What you need to do to add an account holder

US Bank lets you add another person to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has equal rights to the account and can make all decisions) or as an authorized user (who can use the account but you remain the primary owner). The process differs depending on which type you choose, and the person you're adding will need to be present and provide identification.

If you want to add someone as a joint owner, both of you must go to a US Bank branch in person. The bank will not process this request online or over the phone. If you want to add an authorized user, you can start the process online through your account, but the new user will still need to verify their identity at a branch or through a video call before they can access the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint owners and authorized users have different rights—a joint owner owns the account equally with you, while an authorized user can spend money but you remain the sole owner.
  • Adding a joint owner requires both people to visit a US Bank branch with government-issued ID and Social Security numbers.
  • Adding an authorized user can begin online, but the person must still verify their identity before they can use the account.
  • The person you're adding will need a Social Security number and valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
  • US Bank may place a temporary hold on the account while they verify the new person's information, which usually takes one to three business days.

Adding a joint owner at a US Bank branch

Visit any US Bank branch with the person you want to add as a joint owner. Bring your government-issued ID, their government-issued ID, and both Social Security numbers. The branch staff will complete a form that converts the account to a joint account, meaning both of you will have equal legal rights to all the money in it.

A joint owner can withdraw all the money, close the account, or make changes without your permission. If this concerns you—for example, if you're adding a teenager or an adult child you don't fully trust—consider making them an authorized user instead. The branch will process the change when ready, but US Bank may place a temporary hold on the account while they verify the new owner's information. This hold typically lasts one to three business days.

Adding an authorized user online or at a branch

You can begin adding an authorized user through your US Bank online account or mobile app. Log in, go to your checking account settings, and look for an option to add a user or cardholder. You'll enter their name, date of birth, and relationship to you. US Bank will then send them a notification asking them to verify their identity.

The person you're adding must complete their identity verification within a set timeframe—usually seven to ten days. They can do this online using a video call with a US Bank representative, or they can visit a branch in person with their government-issued ID. Once they verify, they'll receive a debit card and online access to the account. Unlike a joint owner, an authorized user cannot close the account, change the account type, or remove themselves—only you can make those changes.

What identification and information you'll need

The person you're adding must provide a valid government-issued ID. US Bank accepts driver's licenses, state ID cards, and U.S. passports. They'll also need to provide their Social Security number so the bank can verify their identity and run a background check.

If the person doesn't have a Social Security number—for example, if they're a non-citizen without an ITIN—you may not be able to add them through the standard process. Contact your local US Bank branch to ask about alternatives, as policies can vary by location.

How long the process takes

If you're adding a joint owner, the change takes effect when ready after you complete the paperwork at the branch. However, US Bank may place a temporary hold on the account for one to three business days while they verify the new owner's information. During this hold, you can still use the account normally, but certain transactions may be delayed.

If you're adding an authorized user, the timeline depends on how they verify their identity. If they complete verification online through a video call, it usually takes one to two business days. If they visit a branch in person, it can happen the same day. Once verification is complete, they'll receive their debit card by mail, which typically arrives within five to seven business days.

What happens to the account after you add someone

If you add a joint owner, the account becomes legally owned by both of you. This means creditors can pursue either of you for debts tied to the account, and if one of you dies, the surviving owner typically inherits the full balance (though this depends on your state's laws). Both of you will receive statements and can see all transactions.

If you add an authorized user, you remain the sole owner. The authorized user can see transactions and spend money, but they cannot change account settings, add other users, or close the account. You'll still receive all statements and maintain full control. If you want to remove an authorized user later, you can do so through your online account or by visiting a branch.

Removing someone from your account

To remove a joint owner, both of you must visit a branch together and sign paperwork converting the account back to a single-owner account. If the joint owner won't cooperate, you'll need to speak with a US Bank manager about your options, which may include closing the account and opening a new one.

To remove an authorized user, you can do it yourself through your online account or by calling US Bank customer service. The authorized user will lose access to the account when ready, though they may receive a notification that they've been removed. If you remove an authorized user, any debit card they have will stop working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

No. If you're adding a joint owner, both of you must visit a branch in person. If you're adding an authorized user, you can start the process online, but they must verify their identity either through a video call or by visiting a branch before they can use the account.

What's the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user?

A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and can make any decision about it, including withdrawing all the money or closing it. An authorized user can spend money and see transactions, but you remain the sole owner and can remove them at any time without their permission.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit?

Adding a joint owner or authorized user does not directly affect their credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is reported to credit bureaus for non-payment, it could appear on their credit report if they're a joint owner.

Can I add a minor to my checking account?

Yes, but the minor must be at least 13 years old to be an authorized user. To add a minor as a joint owner, you'll need to visit a branch with the minor present and their birth certificate or state ID. Some US Bank branches may have additional requirements for minors, so call ahead to confirm.

What if the person I'm adding doesn't have a Social Security number?

Contact your local US Bank branch. They may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or other identification methods, but policies vary by location and the bank may decline to add them through the standard process.