The two ways to add someone to your account

Bank of America lets you add another person to your checking account in two different ways, and which one you choose depends on what access and responsibility you want them to have.

The first option is to make them an authorized user. This person gets a debit card and can withdraw money, but they cannot close the account, change the account settings, or see the full account history. This works well if you want someone to spend from the account but not manage it.

The second option is to make them a joint account holder. This person has full access to everything — they can withdraw money, deposit money, change settings, add or remove other people, and close the account. Both of you own the account equally. This is what you want if you are combining finances with a spouse or partner, or if you need someone to manage the account on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add someone as an authorized user (limited access, gets a debit card) or as a joint account holder (full access and ownership).
  • Adding an authorized user online takes about 10 minutes and requires only their name and date of birth.
  • Making someone a joint account holder requires both of you to visit a branch in person with government-issued ID.
  • Joint account holders can see all transactions, change settings, and close the account — so only use this option if you fully trust the person.
  • Bank of America does not charge a fee to add someone to your account.

Adding an authorized user online

If you want to give someone a debit card and spending access but keep full control of the account, you can add them as an authorized user through your Bank of America online banking or mobile app in about 10 minutes.

Log into your account, go to the account settings or account management section, and look for an option to add an authorized user or cardholder. You will need the person's full name and date of birth. Bank of America will mail a debit card to the address on file for your account, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The person can start using the card as soon as it arrives.

An authorized user can see their own transactions on the card, but they cannot see the full account history, change account settings, or add other people. If you want to remove them later, you can do that online as well.

Making someone a joint account holder in person

If you want the other person to have the same rights and responsibilities as you — the ability to manage the account, change settings, and close it — you both need to visit a Bank of America branch together and sign paperwork to make them a joint account holder.

Bring a government-issued photo ID for both of you. The person you are adding does not need to be a Bank of America customer already. A banker will explain what joint ownership means, answer questions, and have you both sign the account agreement. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Once the paperwork is complete, the new joint account holder can access the account when ready online and will receive their own debit card in the mail. Both of you will see all transactions and account activity. Both of you can make changes to the account, add or remove other people, or close it.

What happens to the account if one person dies

If you have a joint account and one account holder dies, the surviving account holder keeps full access to the account and all the money in it. The account does not automatically go to the person's estate or heirs — it passes directly to the surviving joint owner.

This is different from money left in a will. If you want to make sure money goes to a specific person after you die, talk to a lawyer about your options, because a joint account may not do what you intend. Some people add a joint account holder specifically because they want that person to inherit the account, but it is worth thinking through before you do it.

Removing someone from your account

If you added someone as an authorized user, you can remove them online through your account settings without visiting a branch. The debit card will stop working, but the person will not be notified automatically — you should tell them yourself.

If someone is a joint account holder, removing them is more complicated. You cannot do it online. You have to visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID and ask a banker to remove the other person from the account. The other person does not have to be present, but they will receive notice in the mail that they have been removed.

When you remove a joint account holder, the account stays open and the money stays in it. The person loses access to the account and their debit card stops working.

What you need to know about shared accounts and taxes

If you add someone as a joint account holder, both of you own the money in the account equally in the eyes of the law, even if one person deposited all of it. This can matter for taxes, for creditors, and for government benefits.

For example, if the other person receives means-tested benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, having their name on a joint account with a large balance might affect their benefits. If you are thinking about adding a family member who receives benefits, talk to them or a benefits counselor first.

Similarly, if either account holder has unpaid debts or tax obligations, a creditor or the government might be able to take money from the joint account to pay those debts. This is another reason to think carefully before making someone a joint account holder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they do 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 cannot be added as an authorized user or joint account holder. They would need to open their own account instead.

What is the difference between a joint account and just giving someone my debit card?

If you give someone your debit card, they can spend money but they do not own the account and cannot change settings. A joint account holder owns the account equally and can do everything you can do, including closing it. A joint account also protects the money if something happens to you — the other person can access it without waiting for a court order.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

You can add an authorized user without the person being present, but Bank of America will mail a debit card to your address, so you will know it arrived. To make someone a joint account holder, both of you must visit the branch in person and sign paperwork, so they will definitely know.

Does Bank of America charge a fee to add someone to my account?

No. Bank of America does not charge a fee to add an authorized user or a joint account holder. There is no monthly fee for having multiple people on the account either.

What happens if a joint account holder writes a bad check or overdraws the account?

Both joint account holders are responsible for overdraft fees and any negative balance. If the account goes negative, both of you are liable. Bank of America may pursue either of you for the debt, regardless of who caused the overdraft.