What you need to do to add a person to your checking account

Adding someone to your checking account means making them a joint owner or authorized user. The process differs depending on whether you want them to have full ownership rights (joint account holder) or limited access (authorized user). Most banks let you do this in person at a branch, by phone, or online through your account settings—though some still require a visit.

The person you're adding will need to provide identification and sign paperwork. Your bank will run a background check, usually through ChexSystems, a banking history database. The whole process typically takes a few minutes in-branch or one to three business days if you do it remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint account holders have equal ownership and full access to all funds; authorized users can use the account but don't own it.
  • You'll need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID to add them to the account.
  • Banks run a ChexSystems check on the person being added, which may delay approval by one to three business days.
  • Adding someone in person at a branch is usually fastest, but many banks now allow it online or by phone.
  • Both joint owners are liable for overdrafts and account activity, so understand the legal and financial implications before proceeding.

Joint account holder versus authorized user

A joint account holder is a co-owner of the account with equal legal rights. Both of you can withdraw money, make deposits, close the account, or change account settings. If one person dies, the surviving joint owner typically inherits the full balance. Both owners are equally responsible for overdrafts and any fees.

An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but does not own it. You remain the sole owner and can remove them at any time without their permission. Authorized users cannot close the account or change its terms. This option is useful if you want to give someone spending access without full ownership rights—for example, adding a teenager or a caregiver.

Some banks use different names for these roles. Chase calls them "owners" and "authorized users." Bank of America uses "account owner" and "authorized signer." Wells Fargo uses "account owner" and "authorized user." The legal function is the same across banks, but the terminology varies.

Information and documents you'll need

To add someone to your account, have the following ready:

  • The person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Their current address
  • Your account number and routing number (if doing this remotely)

If you're adding someone who is under 18, rules vary by bank. Some allow minors as authorized users only; others allow joint accounts for minors with a parent or guardian. Call your bank to confirm their policy before you start.

If the person you're adding lives out of state or out of the country, most banks can still add them remotely, but some require a video call or notarized signature. Ask your bank whether distance affects the process.

How to add someone in person at a branch

Go to your bank branch with the other person present. Bring both government-issued IDs and your account information. Tell the banker whether you want to add them as a joint owner or authorized user. They will explain the legal implications, have both of you sign the necessary forms, and run the ChexSystems check on the spot.

In-branch additions usually take 15 to 30 minutes and are effective when ready or within one business day. The person can often use a debit card or online access the same day, though some banks issue a new card that takes three to five business days to arrive.

How to add someone online or by phone

Many banks let you start the process through their mobile app or website. Log in, go to account settings, and look for "Add authorized user" or "Add account owner." You'll enter the person's information and may be asked to verify their identity through a video call or by uploading a photo of their ID.

If you call your bank's customer service line, they can walk you through the process and may email you forms to sign electronically. Some banks require both the account owner and the new person to sign documents separately. This can take one to three business days depending on how quickly both of you return signed paperwork.

Not all banks offer remote addition for joint owners—some require at least the new owner to visit a branch in person. Check your bank's website or call before you start, because policies vary widely.

What happens after you submit the request

Your bank will run a ChexSystems check on the person being added. This is a background check that looks at banking history, fraud, and unpaid accounts. Most people pass without issue. If the person has a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts, the bank may deny the request or ask for more information.

If approved, the person will be added to the account within one to three business days. They'll receive a debit card in the mail (if they don't already have one) and can set up online and mobile access. Some banks let them use the account when ready while the card is in transit.

If denied, the bank will tell you why. Common reasons include a ChexSystems flag, an active fraud investigation, or an outstanding debt to another bank. You can dispute a ChexSystems report if you believe it's inaccurate.

What to know about liability and account access

Both joint owners are legally responsible for the account's activity. If the account goes negative, both of you can be pursued for the overdraft. If one person makes unauthorized transfers or runs up debt, the other owner is still liable. Banks do not typically protect one joint owner from the other's actions.

Either joint owner can withdraw all the money without the other's permission. If you're adding someone you don't fully trust with unrestricted access, consider making them an authorized user instead, or set up a separate account for shared expenses.

If you want to remove someone later, you can do so by visiting a branch or calling customer service. The person being removed does not have to consent. However, some banks require both owners to be present to remove a joint owner, so check your bank's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Some banks allow it, especially for authorized users. You provide their information and they verify their identity through a video call or by uploading an ID photo. For joint owners, most banks require at least one of you to visit a branch in person, though policies vary. Call your bank to ask what they require.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

No. Adding someone as a joint owner or authorized user does not appear on their credit report and does not affect their credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is reported to collections, it could affect both owners' credit if the bank reports it.

What if I want to remove someone from the account later?

You can remove an authorized user at any time by contacting your bank. Removing a joint owner is more complicated—some banks require both owners to consent, while others let one owner remove the other. Visit your branch or call to learn your bank's specific process.

Can I add someone to my account if they have a ChexSystems flag?

It depends on the reason for the flag. If it's an old fraud case or unpaid overdraft, the bank may still approve them. If it's an active fraud investigation or recent unpaid debt, the bank will likely deny the request. The person can dispute inaccurate information on their ChexSystems report.

Do both owners need to sign documents to add a joint owner?

Yes. Both the account owner and the person being added must sign paperwork acknowledging the legal responsibilities of joint ownership. This protects the bank and ensures both parties understand they are equally liable for the account.