Bank Basics

• Your bank's policy on adding a new, authorized user to your current account applies to all potential additions, including your spouse. As long as your spouse meets the bank's identification requirements, most institutions will process the addition without question. However, some credit unions and banks require that your spouse meet the eligibility requirements for opening a checking account independently before approving a joint checking application.
  
  

Identification

• Your spouse must provide the bank with a few different types of identification to be listed on the account. The bank needs to see a photo ID, your spouse's Social Security number (SSN) and proof of address. In many instances, a driver's license can serve as both the photo ID and proof of address. However, some banks require the presentation of a bill or official mailing address as additional proof. The bank should also ask if your spouse is subject to IRS withholding, an exempt recipient under IRS regulations, or a non-resident alien.
  
  

Account Conversions

• If your bank cannot convert your account to a joint account, you may need to close the account and open a new, joint account that lists both you and your spouse as the account holders. The bank should assist you in transferring all automatic deposits and withdrawals to the new account.
  
  

Business Checking

• When your checking account is a business account, adding your spouse merely requires the addition of a new signatory or account holder. Again, policies vary depending on your financial institution. Some banks require a photo ID for the additional user, while others only require name, SSN and contact information.
  
  

Additional Considerations

• Before adding your spouse to your checking account, verify that he has no outstanding judgments. When you add your spouse's name to a joint checking account, your funds are no longer viewed as separate from his. Laws vary from state to state, but it is possible that your joint account may be fully or partially seized to cover debts that your spouse accumulated prior to the marriage.