How to Add Someone to Your Citibank Checking Account

You can add an authorized user or joint owner through Citibank's online banking, by phone, or in person at a branch

Adding someone to your Citibank checking account means giving them access to the account and, depending on how you set it up, the ability to make withdrawals and deposits. Citibank offers two main ways to do this: you can add an authorized user (someone who can use the account but you remain the primary owner), or you can convert the account to a joint account (where both people own it equally). The method you choose affects what the other person can do and what happens to the account if one of you dies.

The fastest route is usually online through Citibank's website or mobile app if you already have digital banking set up. If you prefer to speak to someone or need help with the paperwork, you can call Citibank's customer service line or visit a branch in person. The person you're adding will need to provide identification and may need to sign documents, depending on which option you choose.

Key Takeaways

Authorized users can access the account and make transactions, but you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all activity.
Joint account owners both own the account equally, and both are responsible for overdrafts or debt tied to the account.
You can start the process online, by phone, or in a Citibank branch, but the other person will need to verify their identity.
The person you add must be at least 18 years old and will need a Social Security number or tax ID for Citibank's records.
Changes take effect within one to three business days once all paperwork is signed and submitted.

Adding an authorized user online or through the app

Log into your Citibank account on the website or mobile app and look for the account settings or account management section. From there, you should see an option to add an authorized user or manage account access. You'll enter the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Citibank will verify this information against their records.

Once you've submitted the request, Citibank will send a notification to the person you're adding. They'll need to confirm their identity—usually by answering security questions or verifying a phone number or email address. After they confirm, the change typically takes effect within one to three business days. The new authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though they can often start using the account online when ready.

Converting to a joint account or adding a joint owner

If you want both people to own the account equally, you'll need to convert it to a joint account or add a joint owner. This is different from adding an authorized user because both owners have equal rights to the money and equal responsibility for any debt or overdrafts. You cannot do this entirely online—you'll need to visit a branch or call Citibank to speak with a representative.

When you call or visit, tell the representative you want to add a joint owner. You'll need the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will need to be present (in person at a branch) or verify their identity by phone. Both of you will sign new account documents. If you're doing this by phone, Citibank may mail documents for both of you to sign and return, which adds a few extra days to the process.

What information you'll need to provide

Before you start, gather the following details about the person you're adding:

Full legal name (as it appears on their ID)
Date of birth
Social Security number or ITIN
Current mailing address
Phone number and email address (for verification)

If you're adding a joint owner in person, bring a government-issued ID for both yourself and the other person. If you're doing it by phone or online, Citibank will verify identity through security questions or by sending a verification code to a phone number or email on file.

What the person you're adding can and cannot do

An authorized user can withdraw money, deposit checks, make transfers, and use the debit card. However, they cannot close the account, change the account type, remove themselves, or change account settings like the mailing address or contact information. You, as the primary owner, remain responsible for all fees, overdrafts, and account activity. If the authorized user overspends or causes problems, you can remove them at any time without their permission.

A joint owner has full control of the account, including the ability to withdraw all the money, close the account, or add and remove other users. Both joint owners are equally responsible for overdrafts and any debt tied to the account. If one joint owner dies, the money in the account typically passes to the surviving owner (this depends on how the account is titled and your state's laws). If you're considering a joint account, think carefully about whether you trust the other person with full access.

How long the process takes and when changes take effect

If you add an authorized user online, the change usually takes effect within one to three business days after the other person confirms their identity. If you're converting to a joint account or adding a joint owner by phone or in person, the timeline depends on whether you're both available to sign documents when ready. If you're both at a branch, it can happen the same day. If documents need to be mailed, add five to seven business days for mail delivery and signing.

Once Citibank processes the change, the new authorized user or joint owner can access the account online or through the app right away. A physical debit card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If the person needs to use the account before the card arrives, they can make transfers or pay bills online, or you can withdraw cash for them.

Removing someone from your account later

If you added an authorized user and want to remove them, you can do this online, by phone, or in person. Log into your account, go to account settings, and select the option to remove the authorized user. Or call Citibank's customer service and ask them to remove the person. The change takes effect when ready, and the person will no longer be able to access the account or use the debit card.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated because both owners have equal rights. You cannot unilaterally remove a joint owner. Instead, you would need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone, or both of you would need to agree to the change and sign new documents. If you're in a situation where you need to remove a joint owner and they won't cooperate, you may need to speak with a lawyer about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If the person has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, Citibank will accept that instead. If they have neither, contact Citibank directly to discuss other forms of identification they may accept, though this is less common and may require a visit to a branch.

What happens to the account if the authorized user or joint owner dies?

If an authorized user dies, the account remains yours and you keep all the money. If a joint owner dies, the money typically passes to the surviving joint owner automatically, depending on how the account is titled and your state's laws. Contact Citibank after a death to confirm the process and update account information.

Can I add someone who lives in another state or country?

Yes. You can add an authorized user or joint owner who lives anywhere in the United States. If they live outside the U.S., contact Citibank directly—they may have additional requirements or restrictions depending on the country and banking regulations.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner to a checking account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is sent to collections, that could affect your credit.

Can I set limits on how much an authorized user can spend?

Citibank does not offer daily spending limits for authorized users on checking accounts. If you want to control how much someone can spend, you could open a separate savings account for them with a lower balance, or use a prepaid card instead. Contact Citibank to discuss whether they have other options available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.