A Comprehensive Guide: Adding a Person to Your USAA Account
Are you looking to share the benefits of your USAA account with a family member or another trusted individual? Perhaps you want to give your spouse access to your checking account, or help your child learn financial responsibility with a youth savings account. Whatever your reason, adding a person to your USAA account is a common and often straightforward process, but it's crucial to understand the different options and their implications.
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let's engage you right away: Think about who you want to add and for what purpose. Is it for daily spending, long-term savings, or simply to manage finances together? Your answer will shape the best approach!
USAA primarily serves military members, veterans, and their eligible family members. Therefore, eligibility plays a significant role in who you can add to your accounts. Let's break down the process.
Understanding Your Options: Joint Owners vs. Authorized Users
Before you proceed, it's essential to grasp the fundamental differences between adding a joint owner and an authorized user. This distinction has significant legal and financial ramifications.
Joint Owners
A joint owner has equal ownership of the account. This means they have the same rights and responsibilities as the primary account holder.
- Full Access: Joint owners can deposit, withdraw, write checks, make transfers, and close the account without the other owner's permission.
- Shared Responsibility: Both joint owners are legally responsible for any debt incurred on the account, such as overdrafts.
- Credit Impact: For credit accounts (like credit cards), the account activity will typically be reported to the credit bureaus for both joint owners, affecting their credit scores.
- Survivorship Rights: Often, joint accounts come with "rights of survivorship," meaning if one owner passes away, the other automatically assumes full ownership of the funds, bypassing probate.
Authorized Users
An authorized user has permission to use an existing account but does not have ownership.
- Limited Access (Typically): Authorized users can make purchases or withdrawals (depending on the account type), but they generally cannot make changes to the account, close it, or add other users.
- No Financial Responsibility: An authorized user is not legally obligated to pay off any debt on the account. The primary account holder remains solely responsible.
- Potential Credit Impact: For credit cards, being an authorized user can potentially help build credit, provided the primary account holder manages the account responsibly and makes on-time payments. However, negative activity can also affect their credit.
- No Ownership Rights: Authorized users have no claim to the funds in the account if the primary account holder passes away.
Which option is right for you? If you want to share full financial responsibility and control (e.g., with a spouse or business partner), a joint owner is typically the way to go. If you simply want to provide someone with access to make purchases or withdrawals without shared liability (e.g., a teenager with a debit card), an authorized user might be more appropriate.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility – Can This Person Be Added?
This is the most crucial first step with USAA, as their services are exclusive to the military community and their eligible family members.
Sub-heading: Who is Eligible for USAA Membership?
Generally, USAA membership is open to:
- Active-duty military: Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
- National Guard and Reservists: Members who are actively serving or have previously served.
- Veterans: Those who have honorably served in any branch of the U.S. military.
- Cadets and Midshipmen: Contracted cadets and midshipmen in commissioning programs.
- Spouses of USAA members: Current spouses of military members or veterans who are USAA members.
- Children of USAA members: Biological, adopted, or stepchildren of USAA members. In some cases, grandchildren may also be eligible if both parents and grandparents were USAA members.
Sub-heading: How to Verify Eligibility for the Person You Want to Add
- Directly Ask Them: The simplest way is to ask the person you want to add if they are already a USAA member or if they believe they are eligible through their own military service or a direct family connection (parent or spouse) to an eligible USAA member.
- USAA Website or Customer Service: If they're unsure, they can visit the USAA website or call USAA customer service. They will need to provide information about their military connection or the USAA member they are related to to confirm eligibility.
- Important Note for Family Members: For family members to be eligible, the primary USAA member (the one through whom they are qualifying) must have established their USAA membership first. For example, a child is eligible if their parent is a USAA member, not just because their grandparent was.
Without confirmed USAA eligibility for the person you want to add, you likely won't be able to add them as an owner to a banking account or a credit card. For certain products like insurance, eligibility is also very specific.
Step 2: Determine the Account Type and Access Level
The process for adding a person can vary slightly depending on the type of USAA account you have (or want to open) and the level of access you wish to grant.
Sub-heading: Banking Accounts (Checking & Savings)
For checking and savings accounts, USAA generally allows you to add another USAA member as a joint owner.
- Youth Accounts: For children under 18, USAA offers specific "Youth Spending" (checking) and "Youth Savings" accounts. As the parent or legal guardian, you can open these accounts for them and have parental controls. When your child turns 18, these accounts can be converted to standard checking/savings accounts, and you can remain a joint account holder to continue monitoring or assisting.
- Adding an Adult Joint Owner: This is typically done after you've opened your individual account. The person you add will need to electronically sign documents sent to their inbox by USAA.
Sub-heading: Credit Card Accounts
For credit cards, you typically add an authorized user. Joint credit cards are less common in the banking industry as a whole, and while USAA may have specific options, adding an authorized user is the prevalent method.
- Authorized User Benefits: This allows the authorized user to make purchases using a card linked to your account. It can be a good way to help someone build credit, but remember you are ultimately responsible for all charges.
- No Joint Ownership for Credit Cards (Generally): While some financial institutions might offer true joint credit cards, USAA primarily uses the authorized user model for shared credit card access.
Sub-heading: Other USAA Products (Insurance, Investments, etc.)
- Insurance: Adding family members to insurance policies (auto, home, life) is a different process than adding them to banking or credit accounts. This usually involves updating your policy details and ensuring the family member meets USAA's specific eligibility criteria for that insurance product. You typically add them as a covered individual rather than a "joint owner" of the policy itself.
- Investments: Adding someone to investment accounts (brokerage, mutual funds, IRAs) will involve specific forms and agreements, often requiring signatures from all parties. This is typically done to establish joint ownership (e.g., joint tenancy with rights of survivorship) or beneficiary designations.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Information
Once you've decided who you're adding and how (joint owner vs. authorized user) and confirmed their eligibility, you'll need some vital information.
- For the Person You're Adding:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Current Residential Address
- Contact Information (Phone Number, Email Address)
- Their USAA Member Number (if they already have one)
- For Yourself (Primary Account Holder):
- Your USAA Online ID and Password
- Your USAA Member Number
- Any security verification information (e.g., answers to security questions, two-factor authentication).
Having all of this information readily available will make the process much smoother and prevent delays.
Step 4: The Step-by-Step Process (Online or by Phone)
USAA offers convenient ways to manage your accounts, including adding individuals. While the exact steps might vary slightly depending on updates to their website or mobile app, these are the general approaches.
Sub-heading: Option A: Adding a Person Online (Recommended for many cases)
For banking accounts and adding authorized users to credit cards, the online portal or mobile app is often the quickest method.
- Log In to Your USAA Account: Go to
www.usaa.com - Navigate to Account Services:
- Look for sections like "Account Services," "Manage Accounts," "Profile & Preferences," or similar. The exact wording might differ based on the specific account type (checking, savings, credit card).
- For Checking/Savings: You might find an option directly within the details of your specific checking or savings account, or under a general "Account Services" menu. Look for something like "Add an Account Owner" or "Manage Account Holders."
- For Credit Cards: Look under the credit card details for an option like "Add Authorized User" or "Manage Authorized Users."
- Initiate the "Add Person" Process: Click on the relevant link or button to start adding the person.
- Enter the Required Information:
- You will be prompted to enter the full name, date of birth, SSN, and address of the person you wish to add.
- For banking accounts, USAA will likely verify if the person is an eligible USAA member.
- Review and Confirm: Carefully review all the information you've entered. Ensure it's accurate to avoid delays.
- E-Signature/Agreement (For Joint Owners): If you are adding a joint owner to a banking account, USAA will send an electronic document to the person's USAA inbox (or email if they are not yet a member) for their electronic signature. The process is not complete until they sign these documents. USAA will provide instructions for them to do so.
- Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message that the request has been submitted. USAA will notify you once the process is complete. This might take a few business days.
Sub-heading: Option B: Adding a Person by Phone (For complex situations or preference)
Sometimes, speaking directly with a USAA representative can be helpful, especially for complex situations or if you prefer guided assistance.
- Call USAA Customer Service: Dial 1-210-531-USAA (8722). Be prepared to go through security verification to confirm your identity.
- State Your Intent: Clearly explain that you want to add a person to your USAA account. Specify the account type (e.g., checking, savings, credit card) and whether you want to add them as a joint owner or an authorized user.
- Provide Information: The representative will guide you through the process, asking for the necessary information about the person you want to add (name, DOB, SSN, address, etc.).
- Follow Instructions for Documentation: Depending on the account type and the person's eligibility, USAA may require additional documentation or electronic signatures. The representative will explain what's needed and how to submit it (e.g., through their secure document upload portal, or direct mail).
- Confirm and Follow Up: Ensure you understand the next steps and ask for an estimated timeframe for completion. Keep a record of your call, including the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with.
Step 5: Post-Addition Considerations
Once the person has been successfully added to your USAA account, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Sub-heading: For Joint Owners
- Communicate and Coordinate: It's vital to have open communication about shared finances, spending habits, and account monitoring.
- Access to Online Banking: Ensure the new joint owner registers for their own USAA Online ID and password if they don't already have one, so they can manage the account independently.
- Debit Cards/Checks: New debit cards will likely be issued in the joint owner's name, and new checks may reflect both names.
Sub-heading: For Authorized Users
- Card Delivery: If a new card is issued for the authorized user, ensure they receive it securely.
- Explain Usage: Clearly communicate the terms of use for the card or account access to the authorized user (e.g., spending limits, types of purchases).
- Monitor Activity: Regularly monitor the account activity to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to adding people to USAA accounts, with quick answers:
How to add a spouse to my USAA account?
You can generally add your spouse as a joint owner to banking accounts (checking/savings) online or by phone, provided they meet USAA eligibility criteria. For credit cards, you would typically add them as an authorized user.
How to add a child to my USAA checking account?
For children under 18, you can open a USAA Youth Spending account as the parent or legal guardian. Once they turn 18, it converts to a Classic Checking account, and you can remain a joint account holder.
How to add a non-family member to my USAA account?
USAA's eligibility is strict. You can typically only add individuals who qualify for USAA membership through their own military service or a direct family connection (spouse or child) to an eligible USAA member. Adding a non-family member as a joint owner to a banking account is generally not possible unless they independently qualify for USAA membership. For some credit cards, you might be able to add a non-family member as an authorized user, but they wouldn't gain full USAA membership benefits.
How to add an authorized user to my USAA credit card?
You can typically add an authorized user to your USAA credit card account directly through your online USAA account or by calling customer service. You'll need their full name, date of birth, and SSN.
How to add a joint owner to my USAA savings account?
You can add another USAA member as a joint owner to your savings account. This often involves initiating the request online, and the person you're adding will need to electronically sign documents sent by USAA.
How to know if someone is eligible for USAA?
Eligibility is primarily for military members, veterans, and their spouses and children. The easiest way to confirm is for the individual to visit USAA.com and use the "Join USAA" or eligibility tool, or call USAA customer service directly.
How to change account ownership from individual to joint with USAA?
This process generally involves adding a new joint owner to your existing account. You would typically initiate this online or by phone, and the new owner would need to electronically sign documents from USAA.
How to remove a person from my USAA account?
Removing a joint owner or authorized user typically requires contacting USAA directly by phone or submitting specific forms. The process varies by account type and the relationship (joint owner vs. authorized user).
How to get a separate USAA member number for someone I add?
If the person you're adding becomes an eligible USAA member through their own service or an eligible family connection, they will receive their own USAA member number. If they are just an authorized user, they typically do not get a separate member number.
How to verify the identity of the person I'm adding to USAA?
USAA, like all financial institutions, is required by law (e.g., PATRIOT Act) to verify the identity of all account holders. This means they will ask for the person's full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number (or other identifying information).
