Yes, you can add your spouse to your Chase checking account, but Chase calls it adding an "authorized user" or opening a joint account

Chase offers two ways to bring your spouse onto your account. The first is to add them as an authorized user, which means they can use the account but you remain the primary owner and the account stays in your name. The second is to convert to a joint account, where both of you own the account equally, both names appear on statements and checks, and both of you can make decisions about the account. Which one you choose depends on whether you want shared ownership or just shared access.

You can start either process online through Chase.com, through the Chase mobile app, or by visiting a Chase branch in person. If you go online or use the app, you will need your spouse's Social Security number, date of birth, and address. If you visit a branch, bring your spouse with you and both of you will need to bring a government-issued ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding your spouse as an authorized user keeps the account in your name only, while converting to a joint account makes you both equal owners.
  • You can add an authorized user online through Chase.com or the mobile app without your spouse being present, but converting to a joint account usually requires both of you to visit a branch or complete the process together online.
  • Both your spouse and you will receive debit cards, online access, and the ability to make deposits and withdrawals, regardless of which option you choose.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user or to convert an existing account to joint ownership.

Adding your spouse as an authorized user online

To add your spouse as an authorized user through Chase.com, log into your account and look for the option to manage account access or add a user. The exact location varies depending on your account type, but it is usually under "Account Settings" or "Manage Account." Chase will ask for your spouse's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to confirm your relationship to them.

Once you submit the request, Chase will review it, which typically takes one to three business days. Your spouse will receive a letter in the mail confirming they have been added, along with information about how to set up online access and order a debit card. They can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your current debit card to activate their card faster or ask questions about their access.

As an authorized user, your spouse can deposit checks, withdraw cash, make purchases with a debit card, and transfer money between accounts. They can also see the full transaction history and account balance online. However, they cannot close the account, change the account type, or remove themselves without your permission.

Converting to a joint account at a Chase branch

If you want both names on the account as equal owners, you will need to convert it to a joint account. Chase requires both account owners to be present in person at a branch to do this, or you may be able to complete it online together if Chase offers that option in your state. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether your state allows online joint account conversion, or simply visit your nearest branch with your spouse.

Bring your government-issued ID and your spouse's government-issued ID. A Chase representative will verify both of your identities, explain the terms of joint ownership, and update the account. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. After the conversion, both of you will receive new debit cards with both names printed on them, and both names will appear on all statements, checks, and official account documents.

Joint account ownership means both of you have equal legal rights to all the money in the account. Either of you can withdraw all the funds, close the account, or change account settings without the other's permission. If one of you dies, the surviving spouse typically inherits the full balance, depending on your state's laws. Make sure you both understand and agree to this before converting.

What happens to your existing debit card and account number

If you add your spouse as an authorized user, your existing debit card and account number stay the same. Your spouse will receive their own debit card with their name on it, but the account number does not change. Any automatic payments, direct deposits, or other recurring transactions linked to your account will continue without interruption.

If you convert to a joint account, your account number also stays the same, so again, automatic payments and direct deposits are not affected. However, you will both receive new debit cards. Your old card will still work for a short time, but Chase will deactivate it once the new cards arrive, so order your new cards right away to avoid delays.

What your spouse can and cannot do

Whether your spouse is an authorized user or a joint owner, they can make deposits, withdraw cash, pay bills online, set up automatic payments, transfer money between Chase accounts, and view the full transaction history. They can also order checks and set up alerts for account activity.

The main difference is what they cannot do. An authorized user cannot close the account, change the account type, remove themselves, add other users, or dispute transactions on their own. A joint owner can do all of these things. If you want your spouse to have full control, joint ownership is the right choice. If you want to keep some control yourself, authorized user status is better.

Removing your spouse later

If you added your spouse as an authorized user and want to remove them, you can do this online through Chase.com or by calling Chase customer service. You do not need your spouse's permission. Chase will deactivate their debit card and online access, but the account itself stays open.

If you have a joint account and want to remove your spouse, the process is more complicated. You will need to visit a Chase branch in person with your spouse, or in some cases, you may be able to convert the joint account back to a single-owner account online. Call Chase first to ask what options are available in your state. If your spouse refuses to cooperate, you may need to close the joint account and open a new one in your name only, which takes a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse need to be present when I add them as an authorized user?

No. You can add an authorized user online or through the app without your spouse being present. However, if you want to convert to a joint account, Chase requires both of you to visit a branch in person or complete the process together online, depending on your state.

Will adding my spouse affect my credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not affect either person's credit score because Chase does not report authorized user activity to credit bureaus. If you convert to a joint account, the account history may appear on both of your credit reports, but this does not automatically hurt your score.

Can my spouse use the account if they are not a U.S. citizen?

Chase can add a non-citizen as an authorized user or joint owner, but they will need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Visit a branch or call Chase to confirm what documents your spouse needs to bring.

What if my spouse has a different last name than me?

Chase will accept your spouse's legal name regardless of whether it matches yours. If your spouse has recently changed their name, bring a copy of the legal name change document (marriage certificate, court order, or other official record) to the branch when you add them to the account.

Can I add my spouse to just my savings account, or does it have to be checking?

You can add an authorized user or convert to a joint account on any Chase deposit account, including savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. The process is the same as it is for checking accounts.