You can add an authorized user or joint owner to a Bank of America checking account, but the process and permissions differ depending on which role you choose

Bank of America offers two ways to give someone access to your checking account: as an authorized user or as a joint owner. An authorized user can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using a debit card or online access, but you remain the sole account owner and can remove them at any time. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all the same transactions, and cannot be removed without their consent—this is a more permanent arrangement.

The person you want to add must be present with you at a Bank of America branch with a valid government-issued ID. You cannot add someone online or over the phone. If the person lives far away, you will need to visit a branch together or have them visit a branch in their area while you handle the paperwork remotely through a phone call with the branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding an authorized user requires both of you to visit a Bank of America branch in person with valid ID; you cannot complete this online or by phone alone.
  • An authorized user can access the account and make transactions but you remain the owner and can remove them without their permission.
  • A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and cannot be removed without their consent, making it a permanent change unless both parties agree.
  • The branch will issue a new debit card to the authorized user or joint owner, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Both authorized users and joint owners can see the full transaction history and account balance online or through the mobile app.

What happens when you add an authorized user

When you add someone as an authorized user, Bank of America will issue them a debit card linked to your account. They can use that card to withdraw cash at ATMs, make purchases at stores, and transfer money online if you set up online access for them. They will also receive login credentials so they can view the account balance and transaction history through the Bank of America website or mobile app.

You stay in complete control. You can set daily spending limits on their debit card through your online account settings, and you can cancel their access or remove their card at any time without their permission. The account remains in your name only, and you are responsible for all activity on it. If the authorized user overspends or makes unauthorized transactions, you can dispute those transactions and remove them from the account.

What happens when you add a joint owner

A joint owner has the same legal rights to the account as you do. They can withdraw all the money, close the account, or make changes to account settings without your knowledge or permission. Bank of America will issue them a debit card and online access just as they would for an authorized user, but you cannot remove them or limit their spending without their agreement.

Joint ownership is appropriate for spouses, long-term partners, or family members you trust completely with full control of shared money. If you later want to remove a joint owner, both of you must visit the branch together to change the account structure. If the joint owner refuses, you cannot unilaterally remove them—your only option is to close the account and open a new one.

The step-by-step process at the branch

Visit your local Bank of America branch with the person you want to add. Both of you must bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user or joint owner to your checking account.

The banker will ask you which type of access you want to grant and will explain the differences. They will verify both of your identities, confirm your account details, and have you sign paperwork. If you are adding a joint owner, the new owner will also sign the paperwork. The banker will then order a debit card for the new user, which will be mailed to the address on file for your account.

The debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The new user can begin accessing the account online immediately after the paperwork is complete, even before the physical card arrives. If they need to withdraw cash before the card arrives, they can visit a branch with their ID and ask a banker to process a withdrawal.

Setting up online and mobile access for the new user

Once the paperwork is complete, the new authorized user or joint owner can set up their own login to access the account online. They will need to visit bankofamerica.com and select "Register" or "Enroll" to create a username and password. Bank of America will send them a verification code via email or text message to confirm their identity.

After they log in, they can view the account balance, see all transactions, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill pay. If you want to restrict what they can do online—for example, preventing them from changing the account password or adding new payees—you can adjust those permissions through your own online account settings under "User Administration" or "Manage Users," depending on your account type.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time by visiting your branch, calling Bank of America customer service, or using your online account settings. If you remove them online, log into your account, go to "Settings," select "Manage Users," and click the option to remove or deactivate the authorized user. Their debit card will stop working immediately, and they will lose access to the account online.

If you want to remove a joint owner, both of you must visit the branch together to sign paperwork changing the account structure. You cannot remove a joint owner without their consent. If a joint owner refuses to cooperate and you want sole control of the account, your only option is to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.

What the new user can and cannot do

An authorized user or joint owner can deposit checks, withdraw cash, make debit card purchases, transfer money to other accounts, and pay bills online. They can also see all past transactions and the current balance. What they cannot do depends on the permissions you set: you can prevent them from changing the account password, adding new authorized users, closing the account, or changing the mailing address.

Neither an authorized user nor a joint owner can take out a loan against the account, open a credit card in the account's name, or access any other accounts you hold at Bank of America unless you add them to those accounts separately. If you have a savings account, money market account, or credit card linked to your checking account, adding someone to the checking account does not automatically give them access to those other accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they don't live near me?

You both need to visit a Bank of America branch in person with valid ID. If they live far away, you can coordinate to visit branches in different locations on the same day and handle the paperwork by phone with a banker, or one of you can travel to meet at a single branch. Bank of America does not allow remote account additions without in-person verification.

What if I want to add a minor to my checking account?

Bank of America allows minors to be added as authorized users on a parent's or guardian's account, but the minor must be present at the branch with a valid ID (school ID or passport). The minor cannot be a joint owner until they reach the age of majority in your state, typically 18 years old.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not appear on a credit report and does not affect anyone's credit score. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts.

Can I add someone temporarily and then remove them?

Yes, if you add them as an authorized user. You can remove an authorized user at any time through your online account, by phone, or at a branch. If you add them as a joint owner, both of you must agree to change the account structure; you cannot remove them unilaterally.

What happens to the account if a joint owner dies?

The account becomes the property of the surviving joint owner or owners. Bank of America will not freeze the account or require probate. If you are the surviving owner, you can continue using the account normally. If you are not the surviving owner, the account passes entirely to them.