card, write checks, and make transfers, but you remain the legal owner. TD Bank reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus under your account, which can help build the other person's credit history if the account is in good standing. You can remove an authorized user at any time without their permission.
A joint account owner is a co-owner with equal rights to all funds and account decisions. Both owners can withdraw money, add or remove other users, change account settings, or close the account entirely. If one joint owner dies, the surviving owner typically inherits the full balance. Joint accounts are common for spouses, domestic partners, or adult family members who share finances.
If you are unsure which option fits your situation, ask yourself: do you want this person to have independent access to the money, or do you want to maintain sole control? If the former, a joint account may be better. If the latter, an authorized user is the right choice.
How to add an authorized user online or by phone
To add an authorized user through TD Bank's online banking portal, log in to your account, navigate to the account settings or account management section, and look for an option to add a user or cardholder. You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. TD Bank will typically send a debit card to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
If you prefer to add an authorized user by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your TD Bank card. A representative will verify your identity, collect the same information about the person you're adding, and process the request. This method takes the same amount of time as online, but you get immediate confirmation.
Neither method requires the other person to be present or to sign anything at the time of request. However, some TD Bank accounts or situations may require additional verification, such as a phone call to the authorized user to confirm they consent to being added.
Adding a joint account owner in person or by mail
To convert your account to a joint account or to add a joint owner, TD Bank typically requires at least one person to visit a branch in person. Bring your ID and the ID of the person you are adding. A banker will verify both identities, explain the rights and responsibilities of joint ownership, and have both parties sign the necessary paperwork.
If the other person cannot visit a branch, some TD Bank locations will accept a notarized signature on account change forms sent by mail. The notarization must be completed by a notary public (not by TD Bank), and you will need to mail the signed and notarized documents back to the branch. This process takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—because the bank must receive and process the paperwork.
Once both signatures are on file, the account is converted to joint ownership. Both owners receive their own debit card and online access, and both are liable for any overdrafts or account fees.
What information and documents you will need
To add an authorized user, have ready the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you are adding a joint owner, both people will need a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
If the person you are adding does not have a Social Security number—for example, if they are a non-citizen—TD Bank may require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Ask the bank whether an ITIN is acceptable before you begin the process.
For joint account conversions by mail, you will also need to obtain a notarization of the account change form. This costs between $5 and $15 depending on where you have it notarized, and you can find notaries at banks, UPS stores, or online notary services.
How the other person accesses the account
Once added, an authorized user or joint owner can access the account using the debit card TD Bank mails to them, or by setting up their own online banking login using their own email address and password. They do not need to use your login credentials.
To set up online access, the authorized user or joint owner should visit TD Bank's website, click "Enroll" or "Sign Up," and follow the prompts to create a new user ID. They will need to verify their identity using information from the account, such as recent transaction amounts or the account number.
Both authorized users and joint owners can see the full transaction history, account balance, and all transfers. There is no way to hide transactions from someone on the account, so if privacy is a concern, a joint account may not be the right choice.
Removing someone from an account
To remove an authorized user, log into your online banking account or call customer service. You can remove them without their knowledge or consent. The process is immediate, and the debit card they were issued will stop working right away.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated. Both owners must agree to the change, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If the joint owner refuses to agree and you cannot reach them, you may need to contact a lawyer about your options, which can include a court order to remove them.
If you are concerned about someone on your account making unauthorized withdrawals or transfers, contact TD Bank immediately to freeze the account or remove them. You can also file a dispute for any unauthorized transactions within 60 days of the statement date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
You can add an authorized user without their knowledge, though TD Bank may call them to confirm consent. However, adding a joint owner requires both people to sign paperwork, so they will know. If you are considering adding someone without their knowledge, reconsider—it can damage trust and may have legal consequences.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not directly affect your credit score, but the account activity will be reported under both names. If the account has a high balance or late payments, it can hurt both credit scores. If the account is in good standing, it can help the authorized user build credit history.
What happens to a joint account if one owner dies?
In most cases, the surviving joint owner inherits the full account balance automatically. However, if the account is in a state with different rules or if there is a will that says otherwise, the bank may freeze the account pending probate. Contact TD Bank with a death certificate to find out what happens next.
Can I add a minor to my account?
Yes, but the minor cannot be a joint owner. You can add them as an authorized user, and they will receive a debit card. TD Bank may require the minor to be present in person or may have age restrictions—call your local branch to ask about their specific policy.
Can I set limits on what an authorized user can spend?
TD Bank does not offer built-in spending limits for authorized users through most account types. However, you can monitor their activity through online banking and remove them if they overspend. Some accounts may have daily withdrawal limits that apply to all cardholders, but these are set by the account type, not per person.