You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your USAA checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch
USAA lets you add someone to your account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has full control and legal responsibility) or as an authorized user (who can use the account but you remain the primary account holder). The method you choose depends on whether you want to share complete control or give limited access. Most people add a spouse as a joint owner and adult children or caregivers as authorized users.
The fastest route is usually USAA's mobile app or website, where you can start the process immediately. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call USAA Member Services at 1-800-531-USAA (8722) and they will walk you through it. You can also visit a USAA-affiliated branch in person, though USAA itself operates primarily as an online bank.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners have equal access to the account and equal legal responsibility for overdrafts or disputes; authorized users can use the account but you keep primary control.
- You will need the person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address to add them.
- Adding someone online through the USAA app or website usually takes a few minutes, but USAA may require verification before the change takes effect.
- Both joint owners and authorized users receive their own debit card and online access, so they can make purchases and check balances independently.
- You can remove someone from the account at any time through the same online tools or by calling Member Services.
Adding a joint owner versus an authorized user
A joint owner has the same rights to the account as you do. They can withdraw money, close the account, change account settings, and add or remove other people. If the account goes negative, both of you are responsible for the overdraft. If there is a dispute later, both names appear on legal documents. Joint ownership is typically used for spouses or long-term partners who share finances.
An authorized user can use the account to make purchases and withdrawals, but cannot change account settings, close the account, or add other people. You remain the primary account holder and the one legally responsible for the account. Authorized users are often used for adult children, elderly parents, or caregivers who need access but should not have full control.
USAA does not charge a fee to add either type of user. The person you add will receive their own debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and they can set up online and mobile access immediately.
How to add someone online through the USAA app or website
Log into your USAA account on the mobile app or at usaa.com. Go to the account settings or account management section—this is usually labeled "Settings," "Account," or "Manage Account." Look for an option that says "Add User," "Manage Users," or "Authorized Users."
Select whether you want to add a joint owner or authorized user. Enter the person's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID, their date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. USAA will use this information to verify their identity.
Review the information you entered and confirm. USAA will send a confirmation to your registered email address and may send a verification code or link to the person you are adding. They may need to confirm their identity or accept the invitation before the change is complete. This verification step can take a few hours to a few days.
Once verified, the new user can log into USAA online or through the app using their own username and password. They will be able to see the account balance, make transfers, and use the debit card once it arrives.
Adding someone by phone or in person
Call USAA Member Services at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). Tell them you want to add a joint owner or authorized user and have the person's full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address ready. The representative will verify your identity and walk you through the process over the phone.
If you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit a branch that partners with USAA. USAA does not operate its own branch network, but it partners with other banks' branches in most areas. You can find a nearby partner branch on the USAA website. Bring your ID and the other person's ID, along with their Social Security number and current address.
Phone and in-person requests typically take the same amount of time as online requests—a few hours to a few days for verification—but speaking with a representative can answer questions on the spot.
What information you will need
Before you start, gather the following for the person you are adding:
- Full legal name (as it appears on a government ID)
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Current mailing address
You will also need to be logged into your own USAA account and have access to your registered email address, because USAA will send confirmation messages there. If you are adding a joint owner, USAA may ask additional questions about your relationship to verify the request is legitimate.
Timeline and what happens after you add someone
The account change itself usually takes effect within a few hours to one business day once both parties have verified their identity. However, the physical debit card for the new user takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Until the card arrives, they can still use the account online and through the mobile app to make transfers and pay bills.
If the new user needs to make purchases in a store or at a gas pump before their card arrives, they can request a temporary card number through the USAA app, which can be used immediately for online and phone purchases. Some USAA branches can also issue a temporary card in person.
Once the debit card arrives, the new user should activate it through the USAA app or by calling the number on the back of the card. They can then use it at ATMs, stores, and online just like any other debit card.
Removing someone from your account
You can remove a joint owner or authorized user at any time through the USAA app or website by going to account settings and selecting the option to remove a user. You can also call Member Services to request removal over the phone. The removal takes effect immediately, and their debit card will stop working right away.
If you remove someone, USAA does not automatically close their online access—you may want to ask them to change their password or contact USAA to confirm their access has been revoked. If there are any pending transactions or transfers, those will be completed before the removal takes effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?
USAA requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have either, they cannot be added as a joint owner or authorized user. You may want to contact USAA Member Services to discuss other options.
What if the person I'm adding lives in a different state?
It does not matter where the person lives. USAA can add them to your account as long as you provide their current mailing address. Their debit card will be mailed to that address, and they can access the account online from anywhere.
Can I add a minor to my USAA checking account?
USAA does not allow minors to be added as joint owners or authorized users on a standard checking account. However, USAA offers youth accounts designed for minors with parental controls. Contact Member Services to learn about youth account options.
Will adding someone affect my credit score?
Adding a joint owner or authorized user to a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus track credit accounts like loans and credit cards, not checking accounts. The change will not appear on either person's credit report.
What happens if I add someone and then change my mind?
You can remove them immediately through the USAA app, website, or by calling Member Services. Their access stops right away, and their debit card will no longer work. There is no fee to remove someone, and you can add them back later if you change your mind again.