You can add an authorized user or joint owner to a SunTrust checking account, but the process and permissions differ between the two

SunTrust (now Truist Financial Corporation following a 2019 merger) lets you add someone to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner or as an authorized user. A joint owner has full access to the account, can make deposits and withdrawals, and shares legal responsibility for the account. An authorized user can use a debit card and make withdrawals but does not own the account and cannot close it or change account settings. Both require you to visit a branch in person with the person you want to add and bring identification.

The person you add must be present at the branch. SunTrust does not process account additions by phone, mail, or online. You will need a government-issued photo ID for both yourself and the person being added. If you are adding a minor, a parent or guardian must be present.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint owners and authorized users have different permissions: joint owners control the account fully, while authorized users can withdraw money but cannot close the account or change settings.
  • Both additions require an in-person visit to a SunTrust branch with the other person present and valid photo identification for each of you.
  • The branch staff will update your account on the spot, and the new person can typically use a debit card within one to three business days.
  • You can remove an authorized user or joint owner by visiting a branch, but removing a joint owner may require both parties to agree depending on how the account was originally set up.

The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user

A joint owner is legally part-owner of the account. Both owners can deposit money, withdraw money, write checks, set up bill pay, and change account settings. Either owner can close the account without the other's permission. Both owners are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If one owner dies, the account typically passes to the surviving owner automatically (this depends on how the account was titled when it was opened). A joint owner appears on the account statements and tax documents.

An authorized user can use a debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs or the teller window, but cannot write checks, set up bill pay, change account settings, or close the account. An authorized user's name does not appear on account statements or tax documents. You remain the sole account owner and are responsible for all activity. Authorized users are useful when you want to give someone spending access without giving them control of the account itself.

Choose joint ownership if you want to share full control of the account—for example, with a spouse or adult child who will help manage household finances. Choose authorized user status if you want to give someone a debit card for spending without letting them make decisions about the account.

What you need to bring to the branch

Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the person you are adding. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must be current and not expired. If you are adding a minor under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian along with the minor's birth certificate or school ID.

You do not need to bring your checkbook, debit card, or account statements. The branch staff will have access to your account in their system. If you want the new person to receive checks or a debit card, tell the staff at the time you add them, and they will order those items. Debit cards typically arrive within one to three business days; checks take longer, usually five to ten business days.

The in-branch process step by step

Go to any SunTrust branch during business hours with the person you want to add and both IDs. Tell the teller or account representative that you want to add someone to your checking account and specify whether you want them as a joint owner or authorized user. The representative will pull up your account and explain the permissions and responsibilities for each option.

You and the other person will both need to sign paperwork. For a joint owner, you will sign a form authorizing the addition and agreeing to joint ownership terms. For an authorized user, you will sign a form authorizing the debit card and account access. The representative will verify both signatures match your IDs.

The account change takes effect when ready in the system. If you ordered a debit card, the representative will give you a timeline for delivery. If the new person needs to use the account right away, they can make withdrawals at the teller window the same day using their ID, even before a debit card arrives.

What happens after you add someone

The new account holder or authorized user can start using the account within one business day. If you ordered a debit card, it will arrive by mail in one to three business days. The PIN will be mailed separately for security. If you ordered checks, they will arrive in five to ten business days.

Account statements will now include activity from both the original owner and the new person. If you set up online banking, you may need to update your login settings to reflect the new account holder. Contact SunTrust's customer service or visit your branch if you have questions about online access.

For a joint owner, both of you can make changes to the account going forward—setting up bill pay, changing the mailing address, or ordering new cards. For an authorized user, only you can make account changes; the authorized user can only spend money and check the balance.

Removing someone from your account

To remove an authorized user, visit a SunTrust branch with your ID and ask the representative to remove them. This can usually be done on the spot. The authorized user's debit card will stop working when ready, though any pending transactions may still process.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated. If both owners agree, you can visit a branch together and sign paperwork to remove one person. If only one owner wants to remove the other, you will need to speak with a branch manager or SunTrust's legal department, as the process depends on how the account was originally set up and state law. In some cases, the account may need to be closed and a new account opened in a single name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account online or by phone?

No. SunTrust requires both you and the person being added to visit a branch in person with valid photo IDs. This is a security measure to verify identities and may support both parties consent to the change.

What if the person I want to add lives in another state?

They will need to travel to a SunTrust branch location to complete the process in person. SunTrust has branches in multiple states, so you may be able to find one near them. If that is not possible, you could consider opening a separate account in their name instead.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

No. The person must be present at the branch with valid ID. SunTrust will not add someone to an account without their knowledge and consent, as this would create legal liability for the bank.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit?

Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not affect credit scores. Checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Credit is only affected by credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

What if I want to give someone temporary access to my account?

Authorized user status is the closest option, but it is not temporary—you have to visit a branch to remove them. If you need truly temporary access, consider giving them a one-time cash withdrawal or a limited amount of cash instead of adding them to the account.