Is Shared Access the same thing as adding a joint owner?

No. Shared Access is not the same as adding a joint owner. A joint owner has full ownership rights, can order checks, and receive a debit card in their name. Someone with Shared Access cannot have ownership of the account, order checks, or receive a debit card.

What is Shared Access?

Shared Access is a feature located under the Settings menu that allows you to grant someone permission to perform certain banking activities on your behalf. This is useful if you want a trusted person to help manage your account without giving them full ownership.