What you need to do to add a person to your bank account
To add a person to your bank account, contact your bank directly—by phone, in person, or through their website—and ask to add an authorized user or joint account holder. Your bank will ask for the other person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. You'll likely need to sign paperwork, and the other person may need to sign as well. The process usually takes a few days to a week, though some banks complete it the same day.
The exact steps depend on whether you want to add someone as a joint account holder (they own the account with you and can do everything you can) or an authorized user (they can use the account but you remain the owner). Joint account holders have equal legal rights to the money. Authorized users typically cannot close the account or change its terms, though they can withdraw and deposit funds. Ask your bank which option they offer, because not all banks support both.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your bank by phone, in person, or online to start the process of adding someone to your account.
- You will need the other person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address before you begin.
- Joint account holders own the account equally with you; authorized users can access it but you remain the sole owner.
- The process usually takes three to seven business days, though some banks can complete it faster.
- Both you and the other person may need to sign paperwork, and some banks require the new person to appear in person.
How to contact your bank and what to say
Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card or check, or visit a branch in person. Tell them you want to add someone to your account. Have your account number ready. The representative will ask whether you want a joint account holder or an authorized user, explain the differences, and tell you what documents and information you need to bring or provide.
If you bank online, log into your account and look for a settings or account management section. Many banks have an option to add an authorized user or manage account holders directly through their website. If you don't see it, call or visit a branch—some banks require you to do this step by phone or in person for security reasons.
What information and documents you'll need
Have the following ready before you call or visit:
- The other person's full legal name
- Their date of birth
- Their Social Security number
- Their current address
- A government-issued photo ID (yours and possibly theirs)
Some banks ask for additional information, such as employment history or a second form of ID. If you're adding a minor to the account, the bank may have different rules—ask whether they allow minors as joint holders or authorized users, and what age restrictions apply. A few banks require the new person to appear in person at a branch to verify their identity, especially for joint accounts.
The difference between joint account holders and authorized users
A joint account holder is a co-owner of the account. Both of you have equal rights to all the money in it. Either person can withdraw funds, deposit money, write checks, set up automatic payments, or close the account without the other person's permission. If one joint holder dies, the money typically passes to the surviving joint holder automatically. Joint accounts are common for spouses, partners, or family members who share finances.
An authorized user can access the account and move money, but you remain the sole owner. The authorized user usually cannot close the account, change the account terms, add or remove other people, or dispute transactions on their own. If you die, the authorized user loses access to the account. Authorized users are often adult children helping an aging parent, or trusted family members who need to pay bills on someone's behalf.
Ask your bank which option they support. Some banks offer both; others offer only one. The choice affects what happens if you die, what the other person can do without your permission, and how the account is taxed if it earns interest.
How long the process takes
Most banks complete the process in three to seven business days. Some banks, particularly online banks, can add an authorized user the same day or within 24 hours. Joint accounts sometimes take longer because both people may need to sign paperwork and verify their identity.
The timeline also depends on how you submit the paperwork. If you do it in person at a branch, the bank may process it faster. If you mail documents or submit them online, add extra time for delivery and processing. Ask your bank for a specific timeline when you start the process, and ask whether you can check the status online or by phone.
What happens after someone is added to your account
Once the person is added, they will receive a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks (or they can pick one up at a branch). They can use the card to withdraw money at ATMs and make purchases. If the account has online banking, they can log in using their own username and password to check the balance, transfer money, and pay bills.
You will both see all transactions on the account. If you want to monitor spending or set limits, ask your bank whether they offer tools to do so. Some banks let you set daily withdrawal limits or restrict certain types of transactions for authorized users. You can remove the person from the account at any time by contacting your bank, though this may take a few business days to process.
Adding a minor to your account
Rules for minors vary by bank. Some banks allow minors as authorized users starting at age 13 or 16, but do not allow them as joint account holders until they turn 18. Others have different age thresholds or do not allow minors at all. A parent or legal guardian must sign the paperwork for a minor.
If you're adding a minor as an authorized user, the minor can use a debit card to spend money, but you remain in control of the account. This is useful for teaching money management or allowing a teenager to pay for their own expenses. If you want to add a minor as a joint holder, wait until they reach the age your bank requires, or consider opening a custodial account instead—a special account designed for minors that you control until they turn 18 or 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Many banks allow you to add an authorized user without the other person present, but joint account holders usually must appear in person or sign paperwork. Call your bank to ask what they require. Some banks will mail documents for the other person to sign and return.
What if the person I'm adding is not a U.S. citizen?
Banks can add non-citizens to accounts, but they may ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, or require additional identity verification. Call your bank to ask what documents they need.
Can I add someone to my account if they have bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not run a credit check to add someone to an existing account. They verify identity and may check for fraud or unpaid debts to the bank, but credit score does not affect whether you can add them.
What if I want to remove someone from the account later?
Contact your bank and ask to remove the person. If they are a joint holder, both of you may need to agree, or your bank may require the joint holder to sign a removal form. If they are an authorized user, you can usually remove them on your own. The process takes a few business days.
Does adding someone to my account affect my taxes?
Adding an authorized user does not affect your taxes. Adding a joint holder may affect how interest earned on the account is reported to the IRS, since both owners are responsible for the income. Ask your bank or a tax professional how they will report interest if you create a joint account.