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 is to make them an authorized user, which means they get a debit card and can spend money from the account but cannot close it or change account settings. The second is to make them a joint account holder, which gives them full ownership and control — they can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account details without your permission.

Most people adding a family member or trusted person choose authorized user status because it limits what that person can do. If you want someone to have equal control — like a spouse or adult child managing shared finances — joint account holder is the right choice. You cannot change this later without closing the account and opening a new one, so decide which fits your situation before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can spend from the account with a debit card but cannot close it or change settings; joint account holders have full ownership and control.
  • You can add someone in person at a Bank of America branch with their ID, or start the process online and finish it in the branch.
  • The person you are adding must be at least 18 years old and will need a valid government-issued ID.
  • Adding an authorized user takes about 15 minutes in branch; joint account holder changes may take longer because they require both signatures.
  • If you change your mind, you can remove an authorized user anytime, but removing a joint account holder requires their consent or a court order.

Adding an authorized user at a Bank of America branch

The simplest way is to go to your local Bank of America branch with the person you want to add. Bring your debit card or account information and their valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account.

The banker will ask you to confirm the person's name, date of birth, and address. They will explain what an authorized user can and cannot do, then have you both sign the paperwork. The new authorized user will usually receive their debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, they can still use the account online or through the Bank of America mobile app if you give them your login details, but they cannot spend money in stores or withdraw cash until the card arrives.

Starting the process online and finishing in branch

If you want to begin before visiting a branch, you can log into your Bank of America online account and look for the option to manage account users or add an authorized user. The exact location varies depending on whether you use the website or the mobile app, but it is usually under account settings or account management. You will enter the person's name, date of birth, and address.

Bank of America will then ask you to come to a branch to complete the process in person. You cannot finish adding someone online — the bank requires both of you to be present and show ID. This step exists to prevent fraud and to make sure the person actually wants to be added to the account. Once you finish in branch, the timeline for the debit card is the same: 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you want a joint account holder instead

If you decide you want the other person to have full ownership rather than limited access, you will need to go to a branch and ask to convert the account to a joint account or open a new joint checking account. This is different from adding an authorized user and requires both account holders to sign new paperwork. The person you are adding must be present with a valid ID.

Joint account holders have equal rights to all the money in the account and can each withdraw it all, close the account, or change the account settings without permission from the other. This is useful for spouses, domestic partners, or adult children managing shared household finances, but it means you are giving up sole control. If you later want to remove a joint account holder, they have to agree — you cannot do it unilaterally the way you can with an authorized user.

What the person you are adding needs to know

The person you want to add must be at least 18 years old. Bank of America will not add minors as authorized users or joint account holders. They will also need a valid government-issued ID — a U.S. driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all count. If they do not have one of these, they cannot be added to the account.

They should also know that being added to your account means their name will appear on statements and tax documents if the account earns interest. If they are an authorized user, they will receive their own debit card with their name on it. If they are a joint account holder, they will have full access to all account information and can see every transaction you make.

Removing an authorized user or joint account holder

If you added someone as an authorized user and want to remove them later, you can do this online through your Bank of America account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card. You do not need the other person's permission. Once you remove them, their debit card will stop working when ready, though they may still see the account in their online banking if they have a login — contact the bank to remove their access completely.

Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because they have equal ownership. Both of you must go to a branch together and sign paperwork to remove one person, or you can close the account entirely and open a new one in your name alone. If the joint account holder refuses to cooperate, you would need to speak with a lawyer about your options, as this becomes a legal matter rather than a banking one.

What to do if you cannot visit a branch

Bank of America requires at least one visit to a branch to add someone to your account — they will not complete this process entirely by phone or mail. If you cannot visit in person, you have a few options. You can ask a trusted family member or friend to go with the person you want to add and bring a notarized letter from you authorizing them to act on your behalf, though policies vary by branch and you should call ahead to confirm.

Alternatively, some Bank of America branches offer video appointments where you can meet with a banker through a find video call. Call your local branch or check the Bank of America website to see if this is available near you. If you have a relationship manager or use Bank of America's wealth management services, they may be able to help arrange this more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

No. Bank of America requires both you and the person you are adding to be present at a branch with valid ID. This is a fraud prevention measure. The only exception may be a notarized letter of authorization, which varies by branch — call ahead to ask.

What is the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?

An authorized user can spend money from the account with a debit card but cannot close it, change settings, or remove themselves. A joint account holder owns the account equally and can do anything you can do, including withdrawing all the money or closing the account without your permission.

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

Bank of America will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have either, they cannot be added. They would need to obtain one first.

How long does it take for the new debit card to arrive?

Bank of America typically mails the debit card within 7 to 10 business days after you add the authorized user or joint account holder. During that time, they can access the account online or through the mobile app, but cannot spend money in stores or withdraw cash.

What happens if I remove an authorized user but they still have their debit card?

Once you remove them, their card will stop working when ready at ATMs and in stores. However, they may still see the account in their online banking if they have a login. Contact Bank of America customer service to remove their online access completely.