You cannot add another person to an existing Discover savings account after you open it
Discover does not allow you to add a joint owner or authorized user to a savings account that is already open in your name alone. If you want a second person to have access to savings funds, you have two options: open a new joint account together, or keep separate accounts and transfer money between them as needed.
This is different from some other banks, which permit adding signatories after account opening. Discover's policy is fixed—the account ownership structure is set when you create the account and cannot be changed afterward.
Key Takeaways
- Discover savings accounts cannot be converted to joint accounts or have authorized users added after opening.
- To give someone else access to savings, you can open a new joint savings account with them at Discover.
- Both account holders on a joint account have full access to all funds and can withdraw or transfer money without permission from the other.
- Joint account holders are both responsible for any account fees, and both names appear on tax documents and statements.
- If you want to keep your account separate, you can transfer money to another person's account manually instead.
Opening a joint savings account at Discover
If you want to add someone to a savings account at Discover, you must open a new joint account together. Both people will need to be present (online) during the account opening process, and both will provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
Discover will run a background check on both applicants as part of the account opening. The account will be held in both names, and either person can deposit, withdraw, or transfer funds without notifying the other. There is no distinction between "primary" and "secondary" owners on a Discover joint account—both have identical rights and responsibilities.
You cannot transfer an existing account into a joint account. If you already have a Discover savings account with money in it, you would need to withdraw those funds and deposit them into the new joint account, or keep both accounts open and transfer money between them as you choose.
What happens to funds and fees on a joint account
On a joint Discover savings account, all money belongs to both owners equally, regardless of who deposited it. Either person can withdraw the entire balance without the other's permission. If one account holder withdraws all the funds, the other has no legal recourse through Discover—the bank treats the account as jointly owned with equal access.
Monthly maintenance fees (if any explore to your account type) are charged once to the joint account, not to each person separately. Interest earned is credited to the account and belongs to both owners. If the account is closed, both owners must agree, or one owner can close it unilaterally—Discover does not require consent from both parties.
For tax purposes, Discover will issue a 1099-INT form in both names if the account earns interest above a certain threshold. Both account holders will receive copies of all statements and transaction records.
Who can be added to a joint account
Discover requires both account holders to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. You cannot add a minor to a joint savings account. If you want a young person to have access to savings, Discover offers custodial accounts (accounts for minors with a parent or guardian as custodian), but those are a separate product with different rules.
The other person does not need to be a current Discover customer. They can be a new customer opening their first account. However, both people must complete the full account opening process together—you cannot open the account alone and add them later.
Removing someone from a joint account
Once a joint account is open, you cannot remove the other person from it. Either account holder can close the account entirely, but neither can unilaterally convert it back to a single-owner account or remove the other person while keeping the account open.
If you want to separate finances, you would need to close the joint account, divide the funds, and open new individual accounts. Discover will allow either owner to initiate the closure, and the remaining balance will be paid out (usually by check or transfer to a linked bank account).
Transferring money between separate accounts instead
If you want to keep your savings account in your name only but still share funds with someone, you can transfer money to their account as needed. Discover allows transfers between your own accounts at Discover and to external bank accounts via ACH transfer or wire transfer.
ACH transfers typically take one to two business days and are free. Wire transfers are faster (same day in many cases) but may carry a fee. You would initiate these transfers yourself through your Discover online account whenever you want to move money to the other person.
This approach gives you more control—you decide when and how much to transfer—but it requires active management on your part. The other person does not have direct access to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my Discover savings account after I already opened it?
No. Discover does not allow adding joint owners or authorized users to an account after it is opened. Your only option is to open a new joint account with that person.
What if I want to give someone temporary access to my account?
Discover does not offer temporary access or limited-permission user roles on savings accounts. You can transfer money to their account, or they can have full equal access as a joint owner. There is no middle ground.
Do both people on a joint account have to agree to close it?
No. Either account holder can close a joint Discover savings account without the other's permission. The remaining balance will be paid out, typically within a few business days.
Can I open a joint account with someone who doesn't live in the United States?
No. Both account holders must be U.S. residents with valid Social Security numbers. Discover does not open joint accounts for non-residents.
If my joint account holder withdraws all the money, can I get it back?
No. On a joint account, both owners have equal legal rights to all funds. Discover treats withdrawals by either owner as authorized. If you believe fraud occurred, you would need to pursue that through law enforcement or civil court, not through Discover.