You can add an authorized user or joint owner through the Bank of America app, website, or in person at a branch

Bank of America lets you add someone to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has equal rights to the account and can make all decisions) or as an authorized user (who can access the account but you remain the primary owner). The fastest route is the mobile app or website if you already have online banking set up. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with the person you want to add and valid ID for both of you.

The person you add will need to be present or provide consent, and Bank of America will verify their identity. If you're adding a minor, the rules are different—minors can be added as authorized users but not as joint owners on most account types.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint owners have equal control of the account and can make withdrawals, transfers, and account changes; authorized users can access funds but cannot close the account or change terms.
  • You can add someone through the Bank of America app, website, or by visiting a branch with both IDs present.
  • The person being added must provide consent and Bank of America will verify their identity before the change takes effect.
  • Adding a minor requires a parent or guardian and follows different rules than adding an adult.
  • The process usually takes a few minutes online or in-branch, though it may take up to one business day for changes to appear in the system.

Adding a joint owner through the app or website

Log into your Bank of America account online or in the mobile app and go to the account settings or account details section. Look for an option labeled "Add owner," "Manage account access," or "Account settings." Bank of America will ask you to enter the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information.

The person you're adding will receive a notification (usually by email or text) asking them to confirm they want to be added to the account. They must accept this invitation using their own Bank of America login or by creating one if they don't have an account yet. Once they confirm, the change is processed and both of you will have full access to the account.

If the person doesn't have a Bank of America account, they can create one during this process. The whole thing typically takes a few minutes, though it may take up to one business day for the change to show up in both accounts.

Adding an authorized user online

Authorized users have fewer rights than joint owners. They can see the account balance, make transfers, and withdraw money, but they cannot close the account, change the account type, remove other users, or make changes to account settings. If you want someone to have limited access—like a family member who helps with bills but shouldn't control the account—authorized user is the right choice.

To add an authorized user, go to account settings in the app or website and select "Add authorized user" or similar language. Enter their name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Bank of America will send them a notification to confirm, and once they accept, they'll be added to the account. They do not need their own Bank of America account to be an authorized user.

Adding someone in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with the person you want to add and bring valid government-issued ID for both of you (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Tell the teller you want to add a joint owner or authorized user to your checking account. They will verify both identities and have you sign the paperwork together.

The teller will explain the difference between joint owner and authorized user and ask which you prefer. If you're adding a joint owner, both of you will need to sign. If you're adding an authorized user, you sign and they confirm their consent. The change usually takes effect immediately or within one business day.

This method is useful if you want to walk through the options with someone at the bank, or if the person you're adding doesn't have online banking set up yet.

Adding a minor to your account

Bank of America allows minors to be added as authorized users on a parent's or guardian's account, but not as joint owners. The parent or guardian must be present at the branch or complete the online process themselves. The minor does not need to be present, but Bank of America may ask for their date of birth and Social Security number.

Once added, the minor can use a debit card linked to the account and access it through the mobile app if they have a Bank of America login. However, they cannot make account changes or remove themselves. The parent or guardian retains full control and can remove the minor at any time.

When the minor turns 18, they can request to become a joint owner if both parties agree, but this requires a separate process and may require a visit to the branch.

What happens after someone is added

Once the person is added as a joint owner or authorized user, they will have access to the account within one business day. If they don't already have a Bank of America account, they can create one and link it to the shared checking account. Both of you can see all transactions, balances, and account history.

Joint owners can make any change to the account, including removing the other owner, closing the account, or changing the account type. Authorized users cannot make these changes. If you want to remove someone later, you can do so through the app, website, or by visiting a branch.

Bank of America will send both account holders statements and notifications about account activity. If you have online alerts set up, both of you will receive them.

Removing someone from your account

If you need to remove a joint owner or authorized user, log into your account online or in the app and go to account settings. Select the person's name and choose "Remove" or "Remove access." You can also visit a branch and ask a teller to remove them. If the person is a joint owner, they have the same right to remove you, so removing a joint owner is a mutual decision if both parties are aware.

Once removed, the person will no longer have access to the account. Bank of America will send them a notification that they've been removed. Any debit cards linked to their access will stop working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Bank of America account?

Yes. If you're adding them as a joint owner, they can create a Bank of America account as part of the process. If you're adding them as an authorized user, they don't need a Bank of America account at all—they can access the account through the app or online banking once you add them, or they can create an account later if they want to.

What's the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user?

A joint owner has equal rights to the account and can make any change, including removing the other owner or closing the account. An authorized user can access funds and see the balance but cannot close the account, change settings, or remove themselves. Choose joint owner if you want to share full control; choose authorized user if you want to give someone limited access.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

No. Bank of America requires the person to confirm they want to be added to the account. They will receive a notification and must accept it before the change takes effect. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access.

How long does it take to add someone to my account?

Online, the process takes a few minutes to complete, though the change may take up to one business day to appear in both accounts. In person at a branch, it usually happens immediately or within one business day.

Can I add someone to my account if they live in a different state?

Yes. You can add them through the app or website from anywhere. If you prefer to do it in person, you can visit a Bank of America branch in your state and they can confirm online or visit a branch in their state.