Yes, most banks let you add an account holder online, but the process and what you can actually do varies by bank
You can add someone to your bank account through your bank's website or mobile app at most major institutions — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks offer this. The actual steps differ: some banks let you do it entirely online, others require you to start online but finish in person or over the phone, and a few still require you to visit a branch. What matters more is understanding what "adding someone" means at your bank — it might create a joint owner with full access, an authorized user with limited access, or a power of attorney with no ownership stake.
The speed and ease of the process depends on whether the person you are adding is already a customer of your bank, whether they need to verify their identity, and what type of account holder relationship you are creating. Some changes take effect within a day; others take a week or more.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks allow you to add an account holder through their website or app, but completion may require a phone call or branch visit depending on the bank.
- Adding someone as a joint owner gives them full access and equal legal claim to the money; adding them as an authorized user typically limits what they can do.
- You will need the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them, and they may need to verify their identity with the bank.
- The process usually takes a few days to a week after both parties complete any required verification steps.
- Some banks charge a fee to add an account holder, though most do not — check your bank's fee schedule before you start.
What happens when you add someone online depends on your bank's rules
Chase, for example, lets you initiate adding a joint owner through its app or website, but the new account holder must verify their identity in person at a branch or through a video call before the change takes effect. Bank of America allows you to add an authorized user online without requiring an in-person visit, but adding a joint owner still requires a phone call to confirm. Wells Fargo requires a branch visit for any account holder change. Regional banks vary widely — some complete the entire process online, others use a hybrid approach.
Before you start, log into your bank's website or app and look for a section labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," "Account Holders," or "Add Authorized User." If you cannot find it, call your bank's customer service line — they can tell you whether your specific account type supports online changes and what the exact steps are. Some account types, like certain business accounts or trust accounts, may not allow online changes at all.
The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user
A joint owner (also called a joint account holder) has equal legal rights to the account. They can withdraw money, close the account, change the account settings, and make decisions about the money. If you die, the money in a joint account typically passes to the surviving joint owner outside of probate. Both joint owners are responsible for overdrafts and fees. Adding someone as a joint owner is a significant legal step and usually requires both of you to verify your identity.
An authorized user can access the account and perform transactions — deposit checks, withdraw cash, make transfers — but does not own the account. The account owner remains the only legal owner and can remove the authorized user at any time. Authorized users typically cannot close the account, change the account name, or add other people. Some banks let authorized users see transaction history; others restrict what they can view. If you die, an authorized user has no claim to the money.
A power of attorney is different from both. This is a legal document that gives someone the right to act on your behalf without owning the account. You do not add a power of attorney through your bank's website — you create a legal document (usually with a lawyer or through your state's court system) and then bring it to the bank to register. A power of attorney can be temporary or permanent and can be limited to specific actions.
What information you need before you start
To add someone online, have the following ready: the person's full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address. If the person is not a current customer of your bank, the bank will need to verify their identity — this usually happens through a video call, a code sent to their phone, or a visit to a branch.
You will also need to know what type of account you are adding them to. If you have multiple accounts at the bank (checking, savings, money market), you can usually add someone to one account without affecting the others. Some banks let you add the same person to multiple accounts in one process; others require separate requests for each account.
How long it takes and what happens next
If your bank allows the entire process online and the person being added is already a customer, the change usually takes effect within one to three business days. If the person needs to verify their identity, add another two to five business days. If your bank requires a phone call or branch visit, the timeline depends on when you complete that step — it could be the same day or several days later.
Once the person is added, they will receive a notification from the bank (usually by email or text) confirming the change. They should be able to access the account through their own login within 24 hours. If they cannot see the account, they may need to log out and back in, or the bank may need to send them a separate link to add the account to their profile.
What to do if you cannot add someone online
If your bank does not offer online account holder changes, or if your account type does not support it, you have three options: call the bank's customer service line and ask them to process it over the phone (some banks will do this, others will not), visit a branch in person with the person you want to add, or ask whether the bank offers a power of attorney as an alternative.
If you are trying to add someone who does not have a Social Security number — for example, a non-citizen family member — call your bank directly. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead; others have different rules. This cannot usually be done online and requires a conversation with a bank representative who can explain your options.
Fees and account changes
Most banks do not charge a fee to add an account holder or authorized user. However, some banks charge a small fee (typically $5 to $25) if you are converting a single-owner account to a joint account, or they may require you to maintain a higher minimum balance once a second owner is added. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask during the process whether any fees apply.
Adding someone to your account may also change the account's terms. For example, some banks require joint accounts to have overdraft protection enabled, or they may change the interest rate on a savings account. Read any confirmation email or document the bank sends carefully to see whether the account terms have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
No. Banks require the person being added to verify their identity, which means they will receive a notification and must confirm they want to be added. Some banks also require the new account holder to sign a document or complete a video call. You cannot add someone without their knowledge or consent.
What if the person I want to add does not have a bank account?
They do not need one. Most banks will let you add someone who is not a customer, but they will need to verify the person's identity — usually through a video call, a code sent to their phone, or a branch visit. After they are added, they can access the account through their own login without having a separate account at the bank.
Can I remove someone from my account online?
Most banks let you remove an authorized user online through your account settings. Removing a joint owner is more complicated and usually requires a phone call or branch visit, because both owners have equal rights to the account. Some banks require both owners to agree in writing before removing a joint owner.
What happens to the account if a joint owner dies?
The money in a joint account typically passes to the surviving joint owner automatically, outside of probate. However, if the account is frozen for any reason (such as a dispute or a hold from a creditor), the bank may require legal documentation before releasing the funds. The exact rules depend on your state and your bank.
Can I add someone to my account if they live in another state or country?
Yes. Most banks can add account holders who live anywhere in the United States. For people living outside the U.S., it depends on the bank — some allow it, others do not. Call your bank to ask whether they can add someone with a non-U.S. address, and what additional documentation they may need.