The two ways to add someone to your account

You can add another person to your Bank of America checking account in two ways: as a joint owner or as an authorized user. A joint owner has full access to the account, can withdraw money, close the account, and is legally responsible for overdrafts. An authorized user can use the debit card and make transactions but cannot close the account or change account settings. Choose joint owner if the person needs complete control; choose authorized user if they need spending access only.

Both routes require you to go to a Bank of America branch in person with the other person present. You cannot add someone online or by phone. The person you are adding must bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Bank of America branch in person with the other person and their photo ID to add them to your account.
  • A joint owner has full account control and legal responsibility for overdrafts; an authorized user can spend but cannot close the account or change settings.
  • The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the branch, and the new person can use the account immediately or within one business day depending on the type of card issued.
  • If you want to remove someone later, you can do so online through your account settings or by visiting a branch.

What to bring to the branch

Bring your own photo ID and your debit card or account number. The other person must bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either of you has changed your name since your ID was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

If you are adding someone who is under 18, Bank of America requires a parent or legal guardian to be present. The minor will need their own photo ID (a school ID does not count). Some branches may ask for additional documentation for minors, so call ahead to confirm what your local branch needs.

Steps to add a joint owner at the branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with the other person and both photo IDs. Tell the teller or a banker that you want to add a joint owner to your checking account. They will take you to a desk, verify both identities, and pull up your account on their system.

The banker will explain the rights and responsibilities of a joint owner — that both of you can withdraw all the money, that both are liable for overdrafts, and that either can close the account without the other's permission. You will sign a form authorizing the change. The new joint owner will also sign. The banker will order a new debit card for the new owner, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can ask for a temporary card to use immediately in some cases.

Your account is updated right away, but the new joint owner cannot access online banking until their debit card arrives and they set up their own login. If you want them to access the account before the card arrives, ask the banker whether they can issue a temporary card or whether the new owner can set up online access at the branch.

Steps to add an authorized user at the branch

Visit a Bank of America branch with the person you want to add and both photo IDs. Tell the teller you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. A banker will verify identities and pull up your account.

The banker will explain that an authorized user can make purchases and withdrawals but cannot close the account, change account settings, or remove other users. You will sign a form, and the authorized user will sign as well. A debit card will be ordered for the authorized user, arriving in 7 to 10 business days.

Unlike a joint owner, an authorized user does not have online banking access to the account. They can only use the debit card. If you want them to see the balance or transaction history, you will need to share that information with them yourself or set up a separate login for them through your own online banking (some banks allow this, but Bank of America does not currently offer this feature for authorized users).

What happens after you leave the branch

The change takes effect immediately in Bank of America's system. The new joint owner or authorized user can begin using the account right away if you give them temporary access or a temporary card. The permanent debit card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If the new person needs to access the account online before their card arrives, ask the banker at the branch whether they can set up online banking credentials on the spot. For joint owners, this is usually possible. For authorized users, online access is not available, so they will only be able to use the debit card.

You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days. Keep this for your records. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the change went through.

How to remove someone from your account

You can remove a joint owner or authorized user online through your Bank of America account. Log in to your online banking, go to Account Settings, find the user management section, and select the option to remove the person. The change takes effect immediately, and they will no longer have access to the account or the debit card.

If you prefer to do this in person, visit a branch with your photo ID and ask a banker to remove the user. You do not need the other person present. If the person you are removing has the debit card, they can continue to use it until it expires or you report it lost or stolen, so consider calling Bank of America to deactivate their card right away after removing them from the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a photo ID?

No. Bank of America requires a valid government-issued photo ID for anyone being added to an account. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If the person does not have a driver's license or passport, they can obtain a state ID card from their local DMV.

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

A joint owner has full control: they can withdraw money, close the account, and change settings. Both joint owners are legally responsible for overdrafts. An authorized user can spend using a debit card but cannot close the account or change settings. The account owner remains responsible for overdrafts.

Can I add someone to my account without going to a branch?

No. Bank of America requires both the account owner and the person being added to visit a branch in person with photo IDs. You cannot do this online or by phone.

How long does it take for the new person to use the account?

They can use the account immediately if you give them temporary access or a temporary card at the branch. The permanent debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Online banking access for joint owners can sometimes be set up at the branch on the same day.

What if I want to remove someone but they refuse to cooperate?

You can remove them online or at a branch without their permission or presence. However, if they have a debit card, they can continue using it until it expires. Call Bank of America immediately to report the card lost or stolen and have it deactivated.