What you need to do to add an account holder
Adding someone to your bank account means giving them legal access to deposit, withdraw, and manage money in that account alongside you. The process differs slightly between banks, but the basic steps are the same: visit your bank in person or online, provide the new account holder's legal name and identification information, and sign the paperwork that makes them an authorized user or joint owner.
Most banks complete this within one business day if you do it in a branch, or within two to five business days if you do it online. The new account holder does not need to be present, though some banks require their signature on the paperwork before the change takes effect. Once added, they can use a debit card, write checks, and access the account through online banking or mobile apps immediately.
Key Takeaways
- You can add someone to your account by visiting a branch with their legal name and ID information, or by starting the process online and having them sign the required forms.
- The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user matters: a joint owner has equal legal claim to the money, while an authorized user can access the account but you retain ownership.
- Your bank will likely ask for the new person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address before processing the request.
- Most banks charge no fee to add someone to an existing account, though some may charge a small fee for a new debit card or checks.
In-person versus online: which route is faster
Adding someone in a bank branch is usually the fastest option. Bring your ID and the other person's legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. A banker will pull up your account, verify the information, and have you sign the necessary forms on the spot. If the new account holder is present, they can sign immediately and the change often takes effect the same day or by the next business day.
If you do it online through your bank's website or app, you will start the request yourself, but the new account holder will receive a form to sign electronically or by mail. This route typically takes three to five business days because the bank waits for their signature before finalizing the change. Some banks allow the new person to sign through a secure link sent via email; others mail a physical form that must be returned.
If the person you are adding lives far away or cannot visit a branch, the online route is your only option. If they are local and available, going to the branch together saves time and eliminates the back-and-forth of waiting for signatures.
Joint owner versus authorized user: what the difference means
A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and the money in it. Both of you own the account together, and either of you can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change account settings without the other's permission. If you die, the money in a joint account typically passes to the surviving joint owner outside of your will. Joint ownership is common between spouses, parents and adult children, or business partners who need equal control.
An authorized user can access and use the account but does not own it. You remain the sole owner, and you can remove them at any time without their consent. They can deposit and withdraw money, but they cannot close the account or change the account holder information. If you die, an authorized user loses access to the account immediately. This option is useful if you want to give someone spending power—like a teenager or an adult child managing household expenses—without giving them full legal ownership.
Ask your banker which option the bank is setting up when you add the person. Some banks use different terminology (like "co-owner" instead of "joint owner"), so clarify what rights and responsibilities each person will have. The paperwork should spell this out, but it is worth confirming before you sign.
Information your bank will ask for
Have the following details ready before you visit a branch or start an online request:
- The new account holder's full legal name (as it appears on their ID)
- Their date of birth
- Their Social Security number
- Their current mailing address
- Their phone number and email address
Some banks also ask for employment information or a copy of a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you are adding someone who does not have a Social Security number—such as a non-citizen—ask your bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other documentation instead.
If the person you are adding is a minor, the rules change. Most banks do not allow minors to be joint owners; instead, you would open a custodial account or add them as an authorized user on your account. Ask your banker about the options available for minors at your bank.
What happens after you submit the request
If you added the person in a branch and they signed the forms on the spot, the change usually takes effect within one business day. Your bank will send confirmation to both account holders, and the new person can start using the account immediately through online banking or by requesting a debit card.
If you did it online, the new account holder will receive a form to sign—either electronically via email or by mail. Once they sign and return it, the bank processes the change, which typically takes two to five additional business days. During this waiting period, the person is not yet on the account, so they cannot access it or use a debit card.
After the change is complete, both account holders can see the full transaction history, account balance, and all account settings. If you want to limit what the new person can see or do, ask your bank whether they offer restricted access options. Some banks allow you to set spending limits or block certain types of transactions for authorized users.
Fees and debit card costs
Most banks charge no fee to add someone to an existing account. However, if the new account holder wants a debit card, your bank may charge a fee for the card itself—typically between $5 and $15, though many banks waive this fee. Replacement cards or expedited shipping may cost extra.
Check with your bank about any monthly maintenance fees that might apply to a joint account. Some banks charge a higher monthly fee for joint accounts than for individual accounts, while others charge the same. This information should be in your account agreement or available from a banker.
If you are adding someone to a business account, fees may be different. Business accounts sometimes charge per authorized user or per transaction, so ask your business banker for the full fee schedule before you proceed.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove someone from your account in the future, the process is simpler than adding them. Visit your bank in person or use online banking to request the removal. If the person is a joint owner, some banks require both owners to sign the removal form; others allow the primary account holder to remove a joint owner unilaterally. Ask your banker about your bank's policy before you add someone, so you know what to expect if the situation changes.
Once someone is removed, they lose access to the account immediately. They cannot see the balance, make withdrawals, or use a debit card. If they have outstanding checks or pending transactions, those may still process depending on when they were submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
Legally, you can add a joint owner without their knowledge if you have their Social Security number and other identifying information, though most banks require the new person to sign the paperwork. However, adding someone without their consent can create legal and financial problems later. If you want to give someone access to your account for a specific reason—like managing bills while you are away—tell them first and discuss what access they will have.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport number instead. Call your bank and ask what documentation they need for someone without a Social Security number. Requirements vary by bank and by state.
Can I add someone to my account if they live in a different state?
Yes. You can do this online or by mail. The person does not need to be present, but they will need to sign the paperwork. Your bank will mail the forms or send them electronically for signature, then process the change once everything is signed and returned.
Does 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 has a negative history or goes into overdraft, that information may appear on their credit report if they are a joint owner. Authorized users are typically not responsible for the account's credit history.
What happens to a joint account if one person dies?
Money in a joint account with survivorship rights passes to the surviving joint owner outside of probate. The surviving owner keeps full access to the account. If the account does not have survivorship rights, the money becomes part of the deceased person's estate. Ask your banker whether your joint account has survivorship rights when you set it up.