The basic steps to add an account holder
To add someone to your bank account, you will need to contact your bank directly — either by visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or using their online banking portal if that option is available. The person you want to add must be present (or you may need to provide their written consent, depending on your bank's rules). You will need their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or tax ID, and a valid government-issued photo ID.
The bank will run a background check and verify their identity before completing the addition. This process typically takes one to three business days, though some banks can add an account holder the same day if you do it in person at a branch. Once approved, the new account holder receives their own debit card and online access, and both of you can see all transactions and balances on the account.
Different banks have different names for this: some call it adding an "authorized user," others call it adding a "joint account holder" or "co-owner." The distinction matters — an authorized user can use the account but does not own it, while a joint owner has equal legal rights to the money. Ask your bank which type you are creating before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact your bank directly by phone, in person, or online to add someone to your account; there is no way to do it without the bank's involvement.
- The person you are adding will need to provide their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and a valid photo ID.
- Banks distinguish between authorized users (who can use the account but do not own it) and joint owners (who have equal legal rights); confirm which type you want before starting.
- The process usually takes one to three business days, though some banks can complete it same-day at a branch location.
- Both account holders will have full access to see transactions, balances, and online banking, and both can withdraw money or make transfers.
Adding someone in person at a bank branch
Walking into a branch with the person you want to add is usually the fastest route. Bring their government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your own ID. The bank employee will verify both identities, collect their Social Security number or tax ID, and ask them to sign the necessary paperwork on the spot.
Many banks can complete this same day if you both show up during business hours. The new account holder will leave with information about their debit card (which may arrive by mail within five to seven business days) and instructions for setting up online access. If the person you are adding lives far away or cannot come to a branch, you will need to use a phone or online method instead.
Adding someone by phone or online
If you cannot meet in person, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on their website). You will need to verify your own identity first, then provide the full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the person you want to add. The bank may mail them a form to sign and return, or they may ask you to have the person call back to verify their identity directly.
Some banks now allow you to start the process through their mobile app or website. You enter the person's information, and the bank sends them a link to verify their identity online using their photo ID and a video call. This method can be faster than waiting for mail, but not all banks offer it yet. Ask your bank which methods they support before you start.
What happens after someone is added
Once the new account holder is approved, they will receive their own debit card by mail (usually within five to seven business days). They can also set up online banking and mobile app access using their own login credentials. Both of you will see all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers on the account — there is no way to hide transactions from a joint account holder or authorized user.
If you set up automatic payments or recurring transfers, the new account holder can see and modify them. They can also dispute transactions, change account settings, and add or remove other people from the account (depending on your bank's rules). Make sure you trust this person completely before adding them, because they have the same access to the money that you do.
Differences between joint owners and authorized users
A joint owner (also called a co-owner) has equal legal rights to the account and the money in it. If you die, the money passes to the joint owner automatically — it does not go through your will or estate. Both joint owners are responsible for overdrafts and any debts tied to the account. If one joint owner is sued, creditors may be able to go after the money in the account.
An authorized user can use the account and access the money, but does not own it. If you die, the money does not automatically pass to them — it goes through your estate according to your will. An authorized user is not responsible for overdrafts or debts on the account (though they can still create them). Some banks allow you to set spending limits for authorized users, though not all do.
Ask your bank which option they are setting up before you proceed. Some banks only offer one or the other, and the choice affects what happens to the account if something happens to you.
What to do if the person you want to add has no Social Security number
If the person does not have a Social Security number (because they are not a U.S. citizen or do not have one for another reason), most banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks may also accept a passport number or other government ID number. Call your bank and ask what they will accept before you bring the person in.
If the person has no U.S. identification at all, adding them becomes much harder. Some banks will not do it. Others may require additional documentation, such as a consulate ID, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a letter from an employer. This varies widely by bank, so call ahead and ask what they need.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove a joint owner or authorized user later, contact your bank the same way you added them — in person, by phone, or online. You will need to provide the account number and the name of the person you want to remove. The bank will process the removal, and that person will lose access to the account and their debit card will stop working.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated than removing an authorized user, because a joint owner has legal rights to the money. Some banks require both people to agree to the removal, or they may require a court order. Ask your bank about their specific rules before you add someone as a joint owner if you think you might want to remove them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Most banks require the person to verify their identity themselves, either by coming to a branch, calling the bank directly, or completing an online verification. You cannot add someone without their knowledge or consent. Some banks will mail a form for them to sign and return, but they still have to participate in the process.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding someone as an authorized user or joint owner does not directly affect their credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or has missed payments, that information may appear on their credit report if they are a joint owner. As an authorized user, they typically will not be responsible for negative account activity.
Can I add a minor to my bank account?
Most banks have a minimum age requirement (usually 18) to be a joint owner or authorized user on an adult account. If you want to add a child under 18, you may need to open a separate youth or teen account instead. Contact your bank to ask what options they offer for minors.
What if my bank says no to adding someone?
Banks can refuse to add someone if they fail the background check, cannot verify their identity, or if they have a history of fraud or unpaid debts. If your bank refuses, ask them why in writing. You can also try a different bank, though the same issues may come up. Some credit unions or smaller banks have different requirements than large national banks.
Do both people need to be present to remove someone from the account?
If you are removing an authorized user, usually only you (the account owner) need to contact the bank. If you are removing a joint owner, the bank may require both people to agree, or they may require a court order. Ask your bank about their specific policy before you add someone as a joint owner.