You cannot add an account holder to Woodforest online — you must visit a branch or call their customer service line

Woodforest National Bank does not offer the option to add a joint account holder or authorized user through their website or mobile app. Any change to who owns or can access your account requires you to go to a physical branch with the person you want to add, or to call Woodforest customer service at 1-800-371-9302 to start the process by phone. The branch visit is the most straightforward route because staff can verify both people's identities in person and complete the paperwork on the spot.

The specific steps and documents you'll need depend on whether you're adding a joint owner (someone with equal rights to the account) or an authorized user (someone who can access the account but does not own it). Woodforest treats these differently, and the distinction matters for taxes, liability, and what happens to the account if one person dies.

Key Takeaways

  • Woodforest requires an in-person visit to a branch or a phone call to add anyone to your account — the online banking portal does not have this feature.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID and the other person's ID to the branch; you may also need to bring your Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Joint owners have equal access and legal ownership; authorized users can use the account but do not own it and cannot make certain decisions.
  • The process typically takes one business day if you visit a branch, or several days if you start by phone.
  • If you cannot visit a branch, call 1-800-371-9302 to ask whether Woodforest can mail you the forms or complete the change over the phone.

What you need to bring to a Woodforest branch

Both you and the person you want to add must be present at the branch. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Woodforest will also ask for your account number, which you can find on your debit card, checks, or online banking login.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. If the other person does not have a Social Security number, let the branch know before you go — Woodforest may have different requirements for non-U.S. citizens or people without a Social Security number. Some branches may also ask for a recent utility bill or other proof of address, though this is less common for account changes than for new accounts.

The difference between joint owners and authorized users

A joint owner has the same legal rights to the account as you do. They can withdraw money, close the account, change the account settings, and make decisions about the account without asking your permission. If you die, the account automatically passes to the joint owner — it does not go through your will or estate. For tax purposes, Woodforest reports interest earned on the account to both owners.

An authorized user can access the account and make withdrawals, but they do not own it. You remain the sole owner and can remove them at any time. An authorized user cannot close the account or change core settings. If you die, the account does not automatically pass to an authorized user — it becomes part of your estate. Authorized users are sometimes called "signatories" or "power of attorney" depending on how much access Woodforest grants them.

Ask the branch staff which option Woodforest offers and which one fits your situation. If you want someone to be able to pay bills or withdraw cash but you want to keep full control, an authorized user is usually the right choice. If you want to share ownership equally, a joint account is what you need.

How long the process takes

If you visit a Woodforest branch in person with both IDs and your account information, the staff can usually complete the paperwork and activate the change the same day or within one business day. You should be able to use the account with the new holder's name on it immediately, though it may take a few hours for the change to show up in online banking.

If you call customer service to start the process, Woodforest will mail you forms to sign. You and the other person must sign the forms in front of a notary public, then mail them back to Woodforest. This route typically takes one to two weeks from the time you call until the change is active. Some branches may be willing to notarize the forms for you if you visit in person, which can speed this up.

What to do if you cannot visit a branch

Call Woodforest customer service at 1-800-371-9302 and explain that you want to add someone to your account. Ask whether they can mail you the necessary forms or whether they can walk you through the process over the phone. Be prepared to provide your account number and the other person's full name and Social Security number.

If Woodforest mails you forms, both you and the other person will need to sign them in front of a notary. Many banks, credit unions, and law offices offer notary services for free or a small fee. Some Woodforest branches also notarize documents for customers. Once the forms are signed and notarized, mail them back to the address Woodforest provides and allow one to two weeks for processing.

Removing someone from your account later

If you added someone as a joint owner and later want to remove them, you will need to visit a branch or call customer service again. Removing a joint owner is more complicated than adding one because both owners technically have equal rights — Woodforest may require both of you to agree to the removal, or they may require you to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.

Removing an authorized user is usually simpler. You can often do this by calling customer service or visiting a branch with your ID. Ask Woodforest about their specific policy before you add someone, so you know what to expect if the situation changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they live in a different state?

Yes, but you will likely need to visit a Woodforest branch together or use the phone and notary route. Call 1-800-371-9302 to ask whether Woodforest can work with you if the other person cannot travel to a branch. Some banks allow one person to visit a branch while the other signs notarized forms by mail, though Woodforest's policy may vary.

What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?

Call Woodforest customer service before you visit a branch. They can tell you what documents or identification numbers they will accept instead. Some banks work with ITINs or passport numbers for non-U.S. citizens, but requirements vary by institution and by state.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

Adding a joint owner or authorized user to a checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. A bank account change is an internal banking matter and does not appear on your credit report.

Can I add someone to just part of my account balance?

No. When you add a joint owner or authorized user, they have access to the entire account balance, not a portion of it. If you want to give someone access to only some of your money, you would need to open a separate account and transfer that amount into it, then add them to that account only.

What happens to the account if a joint owner dies?

The account automatically becomes yours alone. The money does not go through the joint owner's will or estate — it passes directly to you by operation of law. This is one reason some people choose joint accounts: to avoid probate. Make sure you understand this before adding a joint owner, because it means that person's heirs have no claim to the account.