How to Write a Bank Authorization Letter

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you'd like to authorize someone else to handle money in your bank account, most banks give several options. You have the option to give the person financial power of attorney and specify which transactions they're allowed to make. Alternatively, you can change your account to give someone else access. Each bank has its own requirements and special forms you'll need to fill out, so it's a good idea to contact your bank directly to find out what method is best for your situation.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Granting Financial Power of Attorney

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most banks won't allow someone not listed on your account to make transactions in your name unless you have given explicit permission. In legal terms, this means granting the person financial power of attorney (FPOA) by signing a legal document stating what transactions the person is allowed to make. By giving someone FPOA, you can authorize them to make withdrawals, write checks for you, and take other actions in your absence. [1]
    • A limited FPOA puts a limit on what the person can do with your account. You can authorize them to make a few specific transactions if that's all you want them to do.
    • If you want the person to have longer-term access to your account, you can grant a durable FPOA. This enables the person to make decisions for you and handle your finances in the event that you become incapacitated.
  2. Most major banks have a specific power of attorney form (sometimes called a third party authorization form) for you to fill out with the details of your situation. [2] You'll provide information on to whom you're granting power of attorney, which transactions you want the person to be able to take, and for how long they're authorized to have access to your account.
    • Either visit your bank in person to speak to an agent, or visit your bank's website to obtain a power of attorney form online.
    • Fill out and submit the form according to your bank's instructions.
    Advertisement
  3. . If your bank doesn't have a specific power of attorney form, you can create your own listing exactly what transactions the person is allowed to make. In order for the document to be legally valid, you will need to follow your state's laws in order to draw it up using the correct language. Execute (sign) the power of attorney form with the person to whom you're giving FPOA. [3]
    • You may want to have a lawyer help you draw up the form to make sure it's legally sound.
    • The execution of the document must also be done according to your state's laws. Some states require that you have a witness, and others require that you have the document notarized.
  4. Once you have your forms filled out and signed according to the requirements of your state laws, visit your bank and meet with an agent to submit the form and make your intentions clear. Once the form is put on file, the other party will now be authorized to make the transactions you laid out.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

PDF download Download Article
  1. About half the states in the US provide the option of opening convenience accounts. The other person would have access to the account, but would only be authorized to use it on your behalf. In other words, the person could use it to pay your bills, but they couldn't withdraw cash to use for their own purposes. [4]
    • This is not an option in every state. See if your state's laws permit convenience accounts.
    • Contact your bank to find out whether a convenience account will meet your needs.
  2. Every bank gives you the option of adding a co-owner to the account to create a joint account. This person would have the exact same ability to make transactions as you do. Go online or talk to a bank representative in person to add another person to your account. [5]
    • In order to add a co-owner, you'll need to fill out forms that are signed by both parties.
    • Once the forms are completed and submitted, the other person will be granted full access to the account.
  3. Opening a convenience account or a joint account are both risky options. Adding a co-owner gives that person free reign to use your account in whatever way they please. Even if you just open a convenience account, you have to trust the person to use your money wisely. In either situation, be sure you have full trust in the person who has access to your account. [6]
    • You may want to meet with a lawyer to discuss which option is best for your situation. The lawyer may advise you against getting a joint account, and instead recommend getting a durable FPOA. It's a good idea to think it through with an expert before making a decision.
    • This is especially true if you're considering adding your children to your bank account so they can take care of your bills. Unanticipated problems could arise at a later time, so make sure your finances are well protected. [7]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

PDF download Download Article
  1. If all you want to do is allow someone to deposit money in your account, some banks allow people to do this without special authorization. Depending on what bank you use, you may not need to write an official letter or fill out any forms. Contact your bank for more information on its policies regarding third party deposits. [8]
  2. Giving someone your bank card or account information is a way to self-authorize them to make a withdrawal. However, banks advise against doing this, since you won't have control over how much the person withdraws from your account. Some banks have explicit policies in place to prevent non-account holders from making transactions, so using FPOA or listing the person as a co-signer may be a better bet.
    3. Advertisement

Sample Bank Letter

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I write a bank authorization letter to close my account?
    Community Answer
    That's not what a bank authorization letter is for. If you want to close your account, just call or visit your bank and ask to have your account closed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 8
  • Question
    I already have a joint account at my bank now. I want to add one account holder. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Go to the bank with the person you want added to the account and have him/her bring two pieces of identification to show the bank. They will add the name to the account without having to change the checks if you wish.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How do I remove an old account from a new account to claim the pending funds?
    Community Answer
    Contact your bank for specific advice.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Find Your Bank Account Number
      How to
      Use ATMs to Get Cash, Access Bank Accounts, & More
      How to
      Activate an ATM Card From Any Bank
      How to
      Make ATM Deposits
      Depositing Cash Into Your Bank Account: An Easy Guide
      How to
      Get in Touch with Bank of America
      How to
      Submit Damaged Money for Reimbursement
      How to
      Find the Effective Interest Rate
      How to
      Write a Guarantor Letter
      Pay with ACH: Simple and Secure Automatic Payments
      How to
      Prepare a Bank Reconciliation
      A Beginner's Guide to Starting Your Own Bank
      How to
      Check Your Bank Balance
      Using ATMs and Money Orders to Deposit Cash to Your USAA Account
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about business payment and billing systems, check out our in-depth interview with Alan Mehdiani, CPA .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/financial-power-of-attorney-how-it-works
      2. ↑ https://www.findlaw.com/forms/resources/power-of-attorney/what-is-a-power-of-attorney/durable-financial-power-of-attorney.html
      3. ↑ https://info.legalzoom.com/grant-power-attorney-20090.html
      4. ↑ http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/convenience-accounts-powers-attorney.html
      5. ↑ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/joint-checking-account/
      6. ↑ http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/convenience-accounts-powers-attorney.html
      7. ↑ https://generationslawgroup.com/should-i-add-my-adult-child-to-my-bank-account
      8. ↑ https://www.bankrate.com/banking/checking/cant-deposit-cash-into-someone-elses-account-these-are-your-options/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To write a bank authorization letter, call or visit your bank to obtain a power of attorney form or third party authorization form. If you want someone to have limited access to your account, get a limited financial power of attorney form so you can specify what the other person will have access to. To grant someone more permanent access to your account, choose a durable financial power of attorney form instead. Once you have filled out the form, present it to your bank to get the authorization finalized. To learn how to add a second person onto your account, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,017,187 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement