You can add an authorized user or joint owner through SunTrust's online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch

SunTrust (now Truist Financial Corporation) lets you add someone to your checking account in three ways: online through your Truist account, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change made and whether you want the new person to have full ownership rights or limited access.

The key difference is between an authorized user (someone who can access and use the account but does not own it) and a joint owner (someone with equal legal rights to the account and its funds). Most people adding a spouse, adult child, or trusted family member choose joint ownership. Adding an authorized user is more common when you want to give someone access without giving them ownership—for example, a caregiver or an adult child managing finances on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add someone online, by phone at 1-800-786-8787, or at any Truist branch location during business hours.
  • Joint owners have equal legal rights to all money in the account; authorized users can access it but do not own it.
  • You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to complete the addition.
  • Changes made online or by phone typically take effect within one business day, though in-person additions are usually immediate.
  • Both joint owners and authorized users can withdraw money, make transfers, and use the debit card without your permission once added.

Adding someone online through Truist digital banking

Log into your Truist online account and look for the account settings or account management section—this is usually labeled "Account Services" or "Manage Account." From there, select the checking account you want to modify and look for an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. The exact wording varies depending on whether you are using the desktop website or the mobile app.

You will be asked to enter the person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Truist will also ask whether you want this person to be a joint owner or an authorized user. Once you submit the request, Truist sends a verification step—usually an email or text to confirm the change. The new person may also receive a notification asking them to set up their own access to the account. The change typically shows up in your account within one business day.

Adding someone by phone

Call Truist customer service at 1-800-786-8787 and tell them you want to add someone to your checking account. Have the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address ready before you call. The representative will ask whether you want a joint owner or an authorized user and will walk you through the verification process over the phone.

Phone additions usually take effect by the next business day. The representative may ask security questions to confirm your identity before making any changes. If you are adding a joint owner, Truist may require the new owner to verify their identity as well—they may call the person directly or send them a verification link via email.

Adding someone in person at a Truist branch

Visit any Truist branch with your ID and the other person's ID if possible. Tell the banker you want to add a joint owner or authorized user to your checking account. Bring the person's Social Security number and date of birth; if they are not present, you can provide this information yourself, but Truist may still contact them to verify.

In-person additions are often processed immediately, and you can leave the branch with the change already in effect. This is the fastest method if you need the account modified right away. The banker will also explain what rights the joint owner or authorized user will have and answer any questions about how the account will work once the change is made.

What happens after someone is added

Once the person is added as a joint owner or authorized user, they can access the account using their own login credentials (if they set up online access) or by visiting a branch with their ID. They can withdraw cash, make transfers, pay bills, use the debit card, and see the full transaction history. As the original account holder, you retain all these rights as well—both of you have equal access.

If you added a joint owner, that person has legal ownership of all the money in the account. If you added an authorized user, they can use the account but do not own it; you remain the sole owner. This distinction matters if the account holder dies or if the relationship ends—a joint owner's rights are different from an authorized user's rights under state law.

Removing someone from your account

If you need to remove a joint owner or authorized user later, you can do so online, by phone, or in person using the same methods. Online, go to account settings and look for an option to remove or modify account holders. By phone, call 1-800-786-8787 and ask to remove the person. In person, visit a branch with your ID.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated than removing an authorized user because a joint owner has legal rights to the account. Truist may require both you and the joint owner to agree to the removal, or they may require a written request. Removing an authorized user is usually simpler and can happen with just your request. The change typically takes effect within one business day.

What you need to know about joint accounts and taxes

If you add someone as a joint owner, be aware that the IRS and state tax authorities may treat the account differently depending on how much money is in it and who contributed what. Interest earned on the account may be reported to both owners' tax records. If one owner dies, the surviving owner usually inherits the full balance, but this can have tax consequences and may affect the deceased person's estate.

Talk to a tax professional or estate attorney before adding a joint owner if the account holds a large amount of money or if you have concerns about inheritance or tax reporting. Authorized users do not have these same complications because they do not own the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Technically yes, but Truist may contact the person to verify their identity, especially if you are adding them as a joint owner. If you are adding an authorized user, Truist may send them a notification. It is better to tell the person beforehand so there is no confusion when they receive communications from the bank.

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

Contact Truist directly at 1-800-786-8787 to ask about alternatives. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but policies vary. A branch representative can tell you what Truist will accept in your specific situation.

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 and all transactions. You cannot restrict them to a portion of the money. If you want to limit someone's access to a specific amount, you would need to open a separate account and fund it with only that amount.

Does adding someone to my account affect their credit?

Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not directly affect their credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if the account goes overdrawn or is closed with a negative balance, it could be reported and affect both owners' credit.

What is the difference between a joint owner and a power of attorney?

A joint owner has permanent legal rights to the account and its money. A power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone temporary authority to manage your finances on your behalf, but they do not own the account. Powers of attorney end when you die or revoke them; joint ownership continues until you remove the person or they die.