Yes, but the bank decides what role they play

An adult can have another person with authority over their checking account. The bank will let you name someone as a custodian, authorized user, or joint account holder — but these are different arrangements with different legal weight and different access. A custodian typically means someone who manages the account on your behalf without their name on the account itself. An authorized user can conduct transactions but the account remains in your name alone. A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. Which one you can set up depends on what the bank offers and what you actually need.

The person you add will have real access to your money and your transaction history. Before you do this, understand exactly what permissions you are giving and what the bank allows that person to do. Some banks offer more control than others, and some do not offer custodian arrangements at all for adult accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks use different terms — custodian, authorized user, power of attorney — and not all banks offer all of them for adult accounts.
  • A custodian or authorized user typically cannot close the account or change ownership, while a joint account holder can.
  • You will need to be present at the bank or complete their specific form to add someone, and the other person may need to verify their identity.
  • The person you add will have access to transaction history and may be able to see your balance, depending on what permissions you grant.
  • If you want someone to manage your account after you die or become unable to decide, you need a power of attorney or a will — not a custodian arrangement.

The difference between custodian, authorized user, and joint account holder

A custodian is someone you authorize to manage the account and make transactions, but the account stays in your name only. The custodian's name does not appear on the account title. They can typically deposit checks, withdraw cash, pay bills, and transfer money — but they cannot close the account, change the account type, or remove themselves without your permission. Some banks call this role "authorized user" or "account manager."

An authorized user is similar but the term varies by bank. Some banks use it to mean the same thing as custodian. Others use it to mean someone who can only perform certain transactions — for example, they might be able to withdraw cash but not initiate wire transfers. Always ask your bank what an authorized user can and cannot do at that institution, because the definition is not standard across the industry.

A joint account holder is a co-owner. Both names appear on the account. A joint account holder has the same rights you do: they can close the account, change the account type, remove you, or take all the money. If you die, the money typically passes to the joint account holder automatically, outside of your will. This is very different from a custodian arrangement and should only be used if you truly want to share equal ownership.

What you need to do to add someone

Visit your bank in person or call the number on the back of your card and ask to add a custodian or authorized user. The bank will ask for the other person's full legal name, date of birth, and usually their Social Security number. Some banks require the other person to be present or to sign a form themselves. A few banks will mail you a form to complete and return.

The bank may ask why you want to add this person — for example, whether they are a family member helping with bills, or a caregiver, or a business partner. This helps the bank understand the arrangement and may affect what permissions they give. Be specific about what you want the person to be able to do. If you only want them to deposit checks, say that. If you want them to handle all transactions, say that too.

After you submit the request, the bank will verify the other person's identity. This usually takes a few business days. Once approved, the person can access the account through online banking, mobile app, or in person at a branch — depending on what the bank allows. The bank will send you written confirmation of what permissions have been granted.

What the other person can and cannot see or do

A custodian or authorized user can typically see the account balance, view transaction history, and conduct the transactions you authorized them to perform. They will receive statements if you have them mailed, or they can view them online. They cannot usually change the account's contact information, add another person to the account, or close it.

However, banks differ in what they allow. Some banks let a custodian initiate wire transfers or set up automatic bill payments. Others do not. Some banks let a custodian change the PIN or password. Others require you to do that. Before you add someone, ask your bank specifically what that person will be able to do and what they will not be able to do. Get the answer in writing if possible, so you have a record of what was promised.

If you want someone to manage your account after you die or become unable to make decisions, a custodian arrangement will not do that. You need a power of attorney document (which takes effect while you are alive) or instructions in your will (which take effect after you die). A custodian arrangement ends when you die or when you revoke it.

When a custodian arrangement might not work

If you need someone to manage your finances because you have a medical condition or cognitive decline, a custodian may not be enough. A custodian can only manage the account you set up — they cannot access other accounts, sign contracts, or make medical decisions. If you need broader authority, you need a power of attorney document, which is a legal form that gives someone authority over your finances more broadly. A power of attorney is created through a lawyer or a legal document service, not through the bank.

If you want to leave money to someone after you die, adding them as a joint account holder is not the same as leaving them money in your will. A joint account passes to the joint holder automatically and outside your will, which can create tax problems or conflict with what you actually wanted. If you want to leave the account to someone specific, use your will instead and keep the account in your name alone.

Removing a custodian or authorized user

You can remove a custodian or authorized user at any time by contacting your bank. You do not need the other person's permission. Call the number on your card or visit a branch and ask to remove the person. The bank will process this within a few business days. Once removed, that person loses access to the account when ready.

If you are concerned that a custodian has misused the account or taken money without permission, contact your bank and your local police. Banks can freeze accounts during an investigation and may be able to recover funds in some cases. Document what happened — keep records of transactions, dates, and amounts — and report it as soon as you notice it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bank refuse to let me add a custodian?

Yes. Some banks do not offer custodian or authorized user arrangements on adult checking accounts. Others may refuse if the person you want to add has a poor banking history or if the bank suspects fraud. Call your bank and ask whether they offer this service before you bring the other person in.

Will the custodian see my online banking password?

Not necessarily. Most banks let you set separate login credentials for a custodian or authorized user. You can give them access to the account without giving them your personal password. Ask your bank how they handle this before you set it up.

What happens to the account if I die?

If you have a custodian or authorized user, they lose access when you die. The account becomes part of your estate and passes according to your will or state law. A joint account holder is different — they automatically own the remaining balance. If you want someone to inherit the account, name them in your will, not as a custodian.

Can I add a custodian to a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. Most banks allow custodians or authorized users on savings accounts using the same process. The rules are the same — the custodian can manage the account but cannot close it or change ownership unless you give them those specific permissions.

Does adding a custodian affect my credit score?

No. Adding a custodian or authorized user to a checking or savings account does not affect your credit. Credit scores are based on borrowing and payment history, not on who has access to your deposit accounts.