You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Bank of America checking account, but the process and permissions differ depending on which one you choose

Bank of America offers two main ways to give someone access to your checking account: you can add them as an authorized user, or you can make them a joint owner. An authorized user can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but the original account holder remains the legal owner and keeps full control. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all decisions about it, and is responsible for any overdrafts or fees — just like you are.

The choice between these two matters because it affects who can close the account, change account settings, and who is liable if something goes wrong. Most people adding a spouse or adult child choose joint ownership. Most people adding a teenager or caregiver choose authorized user status.

You can start the process online through your Bank of America account, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online if you already have your login set up, but a branch visit lets you ask questions and complete everything in one conversation.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can spend from the account but you stay the legal owner; a joint owner has equal rights and equal responsibility for the account.
  • You can add someone online through your Bank of America account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • Adding a joint owner requires their Social Security number, date of birth, and address, and they may need to sign documents.
  • The person you are adding does not need to be a Bank of America customer already, but they will need a valid ID.
  • Changes to account ownership or authorized users take effect within one business day in most cases.

Adding an authorized user online

Log into your Bank of America account and go to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Add authorized user," "Manage account access," or "Account permissions" — the exact wording varies depending on whether you are using the website or the mobile app. Select the checking account you want to modify.

You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Bank of America will verify this information against their records. If the person is already a Bank of America customer, the system may find them automatically. If they are not, you will enter their information and the bank will create a record for them.

Once you confirm the details, Bank of America will send a notice to the address on file for your account. The new authorized user or joint owner will also receive notification. If you are adding a joint owner rather than just an authorized user, they may need to sign documents — the bank will tell you whether this can happen online or whether you both need to visit a branch.

Adding someone by phone or at a branch

Call Bank of America customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add an authorized user or joint owner to your checking account. They will ask for the person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Have this information ready before you call.

If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and the ID of the person you are adding. A banker can walk you through the options, answer questions about what each choice means, and complete the paperwork on the spot. This is especially useful if you are unsure whether you want an authorized user or a joint owner, or if the person you are adding is not comfortable with the online process.

In-person visits also work well if the person you are adding lives with you or nearby. You can both sign any necessary documents at the same time, and the branch can answer questions about debit cards, online access, and what the new account holder can and cannot do.

The difference between authorized user and joint owner

An authorized user can withdraw money, make deposits, and use a debit card linked to the account. They cannot change the account name, close the account, remove themselves, or change account settings like overdraft protection. If the account is overdrawn or fees pile up, you are responsible — not them. This is the safer choice if you are adding a teenager, a caregiver, or someone you want to give limited access to.

A joint owner has the same rights as you do. They can withdraw all the money, change account settings, add or remove other users, close the account, and make decisions about overdraft protection. Both of you are equally responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, the bank can pursue either of you for the balance. This is the right choice for spouses or long-term partners where you want equal control, but it is a serious decision because the other person has full legal claim to all the money in the account.

You cannot change someone from authorized user to joint owner online — you will need to call customer service or visit a branch to make that switch.

What information you need to have ready

Before you start, gather the following details about the person you are adding: their full legal name (as it appears on their ID), their date of birth, their Social Security number, and their current mailing address. If they live at a different address than you, make sure you have the correct one.

You will also need your own account number and the account you want to modify. If you are doing this in person, bring a valid photo ID. The person you are adding should also bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

If you are adding a joint owner, Bank of America may ask for additional information to verify identity, especially if the person has never been a Bank of America customer before. This is a standard anti-fraud step and usually takes just a few minutes.

Timeline and what happens next

If you add someone online or by phone, the change usually takes effect within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email or letter at the address on file. The new authorized user or joint owner will also get a notice in the mail.

If you ordered a debit card for the new authorized user, it will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. They can start using the account online or through the mobile app right away, even before the physical card arrives. If you are setting up a joint owner, they can also set up their own online login and mobile app access once the account change is complete.

If you are adding a joint owner and documents need to be signed, the timeline may be longer — sometimes 2 to 3 weeks if signatures are collected by mail rather than in person. Signing in a branch is faster.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner later

You can remove an authorized user from your account online, by phone, or at a branch. Log into your account, find the authorized user management section, and select the option to remove them. Any debit cards issued to that person will stop working, though the account itself stays open.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated because they have equal legal rights. You cannot unilaterally remove a joint owner — both of you have to agree, or you have to go through a legal process. If you and a joint owner disagree about account access, contact Bank of America to discuss your options. In some cases, you may need to close the account and open a new one, or seek legal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in the same state as the person I am adding?

No. Bank of America operates nationwide, so you can add someone who lives in a different state. You will need their current mailing address, but they do not need to live near you or in the same state as your branch.

Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have one, they will need to obtain one before you can proceed. This is a federal requirement for tax reporting, not a Bank of America policy.

What happens if I add a joint owner and then we disagree about the money?

Once someone is a joint owner, they have full legal access to all the money in the account. Bank of America cannot freeze the account or prevent them from withdrawing funds based on a disagreement between you. If you have a serious dispute, you may need to consult a lawyer or close the account and divide the funds.

Can a minor be a joint owner on a checking account?

No. Joint owners must be adults (18 or older). You can add a minor as an authorized user, but not as a joint owner. When they turn 18, you can convert them to a joint owner if you both want to.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not appear on credit reports and does not affect anyone's credit score. Credit reports track borrowing and debt, not checking account ownership.