Yes, you can add someone to your Bank of America account, but the method depends on what access you want them to have

Bank of America offers two main ways to give someone access to your account: adding them as an authorized user or making them a joint account holder. These are different arrangements with different consequences for liability, ownership, and what happens to the account if something goes wrong. You cannot add someone remotely through the app or online banking—you will need to visit a branch in person or call and complete the process with a representative.

The person you want to add must be at least 18 years old and will need to provide identification. Bank of America will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) on them, similar to what happens when someone opens a new account. If they have a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at other banks, the bank may decline to add them.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can use the account and make transactions, but you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all activity.
  • A joint account holder owns the account equally with you, and both of you are responsible for overdrafts and debt.
  • You must visit a Bank of America branch in person or call to add someone—it cannot be done online.
  • The person being added must be 18 or older and will need to provide a government-issued ID.
  • If you remove an authorized user or joint holder, they lose access when ready, but any transactions they made remain on the account history.

Adding an authorized user versus a joint account holder

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account. They receive a debit card in their name, can make withdrawals and deposits, and can see the account balance and transaction history. However, you remain the legal owner. You are responsible for all overdrafts, fees, and any fraudulent activity—even if the authorized user caused it. The authorized user has no ownership stake and cannot close the account, change the account terms, or remove themselves.

A joint account holder is a co-owner. Both of you own the account equally, both names appear on the account, and both of you can make any decision about the account, including closing it. Both of you are equally liable for overdrafts and any debt the account incurs. If one joint holder dies, the account typically passes to the surviving joint holder (this is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for most Bank of America accounts unless you specify otherwise). A joint holder can remove themselves or add another person without your permission.

For most situations—a parent giving a teenager access, or a spouse managing household bills—an authorized user is the safer choice. A joint account is appropriate only when you want someone to have equal ownership and equal responsibility.

How to add an authorized user at a Bank of America branch

Visit your local Bank of America branch with your account holder ID and the person you want to add. Bring their government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. They will verify your identity, run the ChexSystems check on the new person, and if approved, issue a debit card in their name on the spot or mail it within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the branch.

The authorized user will be able to use the card when ready if issued in-branch. If mailed, they can use the account online or through the mobile app before the physical card arrives. You will receive written confirmation of the change in the mail within a few days.

How to add a joint account holder at a Bank of America branch

Adding a joint holder requires the same in-person visit. Bring your ID and the other person's government-issued photo ID. The representative will explain that both of you will own the account equally and both will be liable for overdrafts. Both of you must sign the paperwork. Bank of America will run the ChexSystems check on the new joint holder. If approved, both names will appear on the account, and the new joint holder can access it online and through the app when ready.

A joint account holder can make changes to the account without your permission, including removing you as a joint holder. If this is a concern—for example, if you are adding an adult child to help manage your finances but worry about future disputes—an authorized user is the better option.

Adding someone over the phone

You can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to start the process of adding an authorized user or joint holder. The representative will verify your identity and ask for the other person's information. However, Bank of America will still require that person to visit a branch in person or complete a video verification call to confirm their identity before the change is finalized. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.

The phone route is useful if you want to begin the process before the person can visit a branch, but it does not eliminate the need for in-person or video verification. Ask the representative for the timeline—it typically takes 3 to 5 business days after verification is complete.

What happens if you remove an authorized user or joint holder

You can remove an authorized user at any time by visiting a branch, calling, or using online banking (the online option is available for authorized users only, not joint holders). The removal is when ready—their debit card stops working, and they lose access to the account online and through the app. Any transactions they made before removal remain on the account history and are your responsibility to pay.

Removing a joint holder is more complicated. You cannot remove a joint holder unilaterally through online banking or by phone. You must visit a branch in person and bring your ID. The joint holder does not need to be present. Bank of America will convert the account to a single-holder account in your name. The joint holder will be notified by mail that they have been removed.

If a joint holder dies, the account automatically passes to the surviving joint holder (assuming the account was set up with right of survivorship, which is standard). The surviving joint holder can then decide whether to keep the account or close it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

No. Bank of America requires the person being added to provide identification in person or through video verification. They will also receive written confirmation in the mail. If you are trying to add someone without their knowledge, the bank will not complete the transaction.

What if the person I want to add has a bad ChexSystems record?

Bank of America may decline to add them. If they are declined, ask the representative for the reason. They can dispute inaccurate information on their ChexSystems report by contacting the ChexSystems company directly. This process takes 30 to 45 days. After a dispute is resolved, you can try adding them again.

Can a joint account holder close the account without me?

Yes. A joint account holder has equal ownership and can close the account, withdraw all funds, or remove you as a joint holder without your permission. This is a significant risk if you do not fully trust the other person. An authorized user cannot close the account or remove you.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit score. Adding a joint holder also does not directly affect their credit, but if the account goes into overdraft or is reported to collections, it could appear on their credit report as a negative mark.

How long does it take to add someone?

If you visit a branch in person, the process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and the authorized user can access the account when ready. If you start by phone, add 3 to 5 business days for the other person to complete in-person or video verification. A debit card mailed to the new authorized user arrives within 7 to 10 business days.