Yes, you can add another person to your Chase account, but the method depends on the account type and your relationship to that person
Chase offers two main ways to bring someone else onto your account: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder. An authorized user can use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally with you and can make all decisions about the account. Which one you choose affects what that person can do, whether they are liable for debt, and how the account works if you die or close it.
You can start the process online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone with Chase customer service, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online if you already have your Chase login and know the person's Social Security number. If you are adding a spouse or family member you live with, a branch visit can be simpler because the banker can walk you through the paperwork and answer questions on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can access and use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and is responsible for overdrafts and debt.
- You can add an authorized user to most Chase checking and savings accounts online, by phone, or at a branch without closing and reopening the account.
- Creating a joint account usually requires both people to be present with ID, or you may need to close the existing account and open a new joint one.
- The person you add will appear on statements and can be reported to credit bureaus if the account goes negative or is misused.
- You can remove an authorized user or joint account holder at any time through Chase online banking or by calling customer service.
Adding an authorized user to an existing account
An authorized user is the simpler option if you want someone to have access without full ownership. This person can withdraw money, make deposits, pay bills, and use a debit card linked to the account—but they do not own it, and they are not responsible if the account goes negative. You remain the sole owner and the person responsible for any overdraft fees or debt.
To add an authorized user online, log into your Chase account, go to the account details or settings section, and look for "Add authorized user" or "Manage account access." You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will verify their identity and send them a confirmation. The process usually takes a few minutes, and the person can start using the account immediately if you order them a debit card, or they can access it through your online login if you share it.
If you prefer not to do it online, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch with the person you want to add. Bring a government-issued ID for both of you. A banker can add them on the spot, though you may still need to order a physical debit card if the person wants one.
Converting to a joint account or opening a new one
A joint account means both people own it equally. Both of you can make withdrawals, close the account, change the terms, or remove the other person. If one of you dies, the money typically goes to the surviving account holder automatically—it does not go through probate. However, both of you are responsible for overdrafts, and if one person runs up debt or misuses the account, the other is liable.
Chase does not always allow you to convert an existing account to a joint account online. In most cases, you will need to visit a branch with the other person and a government-issued ID for each of you. The banker will close your current account and open a new joint account, transferring the balance over. This usually happens the same day, though it can take a few business days for the old account number to fully close and the new one to activate for all services.
If you want to avoid closing and reopening, ask the banker whether your specific account type can be converted. Some savings accounts and money market accounts may allow it; most checking accounts do not. If conversion is not possible, opening a new joint account is the only option.
What happens to credit reports and statements
Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit report or credit score. Chase does not report authorized users to credit bureaus, so this person will not build credit history through the account, and they will not be harmed if the account is misused or goes negative.
A joint account holder, by contrast, may appear on credit reports depending on how Chase reports the account and whether the account is used for credit (like overdraft protection tied to a credit line). If the account goes negative or is sent to collections, both account holders can be affected. Check your credit report after opening a joint account to see how it is reported.
Both authorized users and joint account holders will appear on monthly statements. If you want to keep the account private from the other person, do not add them—instead, consider a separate account or a limited power of attorney if you need them to handle specific transactions.
Removing an authorized user or joint account holder
You can remove an authorized user at any time through Chase online banking. Log in, go to account settings, find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove." The person loses access immediately, though any debit cards they have will still work until they expire or you report them as lost. If you want to stop access right away, call Chase and ask them to deactivate the card number.
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because both people own the account. You cannot unilaterally remove them. Instead, you have two options: close the account and open a new one in your name alone, or ask the joint holder to visit a branch with you and formally agree to the removal. If the joint holder refuses or you cannot reach them, closing and reopening is the only path forward. Any money in the account must be divided or transferred before closing.
Adding someone who does not have a Social Security number
If the person you want to add does not have a U.S. Social Security number—for example, a non-citizen family member—Chase will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and is used for tax purposes; you can apply for one through the IRS website or with the help of a tax professional.
Once you have the ITIN, the process is the same: provide it when adding the person as an authorized user or when opening a joint account. If Chase cannot verify the ITIN in their system, they may ask for additional documents like a passport or visa. Visiting a branch in person can speed this up because the banker can review documents on the spot.
What to know before adding someone
Adding an authorized user or joint account holder is permanent until you remove them, so make sure you trust the person and understand the risks. An authorized user can drain the account, and a joint account holder can close it or transfer all the money without your permission. If you are adding a spouse, this is usually not a concern, but if you are adding an adult child, friend, or family member you are less close to, think carefully about the access you are giving them.
Also consider the tax and legal implications. If you add a joint account holder, that person may have inheritance rights to the account if you die, depending on your state's laws. If you want to leave money to someone but do not want them to have access now, a joint account is not the right tool—a will or beneficiary designation is better. Ask Chase or a lawyer if you are unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my Chase account without them being present?
Yes, if you are adding an authorized user. You can do it online or by phone with just their name, date of birth, and Social Security number. For a joint account, both people usually need to be present at a branch with ID, though some branches may allow you to open one by mail if you cannot visit in person—call ahead to ask.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Not if they are an authorized user. Joint account holders may see the account on their credit report depending on how Chase reports it, but it will not hurt their score unless the account goes negative or is misused.
Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Chase account?
Yes. They do not need their own Chase account to be an authorized user or joint account holder. They will get access to your account and can use a debit card or online banking, but they do not need a separate account.
What if I want to remove a joint account holder and they refuse?
You cannot remove them without their agreement. Your only option is to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. Any money in the joint account must be divided or transferred before closing.
Do I need to be in the same state as the person I am adding?
No. Chase is a national bank, so you can add someone who lives in a different state. You can do it online or by phone without either of you visiting a branch.