What happens when you add a spouse to your account
When you add your spouse to your Bank of America checking account, they become a joint account holder with equal legal rights to the money in that account. Both of you can deposit, withdraw, and transfer funds without permission from the other. Both names appear on the account, and both of you receive statements and can set up online access.
This is different from giving someone power of attorney or making them an authorized user on a credit card. A joint account holder owns the money in the account; they are not just permitted to use it. If your spouse passes away, the account typically transfers to you automatically under most state laws, though this depends on how the account is titled and your state's rules.
You can add a spouse in person at a Bank of America branch, by phone, or sometimes through online banking, depending on your account type and whether your spouse already has a Bank of America account.
Key Takeaways
- Your spouse becomes a full joint owner with equal access to all funds and no daily withdrawal limits between the two of you.
- You will need your spouse's Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID to add them to the account.
- The fastest method is visiting a Bank of America branch together with both forms of ID, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- If your spouse does not have a Bank of America account, the branch can open one at the same time they are added to your checking account.
- After the change is complete, both account holders can access the account online, by phone, or at any ATM.
Adding your spouse in person at a branch
Visiting a Bank of America branch with your spouse is the most straightforward route. Bring both government-issued IDs (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security numbers, and your account number or debit card. The banker will verify both identities, confirm that you both want to be on the account, and update the account paperwork on the spot.
The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If your spouse does not already have a Bank of America account, the banker can open one during the same visit and then add them to your checking account. You will receive updated debit cards and account statements within 7 to 10 business days. Both of you can set up online access immediately after the change is made.
If you have a Preferred Rewards membership or other account features, the banker will confirm that these carry over to the joint account. Ask about any changes to your monthly service fees, since some account tiers have different requirements once a second owner is added.
Adding your spouse by phone
Bank of America allows you to add a spouse by calling their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000. Have your account number, Social Security number, and your spouse's Social Security number and date of birth ready. The representative will verify your identity and ask security questions about your account.
The representative will then need to speak with your spouse to verify their identity and confirm they consent to being added. Your spouse must be available during the call. After both of you are verified, the account change is processed, and you will receive new debit cards and statements in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Phone-based changes take longer to finalize than in-person visits because the bank must mail new cards and documentation. If you need immediate access or want to set up online banking right away, a branch visit is faster.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents and information before you contact Bank of America or visit a branch:
- Your account number or debit card
- Government-issued photo ID for yourself (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Government-issued photo ID for your spouse
- Your Social Security number
- Your spouse's Social Security number
- Your spouse's date of birth
If your spouse does not have a Social Security number, contact Bank of America directly to ask about alternative forms of identification they will accept. Some accounts may require additional documentation depending on your state or account type.
What happens after your spouse is added
Once the change is complete, your spouse can access the account through online banking, the Bank of America mobile app, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or at any Bank of America ATM. They will receive their own debit card and can set up their own PIN.
Both of you will receive monthly statements, and both names will appear on all account documents. If either of you sets up alerts for large transactions or low balances, the other account holder will not automatically receive those alerts unless they set them up separately.
Your account's overdraft protection, if you have it, remains in place. If the account goes negative, both account holders are responsible for the overdraft fee. Similarly, if the account is linked to a savings account or credit card for transfers, both owners can initiate those transfers.
Removing your spouse from the account later
If you later decide to remove your spouse from the account, you can do so by visiting a branch or calling customer service. Bank of America requires the account holder who is staying on the account to request the removal. Your spouse does not have to consent to being removed.
When a spouse is removed, the account becomes a single-owner account again. Any pending transactions or automatic payments linked to the account continue as normal. The removed spouse loses access to the account immediately, though they may still see transaction history online if they do not change their password.
If there is a dispute about account ownership or funds, contact Bank of America's legal department or consult an attorney before requesting removal, as this can affect claims to the money in the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add my spouse without them being present?
No. Bank of America requires both account holders to verify their identity and consent to the joint account, either in person at a branch or by phone during the same call. Your spouse must confirm they want to be added to the account.
Will adding my spouse affect my credit score?
Adding a spouse to a checking account does not affect either person's credit score. Checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you later apply for credit together, lenders may review both of your credit histories.
What if my spouse already has a Bank of America account?
If your spouse already has their own Bank of America account, the banker can still add them to your checking account. They will keep their existing account and also become a joint owner of your account. You will have two separate accounts.
Can I add my spouse to just the checking account and not my savings account?
Yes. You can add your spouse to your checking account only. If you want them on your savings account later, you can add them in a separate transaction. Each account can have different owners.
What happens to the account if my spouse passes away?
In most states, the account automatically transfers to the surviving spouse under the right of survivorship rule. However, this depends on how the account is titled and your state's laws. Contact Bank of America after a spouse's death to confirm the account status and discuss next steps.