You cannot add another person to an existing American Express savings account, but you have other options

American Express does not allow you to add a joint owner or authorized user to a savings account after it has been opened. The account is tied to the person who opened it, and that ownership cannot be changed or shared later.

If you want someone else to have access to savings at American Express, you have two real choices: open a new joint account together from the start, or set up a power of attorney that lets one person manage the account on behalf of another. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want equal ownership or just access for practical reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express savings accounts cannot be converted to joint accounts or have authorized users added after opening.
  • A joint account must be opened together by both people at the same time, with both signatures on the account agreement.
  • A power of attorney document lets one person manage an existing account on behalf of another without changing ownership.
  • Joint account owners have equal legal rights to the money and equal responsibility for any account rules or fees.
  • You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to open any new account together.

Opening a new joint savings account with American Express

If both people want equal ownership and access, you open a new account together rather than adding someone to an existing one. Both of you will need to be present (or complete the process together online if American Express offers that option) and sign the account agreement. The account will be in both names from the start.

To open a joint account, gather the following for each person: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to decide how the account will be titled — usually as "Person A and Person B" (meaning either person can withdraw) or "Person A or Person B" (same thing, different wording). American Express will explain the difference when you open the account.

Both account owners will have full access to the money and can make deposits or withdrawals without permission from the other. Both are also responsible for any fees or account minimums. If one person closes the account or removes funds, the other has no legal recourse — the money belongs to both equally.

Using a power of attorney to give someone access to your account

If you already have an American Express savings account and want to let someone else manage it without making them a co-owner, a power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person the right to act on behalf of another. The person who signs the document (you) stays the owner; the other person (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) can handle transactions but has no ownership stake.

A power of attorney is useful if you want someone to pay bills from the account, make deposits, or check the balance on your behalf — but you want to keep full legal ownership and control. It is also useful if you are aging or facing a health issue and want someone to manage finances if you cannot.

You will need to create the power of attorney document through an attorney or a legal document service. American Express may have its own power of attorney form, so contact them first to ask what they accept. Once the document is signed and notarized (a notary public witnesses your signature), you give a copy to American Express and they will add the agent to the account. The agent can then conduct business on your behalf, but you remain the account owner.

What information you will need to provide

Whether you are opening a joint account or setting up a power of attorney, American Express will ask for identifying information about both people. For the account owner (or joint owner), have ready: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need a government-issued photo ID.

For the other person (joint owner or agent), American Express will ask for the same information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. If you are setting up a power of attorney, you will also need to provide a copy of the signed and notarized document.

How American Express verifies the new account holder

When you open a joint account or add an agent through power of attorney, American Express will verify both people's identities. This usually means they will check your Social Security numbers against credit bureaus and may ask security questions based on your credit history. The process typically takes a few minutes if you are opening the account online, or a few days if you are doing it by mail.

If American Express cannot verify your information, they will contact you to ask for additional documents. This might include a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Having these documents ready before you start can speed things up.

What happens if you want to remove someone later

If you have a joint account and want to remove the other person, you cannot straightforward delete them from the account. Instead, you will need to close the joint account and open a new individual account, then transfer the money over. Both joint owners must agree to close the account, or one person can close it unilaterally but the other will be notified.

If you set up a power of attorney and want to revoke it, you can do so at any time by signing a revocation document and giving it to American Express. The agent's access will stop once American Express receives and processes the revocation.

Alternatives if American Express savings is not the right fit

If you need a joint savings account and American Express does not offer the features you want, other banks and credit unions offer joint accounts with similar interest rates and no monthly fees. Some also allow you to add authorized users after opening, which gives limited access without full ownership. Compare what each institution offers before deciding.

If your main goal is to let someone manage money on your behalf without giving them ownership, a power of attorney works with any bank — not just American Express. You can also explore a revocable living trust, which is a more formal document that names someone to manage your finances and other assets if you become unable to do so. An attorney can explain which option fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add my spouse to my American Express savings account after it is already open?

No. American Express does not allow you to add a joint owner to an existing account. You would need to close the current account and open a new joint account together. Both of you would sign the new account agreement, and the account would be in both names from that point forward.

What is the difference between a joint account and a power of attorney?

A joint account makes both people equal owners with full legal rights to the money. A power of attorney keeps you as the sole owner but lets another person manage the account on your behalf. Choose a joint account if you both want equal access and control; choose a power of attorney if you want someone to help manage money but you want to stay in charge.

Do both people need to be present to open a joint American Express savings account?

American Express may allow you to open a joint account online without both people being physically present, but both will need to sign the account agreement. Contact American Express directly to ask whether they offer online joint account opening and what the process looks like.

If I set up a power of attorney, can the agent spend the money without my permission?

Yes, once a power of attorney is in place, the agent can withdraw money and conduct transactions as if they were you. That is why it is important to choose someone you trust completely. You can revoke the power of attorney at any time by signing a revocation document and giving it to American Express.

What happens to a joint account if one person dies?

The surviving account owner usually keeps full access to the money. However, the exact rules depend on how the account was titled and your state's laws. Contact American Express after a death to ask what documents they need and what happens next.