The fastest way to add an authorized user to your Citibank account
You can add someone to your Citibank checking account in two ways: as an authorized user (they can use the account but you remain the owner) or as a joint account holder (you both own it equally). Most people choose authorized user status because it keeps you in control. Citibank lets you add an authorized user online through your account dashboard, by phone, or in person at a branch — the online method takes about 10 minutes and the person can start using the account within one to two business days.
The person you add must be at least 18 years old and you will need their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Citibank will run a soft credit check (it does not affect their credit score) and verify their identity. If you are converting an existing account to a joint account instead, the process is different and requires both of you to visit a branch or call Citibank together.
Key Takeaways
- Adding an authorized user online takes about 10 minutes and the person can access the account within one to two business days.
- You will need the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the request.
- An authorized user can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, but you remain the account owner and can remove them at any time.
- If you want to make the account truly joint (equal ownership), you must visit a branch or call Citibank with the other person present.
Adding an authorized user through your online account
Log into your Citibank account on the website or mobile app and look for the account settings or account management section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app. Select the checking account you want to modify, then find the option to add an authorized user or cardholder. You will be asked to enter the person's full legal name as it appears on their government ID, their date of birth, and their Social Security number.
After you submit the information, Citibank will send a verification code to your registered phone number or email address. Enter that code to confirm the request. The new authorized user will receive notification that they have been added and can set up their own login credentials if they want online access. They can use a debit card linked to the account immediately, though Citibank may take one to two business days to issue a physical card.
Adding an authorized user by phone or in person
Call Citibank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and tell them you want to add an authorized user. Have the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then process the request over the phone. This method takes about 15 to 20 minutes and the authorized user can typically access the account within one to two business days.
If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Citibank branch with your ID and bring the other person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number (they do not need to be present for this step, though some branches prefer it). The branch representative will process the addition and can issue a debit card on the spot if the person is there with you.
What an authorized user can and cannot do
An authorized user can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and pay bills from the account using the debit card or online banking. They can see the full transaction history and account balance. However, they cannot close the account, change the account type, remove themselves, or add other authorized users — only the original account owner can do those things.
The authorized user is not responsible for overdrafts or fees, though they will be charged overdraft fees if they overdraw the account (you, as the owner, are also responsible). If the account is overdrawn, Citibank may pursue collection from you as the primary account holder. The authorized user does not build credit history from the account unless Citibank reports it to the credit bureaus, which most banks do not do for authorized users.
Converting to a joint account instead
If you want the other person to have equal ownership and control of the account, you need to convert it to a joint account. This is different from adding an authorized user and requires both of you to be present or to call Citibank together. Visit a branch with both your ID and the other person's ID, or call Citibank's customer service with the other person on the line.
A joint account means both of you own the money equally, both can make decisions about the account, and both are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If one person dies, the surviving owner typically inherits the full balance (this is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for most joint accounts). If you later want to remove the other person or convert back to a single-owner account, both of you usually need to agree or visit a branch together.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user at any time through your online account, by phone, or in person at a branch. Log into your account online, go to the account settings, and select the option to remove an authorized user or cardholder. Confirm the removal and Citibank will deactivate their access immediately. Any debit card in their name will stop working within hours.
If you remove someone by phone, call the number on the back of your card and ask to remove an authorized user. Citibank will verify your identity and process the removal right away. The person will not receive advance notice that they have been removed, so their card will simply decline the next time they try to use it. If you want to notify them first, do that before you call Citibank.
What happens if the authorized user overspends or commits fraud
If an authorized user overdraws the account, you are responsible for the overdraft fee and the negative balance. Citibank will charge the overdraft fee to the account (typically $35 per transaction, though this varies). If the account stays negative, Citibank may close it and report the debt to a collection agency — the debt will appear on your credit report, not the authorized user's.
If an authorized user uses the account fraudulently or without your permission, report it to Citibank immediately. Call the fraud line on the back of your card or log into your account and report the unauthorized transaction. Citibank will investigate and may reverse the transaction, but you are responsible for proving it was unauthorized. If the authorized user is someone you know and trust, the burden of proof is on you to show the transaction was not authorized by you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?
Citibank requires a Social Security number to add an authorized user. If the person has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, contact Citibank directly to ask whether they will accept it — policies vary by branch and situation.
Does adding an authorized user affect their credit score?
No. Citibank runs a soft credit check, which does not show up on their credit report or affect their score. The authorized user does not build credit history from the account unless Citibank reports it to credit bureaus, which is rare for authorized users.
Can an authorized user remove themselves from the account?
No. Only the account owner can remove an authorized user. If the authorized user wants to stop using the account, they must ask you to remove them, or they can simply stop using the debit card.
What if I want to add someone but they live out of state?
You can add an authorized user online or by phone without them being present. You only need their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They do not need to visit a branch or be on the phone call with you.
How long does it take for a new authorized user to receive their debit card?
Citibank typically mails a physical debit card within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can access the account online or through the mobile app immediately, and can request a temporary card number for online purchases while waiting for the physical card.