Yes, you can add someone to your Chase checking account, but the process and permissions depend on whether you want them as an authorized user or a joint owner

Chase offers two ways to bring someone onto your account. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but you remain the legal owner and are responsible for all activity. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all decisions about it, and shares liability. Which one you choose matters for taxes, liability, and what happens if the relationship ends.

You can start the process online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Chase does not charge a fee to add someone to a checking account. The person you are adding will need to provide identification and may need to verify their Social Security number, depending on whether they already have a Chase account.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can make transactions but you keep legal ownership; joint owners have equal rights and equal responsibility for the account.
  • You can add someone online through your Chase account, by calling Chase customer service, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • The person you add will need a valid ID and may need to provide their Social Security number if they do not already have a Chase account.
  • Joint owners can close the account, withdraw all funds, or make changes without your permission, so choose this option only for people you fully trust.
  • If you remove someone from the account later, Chase will close any debit cards or access they had, but they may still see transaction history depending on account type.

Adding an authorized user online or through the app

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app and look for account settings or account management options. The exact menu location varies slightly between the website and app, but both have a section for managing users or authorized signers. Select the option to add an authorized user and enter the person's name, date of birth, and contact information.

Chase will ask whether the person already has a Chase account. If they do, the process is faster because Chase already has their identity verified. If they do not, you will be asked to provide their Social Security number so Chase can verify their identity. The person you are adding will receive a notification from Chase and may need to confirm their identity through a text message or email link before the change takes effect.

Once added, they can use their own debit card or access the account through their own Chase login if they set one up. The entire process usually takes one to three business days.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with the person you want to add. Bring a valid government-issued ID for both yourself and the other person—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will need to bring your account number or debit card so the banker can pull up your account.

The banker will verify both identities and ask whether you want to add an authorized user or create a joint account. They will explain the differences and what permissions each person will have. If the other person does not have a Chase account, the banker can help them open one at the same time, which streamlines the process.

In-person additions are often faster than online—sometimes same-day—because the banker can verify identity immediately. This is a good option if you want to avoid the back-and-forth of online verification or if the person you are adding is not comfortable with digital processes.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your account statement. Tell them you want to add an authorized user or create a joint account. They will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account.

The banker will ask for the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will explain what an authorized user or joint owner can do and confirm which option you want. Chase will then send a notification to the person you are adding, and they may need to verify their identity through a text or email before the change is complete.

Phone additions usually take two to five business days. This method works well if you cannot visit a branch or prefer to handle it without the other person present, though Chase may ask to speak with the other person briefly to confirm they consent to being added.

The difference between authorized users and joint owners

An authorized user can deposit money, withdraw funds, make transfers, and pay bills from the account. They receive their own debit card and can access the account through their own Chase login. However, you remain the sole legal owner. If there is fraud or an overdraft, you are responsible. If the relationship ends, you can remove them immediately and they lose access. Authorized users do not have the power to close the account, change account settings, or remove you.

A joint owner has all the same transaction rights as an authorized user, but also has legal ownership. They can close the account, change the account type, remove you, or withdraw all the money without your permission. Both of you are equally liable for overdrafts and fraud. If one joint owner dies, the account may go through probate depending on your state's laws. Joint ownership is appropriate only for spouses, long-term partners, or family members you trust completely with full control.

For tax purposes, interest earned on a joint account is split between both owners, and each of you will receive a 1099-INT form from Chase. For an authorized user, all interest is reported to the account owner only.

What happens if you remove someone from the account

You can remove an authorized user or joint owner at any time through your Chase account online, by calling customer service, or at a branch. The removal takes effect immediately. Their debit card will stop working, and they will lose access to the account through their Chase login.

Chase will not automatically close any linked services, such as bill pay or transfers set up under their name, so log in after removal and check for any recurring payments or transfers you need to cancel. The person you removed will still be able to see transaction history from before the removal date if they have already accessed the account through their own login, but they cannot make new transactions.

If you are removing a joint owner, the account remains open and in your name. If you are removing an authorized user, the account also remains unchanged. There is no fee to remove someone, and Chase does not require notice to the other person before you remove them.

What you need before you add someone

Gather the following information before you start the process: the person's full legal name, date of birth, and current address. You will also need their Social Security number if they do not already have a Chase account. Have your own account number or debit card ready so you can verify your identity to Chase.

If you are adding someone in person, bring a valid government-issued ID for both yourself and the other person. If you are doing it online or by phone, Chase will verify identity electronically, so you do not need to bring anything physical.

Make sure the person you are adding knows they are being added and consents to it. Chase may ask them to verify their identity through a text message or email, so they should expect to receive a message from Chase within a few hours of you starting the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my Chase account if they do 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 either, they will need to obtain one before Chase can add them. Non-citizens can apply for an ITIN through the IRS.

Will the person I add see my transaction history?

Yes. Both authorized users and joint owners can see all transactions on the account, including deposits, withdrawals, and transfers made before they were added. If privacy is a concern, a joint account is not the right choice.

What if I want to add someone but they live in a different state?

You can add someone who lives out of state through the online process or by phone. You do not need to visit a branch together. If you both want to do it in person, you can visit a Chase branch in either state.

Can I add a minor to my checking account?

Chase does not allow minors to be authorized users or joint owners on a standard checking account. If you want to give a minor access to funds, Chase offers teen checking accounts designed for younger customers, which have parental controls and spending limits.

What happens to a joint account if one owner dies?

This depends on your state's laws and how the account is titled. In some states, the account passes to the surviving owner automatically. In others, it may go through probate. Contact Chase or a lawyer in your state to understand what will happen to your specific account.