The basic steps to add someone to your account

To add another person to your checking account, you contact your bank, provide their information, and both of you sign the paperwork. The person you're adding becomes an authorized user or joint account holder — the difference matters, and your bank will ask which one you want. Most banks let you start the process online, by phone, or in person, though some require at least one signature in a branch.

The timeline is usually one to three business days once both people have signed. Your bank will issue a new debit card to the other person and may temporarily freeze the account while the change processes. You'll need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address — have that ready before you call or visit.

If you're adding a spouse, child, or family member, the process is the same. If you're adding someone who doesn't have a U.S. Social Security number, ask your bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — policies vary.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can use the account but doesn't own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and is responsible for overdrafts and debt.
  • You'll need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address before you contact your bank.
  • Most banks process the change in one to three business days, though some freeze the account temporarily during the change.
  • Both people usually need to sign paperwork, either online or in a branch, depending on your bank's rules.

Authorized user versus joint account holder

The two options are not the same, and the choice affects what the other person can do and what happens if something goes wrong. An authorized user can withdraw money and use a debit card but does not own the account. The original account holder remains responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any debt. An authorized user's name does not appear on the account title, and the bank may not report their activity to credit bureaus.

A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. Both of you can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the terms. Both of you are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, the bank can pursue either person for the debt. A joint account holder's name appears on the account title, and their activity is usually reported to credit bureaus.

For a child or someone you want to supervise, authorized user is often the safer choice. For a spouse or partner you fully trust, joint account holder gives them equal control. Ask your bank which option they recommend for your situation — some banks push one over the other, and some charge a fee for one but not the other.

What information you need before you contact your bank

Gather these details before you call, visit, or log into your bank's website. You'll need the other person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address. If the person is under 18, you may need to bring a birth certificate or state ID to a branch.

Have your own account number and PIN or password ready. If you're doing this in person, bring a government-issued photo ID. Some banks ask for a second form of ID as well. If you're adding someone who lives out of state or out of the country, call your bank first — a few banks have restrictions on where the other person can live.

How to start the process online, by phone, or in person

Online: Log into your bank's website or app and look for "Manage Account" or "Account Settings." Most banks have an "Add Authorized User" or "Add Account Owner" option. You'll enter the other person's information, and the bank will send them a link to sign electronically. Some banks complete the whole process online; others send a form to print and mail back.

By phone: Call the number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you want to add someone to your account. They'll verify your identity, take down the other person's information, and either email or mail you both a form to sign. Ask how long the form takes to process once you return it.

In person: Visit a branch with your ID and the other person's information. A banker will walk you through the options, explain the difference between authorized user and joint holder, and have you both sign the paperwork on the spot. This is the fastest route if your bank requires signatures in a branch — the change can post the same day.

Ask your bank whether they charge a fee to add someone. Most do not, but some charge $10 to $25 for a joint account or a second debit card. Confirm the timeline — some banks say one to three business days, while others take up to a week.

What happens after you submit the paperwork

Once both of you have signed, your bank will process the change. During this time — usually one to three business days — the account may be temporarily frozen, meaning you cannot withdraw money or use the debit card. Your bank will send you a confirmation email or letter with the new account details.

If you added a joint account holder, the bank will issue a new debit card in their name. If you added an authorized user, they may get a card with their name on it, or they may use yours — ask your bank. Either way, the new card usually arrives in five to seven business days. Some banks let you order a card online and pick it up at a branch the same day.

The other person should receive a welcome letter or email with their new account number and instructions for setting up online access. If they don't receive anything within a week, call your bank to confirm the change went through.

What to do if the other person is not a U.S. citizen or has no Social Security number

If the person you're adding does not have a Social Security number, ask your bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have a Social Security number. Some banks accept it; others do not. A few banks require a passport or visa instead.

If your bank will not accept an ITIN or passport, you may need to open a separate account in their name, or add them as an authorized user on a credit card instead of a checking account. Call your bank's customer service line and ask what documents they need — policies vary widely.

Removing someone from the account later

If you need to remove the other person, the process depends on whether they are an authorized user or a joint account holder. An authorized user can be removed by the account owner alone — you call your bank or log in online and request removal. A joint account holder usually has equal say, so removing them may require their signature or consent, depending on your bank's rules.

Before you remove someone, ask your bank what happens to any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to their debit card. Some banks cancel the card immediately; others give a grace period. If you're removing a joint account holder, consider whether to close the account and open a new one instead — this prevents disputes over who owns the remaining balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Yes. You provide their information to your bank, and they sign electronically or by mail. You do not need to be in the same room. However, some banks require at least one signature in a branch, so confirm your bank's policy first.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

It depends on the type of account and your bank. An authorized user's activity is usually not reported to credit bureaus, so it typically does not affect their score. A joint account holder's activity may be reported, which could help or hurt their credit depending on the account history.

What if I want to add someone but keep their access limited?

Ask your bank whether they offer spending limits or transaction alerts for authorized users. Some banks let you set a daily withdrawal limit or require approval for large transactions. Joint account holders usually have full access and cannot be limited.

Can I add someone to my account if they have bad credit or a criminal record?

Yes. Banks do not deny account access based on credit score or criminal history. However, they do run a background check through ChexSystems, which tracks banking history. If the person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud on record, your bank may refuse to add them.

What happens to the account if the joint account holder dies?

The account usually passes to the surviving account holder. Some banks require a death certificate before releasing the funds. If you want the account to go to someone else, you need to name a beneficiary in your bank's system — this is separate from adding a joint account holder.