You can add a joint account holder to a Discover savings account by calling Discover's customer service or using their online banking platform
Discover allows you to add another person to your savings account as a joint account holder, which means both of you have equal ownership and access to the funds. The process is straightforward, but the exact steps depend on whether you're adding someone to an existing account or opening a new joint account together. Most changes happen over the phone with a Discover representative, though some account modifications are available through your online dashboard.
Before you start, have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information ready. Discover will verify their identity and run a background check as part of the process. The whole thing typically takes one business day to a few days, depending on how quickly both account holders respond to any verification requests.
Key Takeaways
- Call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 to add a joint account holder to an existing savings account; you'll need the other person's Social Security number and date of birth.
- Both account holders will have full access to the account and can withdraw funds, make transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission.
- Discover may require the new account holder to verify their identity by answering security questions or providing additional documentation.
- The process usually completes within one to three business days once both parties have provided their information.
- If you're opening a new joint account instead, both people must be present or complete the process together, and you'll both need to provide identification.
Adding someone to an existing Discover savings account
Call Discover's customer service line at 1-800-347-2000 and tell the representative you want to add a joint account holder. Have your account number ready, along with the other person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. The representative will walk you through the process and may ask security questions to confirm your identity.
Once you've provided the information, Discover will contact the other person to verify their identity. They may be asked to answer security questions, confirm personal details, or provide a copy of their driver's license or state ID. This verification step protects both of you by ensuring the right person is being added to the account.
After verification is complete, the account will be updated to show both names as joint owners. Both of you will then have the same access and rights to the account—you can each withdraw money, make transfers, or manage the account independently.
What happens when someone becomes a joint account holder
Once the other person is added as a joint account holder, they have the same legal rights to the account as you do. This means they can withdraw all the money, make transfers to other accounts, or even close the account without asking your permission first. There is no way to restrict a joint account holder's access through Discover—if you want to limit what someone can do with the money, a joint account is not the right structure.
Both account holders are also equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees. If the account goes negative, both of you could be pursued for the debt. This is different from being an authorized user on someone else's account, where the primary account holder remains responsible.
The account will appear in both people's online banking profiles. Both of you will receive statements and can set up alerts for transactions, balance changes, or other account activity.
Opening a new joint savings account at Discover
If you're starting fresh instead of adding someone to an existing account, both people can open a joint account together. You can do this online at Discover's website or by calling 1-800-347-2000. Both account holders will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, address, and a valid form of identification (driver's license or state ID).
When you open the account online, you'll each need to complete the process separately using your own login or by creating a new account. Discover will verify both identities before the account is activated. This process usually takes one to two business days.
If you open the account by phone, a representative can walk both of you through the process in one call, though you may still need to verify your identities separately afterward.
Removing a joint account holder
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated than adding one. You cannot unilaterally remove someone from a joint account—both people have equal ownership, so both must agree to the change. If you want to remove someone and they won't cooperate, you would need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone, then transfer the funds.
If both of you agree to remove one person, call Discover at 1-800-347-2000 and explain the situation. The representative will likely require written consent from both account holders before making the change. This protects Discover from disputes over who owns the money.
Tax and legal considerations for joint accounts
A joint savings account at Discover is treated as a single account for tax purposes. Interest earned on the account will be reported on a single 1099-INT form, and you'll need to decide how to split the income for tax reporting. The IRS does not automatically split interest between joint owners—that's something you and the other account holder need to work out and report correctly on your tax returns.
If one account holder passes away, the account becomes part of their estate. Discover will freeze the account until the estate is settled, which can take weeks or months. The surviving account holder cannot access the funds during this time, even though they are a joint owner. Having a will or beneficiary designation in place before this happens can speed up the process, though a savings account at Discover does not have a beneficiary field the way some other financial products do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a joint account holder online, or do I have to call?
Most changes to account ownership require a phone call to Discover's customer service. While you can view your account online and manage transfers, adding a joint account holder involves identity verification that Discover handles through their phone representatives. Some account modifications may be available in your online dashboard, but calling 1-800-347-2000 is the most direct route.
What if the person I want to add doesn't have a Social Security number?
Discover requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open or add someone to a savings account. If the person does not have either, they will not be able to become a joint account holder. You could explore other options, such as being an authorized user on a different type of account, but that structure is not available for Discover savings accounts.
Can I add a joint account holder if they live in a different state?
Yes. Discover is a national bank, so geography does not prevent someone from becoming a joint account holder. They will still need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and valid identification, and Discover will verify their identity the same way they would for someone in your state.
What if the other person doesn't want to be responsible for overdrafts?
A joint account holder is legally responsible for overdrafts and fees on the account. If you want to avoid shared financial responsibility, a joint account is not the right structure. You could instead set up a transfer from your account to theirs, or explore other account types that allow authorized users with limited access.
Does adding a joint account holder affect my credit score?
Adding a joint account holder to a savings account does not affect your credit score. Discover may run a soft credit inquiry to verify identity, but this does not show up on your credit report. Joint savings accounts are not reported to credit bureaus the way credit cards or loans are.