The fastest way is to log into your online banking and update it yourself

Most banks let you change your email address in the account settings section of their website or mobile app without calling anyone. Log in, look for "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Contact Information" — the exact name varies by bank — and find the email field. Enter your new email, confirm it (the bank usually sends a verification link to the new address), and you're done. The whole process takes five minutes.

If you can't find the settings section or your bank doesn't offer online updates, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number and a form of ID ready — the bank will ask you to verify who you are before making any changes. They'll update it over the phone and confirm the new email is active.

Some banks also let you update your email in person at a branch. If you prefer to do it face-to-face, bring your ID and account number, and ask a teller to help you change it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your email through your bank's website or app by going to account settings, which is usually the fastest option.
  • If online updates aren't available, call the customer service number on your debit card with your account number and ID ready.
  • Some banks allow you to update your email in person at a branch if you prefer not to do it online or by phone.
  • The bank will send a verification message to your new email to confirm the change went through.
  • Update your email as soon as possible if you've changed phone numbers or email providers to keep your account find.

Why your bank needs your current email address

Your bank uses your email to send you important notices — alerts about suspicious activity, statements, password reset links, and notifications about account changes. If your email is outdated and someone tries to access your account, you won't receive the warning. If you forget your password, you won't be able to reset it.

Keeping your email current also matters for tax documents. Banks send 1099 forms (which report interest you earned) by email to many customers, though some still mail them. If your email is wrong, you might miss the important date to read it before tax time.

What happens during the verification step

After you enter your new email address, the bank sends a confirmation message to that address with a link or code. You need to click the link or enter the code to prove you own that email. This step protects you — it means someone can't change your email to lock you out of your account.

Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the verification message. It usually arrives within a few minutes. If you don't see it after 10 minutes, ask the bank to resend it. Don't close the browser or app until you've completed the verification, or the change may not save.

Changing your email if you no longer have access to the old one

If you've already lost access to your old email — because you closed that email account or forgot the password — you'll need to verify your identity another way. Call your bank's customer service line and explain the situation. They'll ask you security questions (like your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number) or ask you to come to a branch with your ID.

This process takes longer than a standard email change because the bank has to confirm you're really the account holder. Have your account number ready and be prepared to answer several personal questions. Once the bank confirms your identity, they can update your email without needing to verify it at the old address.

Updating email on joint accounts and accounts for other people

If you have a joint account, both account holders usually have the right to change the email address. The change affects both of you — you'll both receive alerts and statements at the new address. If you're changing the email without telling the other person, they won't know until they log in and see the change.

If you're managing an account for someone else — a parent, a child, or someone you have power of attorney for — you may be able to change the email, but rules vary. Some banks require the primary account holder to make the change themselves, even if you have authority to manage the account. Call and ask what your bank requires before you try to change it online.

What to do if the email change doesn't go through

If you completed the verification step but the email still hasn't changed after a few hours, log back in and check the account settings. Sometimes the change takes time to process, but usually it's when ready. If it still shows the old email, try the process again.

If you've tried twice and it's still not working, contact customer service. There may be a technical issue on the bank's end, or your account may have a restriction that's preventing changes. The bank can troubleshoot and make the change manually if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password when I change my email?

No, your password and email are separate. Changing one doesn't affect the other. However, if you're changing your email because you're concerned about account security, it's a good time to change your password too.

Will I still get text alerts if I only change my email?

Text alerts and email alerts are separate. Changing your email won't affect text messages. If you want to change your phone number for texts, that's a different setting in your account.

How long does it take for the email change to be active?

Once you verify the new email, it's usually active when ready. You should receive your next alert or statement at the new address. If you don't see anything for a few days, log in and confirm the change saved.

Can I have two email addresses on my account at the same time?

Most banks only allow one primary email address per account. Some banks let you add a secondary email for notifications, but you'll need to check your bank's settings to see if that option is available.

What if I changed my email but the bank is still sending to the old one?

Log in and verify the new email is showing in your account settings. If it is, wait a few more days — some banks have a delay before they update their mailing systems. If it's been a week and you're still getting mail at the old address, call customer service to make sure the change processed correctly.