Most banks let you add an account holder online, but the process stops short of completion
You can start adding someone to your checking account through your bank's website or app, but you will almost always need to finish in person or by phone. Banks require the new account holder to verify their identity in a way that online alone cannot do — usually a video call with an employee, a visit to a branch, or a phone conversation where they answer security questions.
The online part typically means filling out a form with the person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and address. After you submit it, your bank will contact the other person directly to complete the verification step. How long this takes depends on the bank and how quickly the other person responds.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the process online at most banks, but the new account holder must complete identity verification through a phone call, video meeting, or branch visit.
- The other person will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address, and the bank will contact them directly.
- The entire process usually takes three to seven business days once both people have completed their steps.
- Some banks allow you to add a co-owner online end-to-end, but most require at least one verification step outside the app or website.
- If the other person does not respond to the bank's contact attempts within a set timeframe, the request will expire and you will need to start over.
What happens when you submit the request online
When you log into your bank's website or mobile app and select the option to add an account holder, you will see a form asking for the person's basic information. This typically includes their full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and sometimes their phone number and email. Fill this out carefully — errors in the name or Social Security number will cause the bank to reject the request or delay it while they verify the information.
After you submit the form, the bank sends a notification to the person you named. This notification usually arrives by email or text message and includes a link or instructions for them to verify their identity. The bank will not add them to the account until they complete this step. If they do not respond within the timeframe the bank sets — often seven to ten business days — the request expires and you will need to submit it again.
How the other person completes their part
The new account holder will receive a message from the bank with instructions on how to proceed. In most cases, they will need to click a link in the email or text, answer security questions, and confirm their identity through one of these methods: a video call with a bank employee, a phone call to a bank representative, or a visit to a branch in person.
During the video or phone verification, the bank employee will ask questions only the real person would know — such as details from their credit report, previous addresses, or past transactions. This step protects both you and the bank by confirming that the person you named is actually who they say they are. If the person cannot or will not complete this verification, the bank will not add them to the account.
Timeline from start to finish
The speed of the process depends on how quickly both of you move. If you submit the request online today and the other person completes their verification the next day, the bank may add them to the account within one to three business days. However, if the other person delays responding to the bank's notification, the timeline stretches.
Most banks complete the entire process within three to seven business days of the new account holder finishing their verification step. Some banks are faster — certain online-only banks may finish within one business day — while others take longer, especially if they need to mail documents or if there are any issues with the information provided. Contact your bank's customer service to ask for a specific timeline based on your bank's current processing speed.
Banks that handle the entire process online
A small number of banks and financial institutions allow you to add an account holder completely online without any phone call or branch visit. These are typically online-only banks or newer fintech companies that use advanced identity verification technology. Examples include some accounts at Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, and certain credit unions, though this varies by institution and account type.
Even at these banks, the process is not instant. The new account holder will still need to verify their identity through the app or website, which may involve uploading a photo of their driver's license, answering security questions, or confirming information from their credit file. Check your specific bank's website or call their customer service line to find out whether they offer a fully online process for adding account holders.
What to do if the request gets stuck or denied
If the bank rejects the request, they will send you a reason — usually a mismatch in the name or Social Security number, or a problem with the other person's identity verification. If the information was wrong, you can submit a new request with the correct details. If the other person failed the identity verification, they may need to call the bank to resolve it, or they may need to visit a branch in person with a government-issued ID.
If the request simply expires because the other person did not respond in time, you will need to start over. Contact the other person and make sure they know to watch for an email or text from the bank, and ask them to complete the verification step as soon as they receive it. If they are having trouble finding the message, have them contact the bank directly with your account number so the bank can resend the notification.
Differences between adding a co-owner and adding an authorized user
Adding someone as a co-owner means they have equal rights to the account — they can withdraw money, close the account, or make changes without your permission. Adding someone as an authorized user means they can use the account but you retain control. Some banks handle these differently online. Co-owner requests often require more verification steps because the legal implications are greater. Authorized user requests may be faster because the new person has fewer rights.
Before you start the process, decide which type of account holder you want to add. If you are unsure, contact your bank and ask them to explain the difference and what each type can and cannot do. This will help you choose the right option and understand what the other person will be able to do once they are added.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they live in a different state?
Yes. The person's location does not matter for online banks or for most traditional banks. They will complete their identity verification by phone or video call, which works from anywhere. If your bank requires an in-person visit, they would need to visit a branch in their state or travel to one of your bank's locations.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Contact your bank directly. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, while others have different requirements for non-citizens. Your bank's customer service team can tell you what documents or information they need.
How long does the other person have to respond before the request expires?
Most banks give seven to ten business days for the new account holder to complete their verification. If they do not respond by then, the request expires and you will need to submit it again. Check your bank's specific policy by looking at the notification they send or by calling customer service.
Can I remove someone from the account if they refuse to cooperate?
If they are a co-owner, you typically cannot remove them without their consent or a court order. If they are an authorized user, you can remove them on your own through your bank's website or by calling. If you added someone as a co-owner and now want them off, contact your bank about your options.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding someone as an authorized user or co-owner does not directly affect their credit score. However, if the account has a negative history or goes into overdraft, it could appear on their credit report depending on how the bank reports it. Ask your bank whether they report authorized users and co-owners to credit bureaus.