The basic process depends on your bank and the type of account

Most banks let you add someone to a checking or savings account by visiting a branch with that person, calling customer service, or using online banking. The person you're adding will become an authorized user or joint account holder — the difference matters, because it changes what they can do with the money and what happens to the account if you die.

The exact steps vary by bank. Some require both people to be present in person. Others let you start the process online and have the other person verify their identity by phone or in a branch. A few banks still require paper forms mailed in. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your account to see what your bank offers.

You'll need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Some banks also ask for a government ID. Have this information ready before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and can close it or withdraw all funds.
  • Most banks require the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them to an account.
  • The process takes anywhere from a few minutes (if done in person) to several business days (if done by mail or phone).
  • Adding someone to an account does not automatically give them access to your other accounts or credit cards unless you add them separately.
  • If you die, a joint account typically passes to the other owner outside of your will, but an authorized user loses access when ready.

Authorized users versus joint account holders

An authorized user can withdraw money, make deposits, and use a debit card linked to the account, but they do not legally own the money. You remain the sole owner. If you die, the account goes through your estate and the authorized user loses access. If the authorized user overspends or faces a lawsuit, creditors cannot touch the account (though they can pursue you).

A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. They can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the terms without your permission. If you die, the account typically passes to them automatically, outside your will. If they face legal trouble, creditors can freeze or seize the joint account.

Most people adding a spouse or adult child choose joint ownership. Most people adding a teenager or someone they want to monitor choose authorized user status. Ask your bank which option they offer — not all banks support both.

What happens in person at a bank branch

Bring a government ID and the other person's Social Security number. Go to any branch of your bank together. Tell the teller you want to add someone to your account. They will ask which type of account and whether you want an authorized user or joint owner.

The teller will verify both of your identities, confirm the Social Security number, and update the account. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive updated account documents showing both names. The other person can start using the account when ready, though debit cards may take 3 to 5 business days to arrive.

In-person is the fastest and most straightforward route if both of you can get to a branch during business hours.

Adding someone by phone or online

Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card. Have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address ready. The representative will confirm your identity, then ask for the other person's information. Some banks will conference the other person in to verify their identity on the call. Others will send them a verification link by email or text.

Online banking portals vary widely. Log in and look for "Manage Account" or "Account Settings." Some banks have an "Add Authorized User" or "Add Joint Owner" option visible when ready. Others bury it under account details. If you cannot find it, call customer service — they can walk you through it or do it for you over the phone.

Phone and online methods usually take 1 to 3 business days to complete. The other person may need to verify their identity separately, which can add another day or two.

What happens if your bank requires paperwork

Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes require a signed form. You'll receive it by mail or email. Both you and the other person must sign it in front of a notary public or bank employee. Mail it back to the bank or return it to a branch.

This route takes 5 to 10 business days because of mailing time and notary scheduling. If you're in a hurry, ask whether you can sign the form in person at a branch instead of mailing it.

After someone is added to your account

The new account holder can use the account when ready, though physical debit cards take 3 to 5 business days to arrive. They can usually add themselves to your bank's mobile app right away using their own login credentials.

You remain responsible for all account activity, overdrafts, and fees. If the other person overspends or the account goes negative, the bank will pursue you for payment. If you want to remove them later, you can do so by calling customer service or visiting a branch — the process is usually faster than adding them.

Your account statements will now show both names and both people's activity. If you want privacy, ask your bank whether they offer separate statements or online views for each account holder.

Removing someone from an account

If you added an authorized user, you can remove them unilaterally. Call customer service or visit a branch and ask to remove them. This usually takes effect when ready. Their debit card will stop working within hours.

If you added a joint owner, removal is more complicated. Both owners typically must agree to the change, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. Some banks allow one joint owner to remove the other, but this varies. Call your bank to ask what your options are.

If the other person is deceased, bring a death certificate to a branch or mail it to the bank. They will remove the deceased person's name and may freeze the account temporarily while they process the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding someone to my bank account affect their credit score?

No. Adding someone as an authorized user or joint owner does not show up on their credit report or affect their credit score. The account will appear on their credit report only if the bank reports it, which most do not for deposit accounts. Credit reporting is mainly for credit cards and loans.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Legally, no. Most banks require the other person to verify their identity and consent to being added. Some banks send a confirmation email or letter to the other person's address. If you add someone without their knowledge, they can contact the bank and request removal, and the bank will honor that request.

What if the person I want to add doesn't have a Social Security number?

Banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person has neither, they cannot be added. Some banks offer alternatives like a passport number or state ID, but this varies. Call your bank to ask what they accept.

Can I add someone to just my savings account, not my checking?

Yes. You can add someone to any individual account you own — checking, savings, money market, or certificate of deposit. Adding them to one account does not give them access to your other accounts unless you add them separately to each one.

What if I want to add someone but keep them from seeing my account balance?

You cannot fully hide the balance from a joint owner or authorized user — they will see it when they log in or visit a branch. Some banks offer separate online views or statements for each account holder, which may limit what they see. Ask your bank what privacy options exist for your account type.