Yes, you can convert your existing account to a joint account, but the process and rules depend on your bank and the type of account you have
Most banks let you add another person to your current account, though some require you to open a new joint account instead. The person you want to add must be present (in person or sometimes by phone or video) to verify their identity, and they will need to provide their Social Security number or tax ID. Your bank will run a background check on both of you. The whole process usually takes a few days to a week, though some banks complete it the same day.
Before you start, understand that adding someone to your account gives them full legal access to all the money in it — they can withdraw, transfer, or spend without asking your permission. This is different from giving someone power of attorney, which is a legal document that lets them act on your behalf but doesn't give them ownership. If you want to limit what the other person can do, a joint account is not the right tool.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can usually add a co-owner to your existing account, though some banks require opening a new account instead — call your branch to ask which applies to you.
- The person you add must show up in person with a government ID and provide their Social Security number, and your bank will run a background check on both of you.
- Both account owners have equal legal rights to all the money, so either person can withdraw or spend the entire balance without permission from the other.
- The account will be reported to both owners' credit reports, and both are responsible for overdraft fees or other account problems.
What happens when you add someone to your account
Once the second person is added, the account legally belongs to both of you equally. This means either of you can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, or change the account settings without telling the other person. If one of you writes a bad check or overdraws the account, both of you are responsible for the fees and debt.
The bank will report the account to both of your credit reports. If either of you has a history of unpaid debts, the bank may refuse to add them to the account, or may refuse to open a new joint account. Some banks also check whether either person has been flagged for fraud or has too many closed accounts.
If you die, the money in a joint account typically goes to the surviving owner automatically, without going through your will or estate. This is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for most joint accounts. Some states and some account types work differently, so ask your bank whether your account will have this feature.
Steps to add someone to your account
Call or visit your bank branch and tell them you want to add a co-owner to your account. They will tell you whether they can add the person to your existing account or whether you need to open a new joint account. Ask them what documents you and the other person need to bring.
Bring the other person with you, along with their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). They will need to sign paperwork and provide their Social Security number. The bank will verify their identity and run a background check. Some banks let you do this by phone or video call instead of in person, but most require you to come to the branch.
Once the bank approves the account, you will receive new debit cards and checks (if you have them) with both names on them. The account number usually stays the same, so your direct deposits and automatic payments do not need to change. Ask the bank how long it takes for the changes to show up in online banking.
What documents you will need
| For you (existing account holder) | For the person being added |
|---|---|
| Your government-issued ID | Their government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) |
| Your Social Security number (or tax ID) | Their Social Security number (or tax ID) |
| Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) |
| Your account number | Nothing else — the bank will look up your account |
Some banks ask for additional documents depending on the type of account or your banking history. Call ahead and ask what your specific bank needs.
When your bank might say no
Banks can refuse to add someone to an account if that person has a history of fraud, unpaid debts, or too many closed accounts. They can also refuse if either of you has been flagged by law enforcement or if the bank suspects the account is being used for illegal activity.
If your bank refuses, you can ask why and whether the decision can be appealed. Some banks have a formal appeal process. You can also try a different bank, though the new bank will run the same background checks and may reach the same conclusion.
If the other person has bad credit or a banking history that makes them ineligible, you have other options. You could give them power of attorney to act on your behalf without making them a legal owner, or you could set up a separate savings account in their name that you fund. Talk to a lawyer or your bank about which option makes sense for your situation.
Joint accounts versus other ways to share access
A joint account is not the only way to let someone else use your money. A power of attorney is a legal document that lets someone act on your behalf — they can withdraw money, pay bills, or manage your account — but they do not own the account and cannot inherit it automatically. A power of attorney can be limited to specific tasks or time periods, which a joint account cannot.
A beneficiary designation lets you name someone to inherit the account after you die, without making them a co-owner while you are alive. This is simpler than a joint account if you only want to pass money to someone after your death.
A authorized user is someone you let use your debit card or write checks on your account, but they do not own it and cannot close it or change the settings. Not all banks offer this option. An authorized user is useful if you want to give someone limited access without full ownership.
What to know about taxes and benefits
A joint account does not change how you pay taxes on the interest the account earns. The bank will send a 1099-INT form to both owners if the account earns more than a certain amount of interest, and you will each report your share on your tax return. Ask your bank how they split the interest between the two owners.
If you receive means-tested benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, adding someone to your account may affect your benefits. These programs count money in your account toward your resource limit, and a joint account counts as a resource for both owners. Before you add someone, contact your benefits program to ask how it will affect your case. You may be able to set up a different type of account that does not count as a resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
Most banks require the other person to show up in person with a government ID. Some banks let you do it by phone or video call, but they will still need to verify the person's identity and Social Security number. Call your bank and ask whether they offer remote options.
What if I want to remove someone from the account later?
You can ask your bank to remove the other person, but both owners usually have to agree. If you want to remove someone without their permission, you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name only. Ask your bank what your options are.
If the other person dies, what happens to the money?
The money in a joint account with right of survivorship goes to the surviving owner automatically. You do not need to go to court or file paperwork. If the account does not have right of survivorship, the money becomes part of the deceased person's estate and may go through probate. Ask your bank which rule applies to your account.
Can I make a joint account with someone who is not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, but the person will need to provide a tax ID number. If they do not have a Social Security number, they can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Some banks have additional requirements for non-citizens, so call ahead and ask.
Does adding someone to my account hurt my credit?
Adding someone to your account does not directly hurt your credit. However, if the account is reported to credit bureaus and either owner misses a payment or overdraws the account, it can show up on both credit reports. The account itself does not appear as a loan or debt, so it usually does not affect your credit score.