Yes, you can add someone 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 another person onto your account: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder. These are different arrangements with different access levels and legal standing. 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, including closing it. Which one you choose affects what that person can do, what liability they carry, and what happens to the account if you die.
You can start the process online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online or through the app if you already have the account set up. If you are adding a spouse or family member, bring a government-issued ID for that person to a branch, or have their information ready if you are doing it remotely.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can access and use the account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and can close it or change terms without your permission.
- 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 or to sign documents, and Chase may run a ChexSystems check on the new account holder.
- An authorized user's activity appears on your statements and credit report, so choose someone you trust with spending decisions and debt obligations.
- If you add a spouse as a joint account holder, both of you have full legal access to all funds, and creditors can pursue either of you for the account's debts.
Adding an authorized user online or by phone
If you want someone to use your account but not own it, adding them as an authorized user is the simpler path. Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, go to the account settings or account details section, and look for an option to add an authorized user. You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will verify this information and issue a debit card or allow digital wallet access in that person's name.
You can also call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to add an authorized user. A representative will walk you through the same information and can mail a card to the authorized user's address. This usually takes five to seven business days. The authorized user can begin making purchases and withdrawals as soon as the card arrives or the digital wallet is activated, even if the physical card has not yet come in the mail.
An authorized user does not need to be present or sign anything. You are the account owner, and you are giving them permission to use it. This is useful for teenagers, adult children, or caregivers who need access to funds but should not have full ownership rights.
Creating a joint account or converting to joint ownership
If you want the other person to own the account equally with you, you have two options: open a new joint account together, or convert your existing account to joint ownership. Converting an existing account is faster and keeps your account number and routing number the same, so your direct deposits and automatic payments do not change.
To convert to joint ownership, visit a Chase branch with the other person and bring both government-issued IDs. Chase will have you both sign new account documents that establish joint ownership. If the other person cannot come to the branch, Chase may allow you to complete the process remotely by having them sign documents electronically or by mail, though policies vary by state and account type. Call your local branch or Chase customer service to ask what your options are.
Chase will run a ChexSystems check on the new joint account holder. This is a banking history report similar to a credit check. If the person has unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other banking problems on record, Chase may deny the request or require those issues to be resolved first. You will find out the result within a few business days.
What a joint account holder can do
A joint account holder has the same rights as you do: they can withdraw money, make deposits, set up automatic payments, change account settings, order new cards, and close the account entirely without your permission. They can also authorize other people as users on the account. If you want to prevent the other person from closing the account or making large transfers, a joint account is not the right choice—an authorized user is.
Both joint account holders are equally liable for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, Chase can pursue either of you for the debt. If one person racks up overdraft fees or bounced checks, both names are on the hook. Similarly, if the account is linked to a credit product like a line of credit or overdraft protection, both people's credit reports can be affected by late payments or defaults.
What happens to the account if you die
If you are the sole account owner and you die, Chase will freeze the account until your estate is settled. The money does not automatically go to a beneficiary or the other person—it becomes part of your estate and is distributed according to your will or state law. This can take months.
If the account is joint, the other person usually becomes the sole owner automatically when you die, depending on your state's laws. This is called right of survivorship, and it is the default for most joint accounts at Chase. The account does not go through probate, and the surviving joint owner can access the funds right away. If you want to prevent this—for example, if you want the money to go to your children instead—you need to specify that in your will or set up a different account structure, such as a payable-on-death account.
Removing an authorized user or joint account holder
You can remove an authorized user from your account at any time without their permission. Log into your account online, go to account settings, and select the option to remove the authorized user. You can also call Chase or visit a branch. The person's card will stop working immediately, though they may still see the account in their mobile app until they log out and back in.
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because they have legal ownership rights. You cannot simply remove them—you have to close the account or convert it back to a single-owner account. To do this, you will need to visit a branch with your ID and ask to remove the other person's name. Chase will require the other person's consent in writing, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If there is money in the account, you and the joint holder will need to agree on how to split it, or one person will need to withdraw all the funds and close it.
Authorized users and credit reports
Adding someone as an authorized user does not create a separate credit file for them. All activity on the account—deposits, withdrawals, overdrafts, fees—appears on your credit report and your statements. If the authorized user overspends or the account goes negative, it affects your credit score, not theirs. However, some credit card issuers do report authorized user activity to the credit bureaus, so the person's credit report may show the account as well.
If you are considering adding someone as an authorized user to help them build credit, be aware that this only works if the card issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus. Debit cards and basic checking accounts typically do not. A secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card account is a more reliable way to build credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without going to a branch?
Yes. You can add an authorized user entirely online or by phone. To convert an existing account to joint ownership or to add a joint account holder, you may be able to do it remotely depending on your state and account type, but Chase often requires at least one person to visit a branch or sign documents electronically. Call Chase to ask what your options are.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have one, they will need to obtain one from the IRS before you can proceed. This can take several weeks.
Can I add someone to a joint account after it is already open?
No. A joint account has two owners, not three. If you want to add a third person, you would need to open a separate account or add them as an authorized user on the existing joint account. An authorized user on a joint account can use the account but does not own it.
Will adding someone as a joint account holder affect their credit?
No. Opening a joint checking or savings account does not appear on a credit report or affect credit scores. However, if the account is overdrawn or has unpaid fees that go to collections, it could affect both people's credit. Credit cards and loans are different—those do show up on credit reports.
What if I want to remove a joint account holder but we disagree?
You cannot unilaterally remove a joint account holder because they have equal legal ownership. Your options are to close the account entirely, convert it to a single-owner account with their written consent, or leave the account as is. If you cannot agree, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options.