You can add your girlfriend as an authorized user or joint owner, but the process and permissions differ
USAA offers two ways to give your girlfriend access to your checking account: as an authorized user or as a joint account owner. An authorized user can make purchases and withdrawals using a debit card or checks, but you remain the sole account owner and retain full control. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all decisions, and is equally liable for overdrafts or disputes. Which one you choose depends on how much control you want to keep and whether you want to merge finances.
Both options require her to be present with a valid government ID, or you can initiate the process online or by phone and she can complete her part later. USAA will verify her identity and run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) before finalizing either arrangement. There is no fee to add an authorized user or convert to a joint account.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can spend from your account but you stay the sole owner; a joint owner has equal rights and equal responsibility for the account.
- Both require her valid ID and USAA's identity verification, which typically takes one business day to complete.
- You can start the process online, by phone, or in person at a USAA branch or financial center.
- If you later remove an authorized user or close a joint account, USAA will deactivate her access immediately.
Adding her as an authorized user
An authorized user receives a debit card linked to your account and can make purchases, withdraw cash, and write checks. She cannot change account settings, close the account, add or remove other users, or see your account statements unless you give her access separately. You remain the account owner and are responsible for all activity, including any overdrafts or fraud claims.
To add her, log into your USAA online account, go to the account settings or account management section, and select "Add authorized user." You will need her full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and a current address. USAA will send her a verification link via email or text; she clicks it and confirms her identity. Once verified, USAA mails a debit card to her address, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. She can use the card immediately after it arrives, even before activating it by phone.
If you prefer not to use the online process, call USAA at 1-800-531-8722 and ask to add an authorized user. A representative can walk you through it over the phone, and your girlfriend can verify her identity during the same call or later.
Converting to a joint account or adding her as a joint owner
A joint account means both of you own it equally. Either of you can withdraw all the money, close the account, add or remove users, or change settings without the other's permission. Both of you are liable for overdrafts, and creditors can pursue either of you for unpaid balances. If one of you dies, the account typically passes to the surviving owner automatically (this is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for USAA joint accounts).
To convert your existing account to a joint account, log into USAA online and look for "Account Settings" or "Manage Account." Select the option to add a joint owner. You will need her full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. USAA will send her a verification link; she confirms her identity, and the conversion is complete within one business day. She will have full access to the account immediately—no debit card wait time.
Alternatively, visit a USAA financial center in person with her and a valid ID for each of you. A representative can convert the account on the spot. If there is no branch near you, call 1-800-531-8722 and ask to add a joint owner; USAA can mail documents for both of you to sign and return.
What she can and cannot do in each role
| Action | Authorized User | Joint Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Make purchases and withdrawals | Yes | Yes |
| Write checks | Yes | Yes |
| View account statements | Only if you grant access | Yes, automatically |
| Change account settings | No | Yes |
| Add or remove users | No | Yes |
| Close the account | No | Yes |
| Liable for overdrafts | No (you are) | Yes |
Identity verification and what USAA checks
USAA will verify your girlfriend's identity using her Social Security number and date of birth. They run a ChexSystems report, which is a database of banking history—it shows whether she has had accounts closed due to fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other issues. A negative ChexSystems history does not automatically disqualify her, but USAA may deny the request or require additional documentation if there are red flags.
She should have her Social Security card or a document showing her SSN, a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of her current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If she is a non-U.S. citizen, USAA may require an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of an SSN, plus a passport or visa.
Removing her access later
If you decide to remove her as an authorized user, log into your USAA account, go to account settings, and select "Remove authorized user." Her debit card is deactivated immediately, and she can no longer access the account. USAA does not notify her of the removal, so you should tell her directly.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated because she has equal legal rights. You cannot unilaterally remove her. Instead, you can close the joint account and open a new individual account, or you can contact USAA and ask about converting the account back to your name only—this requires her written consent. If you are in a dispute with her, USAA may freeze the account pending legal resolution.
Tax and legal considerations
Adding someone to your account does not change your tax obligations or filing status. USAA reports interest earned on the account to the IRS; if the account earns more than $10 in interest in a year, USAA sends a 1099-INT form to both the account owner and any joint owner. Each of you reports your share of the interest on your own tax return.
If you are married or in a domestic partnership, check your state's laws about community property. In some states, any account opened during marriage is automatically considered joint property even if only one spouse's name is on it. If you are not married, adding her as a joint owner creates a legal obligation that survives a breakup—you cannot simply close the account without her consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add her if she is not a USAA member?
Yes. She does not need to be a USAA member to be an authorized user or joint owner. USAA will verify her identity and run a ChexSystems check, but membership is not required. If she wants her own USAA account later, she can open one separately.
What happens if she overdrafts the account?
If she is an authorized user, you are responsible for the overdraft fee and any negative balance. If she is a joint owner, both of you are liable. USAA will charge an overdraft fee (typically $34 per transaction as of the last update, though this varies) and may close the account if overdrafts are repeated.
Can I set spending limits on her card?
USAA does not offer per-transaction spending limits for authorized users or joint owners. You can monitor her spending by reviewing account statements, but you cannot restrict how much she withdraws or spends in a single transaction. If you want to limit her access, you could keep most of the money in a separate account and transfer only what you want her to spend.
What if we break up?
If she is an authorized user, you can remove her immediately and her card stops working. If she is a joint owner, you cannot remove her without her consent. You would need to close the account and open a new one, or pursue a legal agreement. Do not close a joint account without notifying her—this can create legal and financial problems.
Does adding her affect my credit score?
No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not affect either of your credit scores. Credit scores are based on credit history (loans, credit cards, payment history), not checking accounts. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is sent to collections, it could appear on both of your credit reports.