You can add someone to your account in person, by phone, or online through your Bank of America profile
Bank of America lets you add another person to your checking or savings account in three ways: walk into a branch with the other person present, call customer service and complete verification steps, or use the online banking portal if you already have digital access set up. The person you add becomes an authorized user or joint account holder, depending on what you choose — and that choice affects what they can do with the account and what liability they carry.
The fastest route is usually the branch visit, because the banker can verify both people's identities on the spot and make the change immediately. Phone and online methods take longer because Bank of America has to confirm who you are through security questions or a code sent to your registered phone number.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but the original account holder remains legally responsible for all activity.
- A joint account holder has equal ownership and equal legal responsibility — both names appear on statements and both can close the account.
- You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them, whether you go in person or by phone.
- Adding someone in a Bank of America branch takes minutes if both people bring valid ID; phone and online methods can take several business days.
- Once someone is added, they can use a debit card, make transfers, and see all account history — you cannot hide transactions from an authorized user or joint holder.
The difference between authorized user and joint account holder
An authorized user can use the account — withdraw money, make deposits, pay bills, transfer funds — but the original account holder keeps legal ownership and responsibility. If the authorized user overdrafts the account or makes unauthorized transactions, you are the one the bank pursues for payment. The authorized user's name does not appear on the account title or statements.
A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. Both names appear on the account, both are legally responsible for overdrafts and fraud, and either person can close the account without the other's permission. Joint account holders also have equal claim to the money in the account — if one person dies, the surviving joint holder typically inherits the full balance.
Most people add a spouse or adult child as a joint holder. Most people add a teenager or someone with limited financial responsibility as an authorized user. Bank of America does not restrict which you choose, but the legal and financial consequences are different, so decide before you go to the branch or call.
Adding someone in person at a Bank of America branch
Bring both people to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The banker will ask for the person's Social Security number and current address, verify both identities, and ask whether you want them as an authorized user or joint holder.
The change takes effect immediately. You will receive a new debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if the new person needs one. If they are an authorized user only, they can use your existing card or request their own. If they are a joint holder, they can request a card with their name on it.
This is the fastest method because the banker handles everything while you wait. There is no waiting for verification codes or security questions. If you have questions about what the new person can do with the account, ask the banker before you leave — they can show you on the screen what permissions each role carries.
Adding someone by phone
Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add an authorized user or joint holder. They will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions about your account history, confirming recent transactions, or providing your Social Security number.
Once you are verified, they will ask for the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will explain the difference between authorized user and joint holder and ask which you want. They will also ask whether the person needs a new debit card or will use an existing one.
The change typically takes 1 to 3 business days to process. You will receive written confirmation in the mail. If a new debit card is needed, it arrives separately within 7 to 10 business days. During the waiting period, the person cannot yet use the account — they have to wait for the change to post to the system.
Adding someone through online banking
Log into your Bank of America online account. Go to Settings, then Account Management, then look for an option like "Add User" or "Manage Account Access." You will be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a code sent to your phone or answering security questions.
Enter the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Select whether they should be an authorized user or joint holder. Bank of America will send them an email asking them to confirm they want access to the account. They have to click the link and verify their identity before the change takes effect.
This method takes the longest — typically 3 to 5 business days — because the other person has to respond to the email and complete their own verification. If they do not respond within a certain window (usually 7 days), the request expires and you have to start over. Once both of you have verified, the change posts and they can access the account.
What the new person can do once they are added
An authorized user or joint holder can log into online banking with their own username and password, see the full account balance and transaction history, make transfers between Bank of America accounts, pay bills, set up automatic payments, and deposit checks using the mobile app. They can also visit a branch and withdraw cash or make deposits using their debit card.
They cannot change the account's contact information, close the account, or remove themselves — only the original account holder can do those things. If you want to remove them later, you can do that online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
If the new person is a joint holder, they have one additional power: they can close the account without your permission. This is a real risk if you are adding someone you do not fully trust. If you are adding a teenager or someone with limited financial judgment, authorized user is the safer choice.
Documents and information you will need
Have the other person's information ready before you call, go online, or visit the branch. You will need their full legal name (as it appears on their ID), date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. If they do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — ask the banker or customer service representative.
If you are going in person, both people need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Bank of America will not accept a student ID, library card, or expired ID.
If you are adding a minor (under 18), the rules vary by state and by the type of account. Some Bank of America accounts cannot have minors as joint holders. Call ahead or ask at the branch whether the account type allows it.
What happens if you want to remove someone later
You can remove an authorized user or joint holder online, by phone, or in person. If you remove them online, log into your account, go to Settings and Account Management, and look for an option to remove or manage users. If you call, customer service will verify your identity and process the removal. If you go in person, a banker will do it while you wait.
Once someone is removed, they lose access to the account immediately. They can no longer log in, see the balance, or make transactions. Any debit card in their name becomes inactive. If they are a joint holder, removing them does not affect their legal claim to money that was in the account while they were a holder — that is a separate legal question that depends on your state's laws and whether the account was set up as a true joint account or a convenience account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone without them being present?
Yes, by phone or online. You do not need the other person in the room, but Bank of America will send them an email or text asking them to confirm they want access. They have to respond and verify their identity before the change takes effect. If you add them in person, both of you must be there with valid ID.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Bank of America may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call customer service or ask at a branch before you try to add them. The rules vary, and some account types have stricter requirements than others.
Can I add someone as an authorized user without them knowing?
Technically yes if you do it by phone or online, but Bank of America sends them a notification that they have been added. They will see the account in their online banking and receive mail about it. It is not a secret process.
If I add someone as a joint holder, can they take all the money?
Yes. A joint holder has equal legal ownership and can withdraw the entire balance without your permission. This is why joint accounts are usually only used with people you trust completely — a spouse, an adult child, or a parent. If you want to share account access with someone but protect the money, make them an authorized user instead.
How long does it take for the new person to access the account?
In person at a branch: immediately. By phone: 1 to 3 business days. Online: 3 to 5 business days, because the other person has to respond to an email and verify their identity. A new debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail in all cases.