Yes, you can add someone to your Bank of America account, but the method depends on what access you want them to have

Bank of America lets you add another person to your account in two main ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but you remain the account owner and keep full control. A joint account holder has equal ownership and equal access to all funds—either person can withdraw everything. The person you add must be present in person at a Bank of America branch, or in some cases you can complete the process online if they already have a Bank of America account.

The choice between these two options matters because it affects who owns the money, who can close the account, and what happens if the relationship changes. Most people adding a spouse or adult child choose joint ownership. Most people adding a teenager or caregiver choose authorized user status.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can make purchases and withdrawals but does not own the account; you can remove them anytime without their consent.
  • A joint account holder owns the account equally and can withdraw all funds, close the account, or change account settings without telling you.
  • Both the account owner and the person being added must be present at a Bank of America branch, or you can add them online if they have their own Bank of America account and online banking access.
  • Adding someone as an authorized user takes minutes; converting to a joint account or adding a joint owner typically requires a visit to the branch.
  • The person you add must provide a government-issued ID and a Social Security number or tax ID.

Adding an authorized user online or by phone

If you want to add someone as an authorized user only, you can often do this through Bank of America's online banking portal or by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000. Log into your account, go to the account settings or card management section, and look for "Add Authorized User" or similar language. You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Bank of America will mail a debit card to the authorized user at the address you provide. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can begin making transactions as soon as the card arrives, even before it is activated. You can set daily spending limits on the card through your online account if you want to control how much they can spend.

You can remove an authorized user at any time through online banking or by calling customer service. The card will stop working immediately, though the person can still access the account if you have given them your login credentials separately.

Adding a joint account holder at the branch

To add someone as a joint account holder, both of you must visit a Bank of America branch in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number or tax ID. The branch employee will verify both identities, explain the rights and responsibilities of joint ownership, and have both of you sign the paperwork.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Bank of America will issue a new debit card to the joint owner, which arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Both account holders can see all transactions, change account settings, add or remove other users, and withdraw funds without permission from the other person.

Once someone is a joint owner, you cannot remove them unilaterally. To remove a joint owner, both people must go to the branch together and sign a form, or the remaining owner can close the account and open a new one. This is a significant difference from authorized user status, so think carefully before making someone a joint owner.

Adding someone online if they have a Bank of America account

If the person you want to add already has their own Bank of America checking or savings account and online banking access, you may be able to add them as a joint owner through online banking without visiting a branch. Log into your account, find the account settings or "Manage Account" section, and look for an option to add a joint owner or link accounts.

The other person will receive a request through their Bank of America online banking portal and must accept it. Once they accept, they become a joint owner with full access. This method is faster than a branch visit, but not all account types support it—call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm whether your account allows online joint owner addition.

What happens to the account if one person dies

If you have a joint account and one owner dies, the surviving owner keeps the account and all the money in it. Bank of America does not freeze the account or require probate court approval. The surviving owner should notify Bank of America of the death, and the bank will remove the deceased person's name from the account.

If you have an authorized user and the account owner dies, the authorized user loses access immediately. The account becomes part of the deceased person's estate and is handled according to their will or state law. An authorized user has no claim to the funds.

Tax and legal consequences of joint ownership

A joint account is treated as owned equally by both people for tax purposes. If the account earns interest, Bank of America will issue a 1099-INT form to both owners, and you will each owe taxes on your share of the interest. The bank does not split the interest automatically—you and the joint owner must decide how to divide it.

Joint ownership can also affect Medicaid or other means-tested benefits. If one owner applies for Medicaid and the account has more than the allowed resource limit, the entire account balance may count against them, even if the other owner contributed most of the money. Consult a benefits counselor or attorney before adding someone as a joint owner if either person receives or may receive Medicaid, SSI, or similar programs.

If you are adding a spouse, a joint account is straightforward. If you are adding an adult child or other relative, consider whether they could face creditor claims or legal judgments that might put the account at risk. A joint owner's creditors can potentially pursue the joint account to satisfy a judgment.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

To remove an authorized user, log into your Bank of America online account, go to card or account settings, and select the option to remove the authorized user. The change takes effect immediately, and the debit card stops working right away. You do not need the authorized user's permission or presence.

To remove a joint owner, both of you must visit a Bank of America branch together with photo ID. You will both sign a form removing one person from the account. If the joint owner refuses to go to the branch or you cannot locate them, you can close the account entirely and open a new one in your name alone, but the joint owner will still have a claim to any funds that were in the account at the time of closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For authorized user status, yes—you can do it online or by phone without the person present. For joint ownership, both people must visit a branch in person, or if they already have a Bank of America account, they can accept a joint owner request online. Bank of America requires identity verification for anyone with ownership rights.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding someone as an authorized user does not affect their credit. Adding them as a joint owner also does not directly affect their credit, but if the account goes negative or is sent to collections, it could appear on both owners' credit reports. Authorized users are not responsible for overdrafts or debt on the account.

What if I want to add someone but they do not have a Social Security number?

Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for anyone being added to an account. If the person does not have either, they cannot be added as an authorized user or joint owner. They could use a different bank account or a prepaid card instead.

Can I add a minor to my account?

Yes, you can add a minor as an authorized user and they will receive a debit card. You cannot make a minor a joint owner—joint ownership requires the person to be a legal adult (18 or older in most states). As the account owner, you keep full control and can set spending limits or remove the card anytime.

What if the joint owner takes all the money and closes the account?

A joint owner has the legal right to withdraw all funds without your permission. If they close the account or empty it, you have no recourse through the bank—Bank of America will not reverse the transaction or force them to return the money. This is why joint ownership should only be used with people you trust completely.