You can add an authorized user to your Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account — they can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using a debit card or online access. Chase lets you add authorized users through your online banking portal, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person. The process takes minutes if you do it online, and the new user can usually access the account within one business day.

You do not need the authorized user to be present when you add them, though you will need their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will verify their identity before activating their access. If you are adding a minor, the process is slightly different — they cannot have full online access until they turn 18, though they can use a debit card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user online through Chase's website, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or at any Chase branch.
  • You will need the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the request.
  • The new authorized user can typically access the account within one business day of being added.
  • Authorized users can make withdrawals and transfers, but you remain the account owner and responsible for all activity.
  • Minors can receive a debit card but cannot access online banking until they turn 18.

Adding an authorized user online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at chase.com and go to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Authorized Users," "Add User," or "Manage Access" — the exact wording varies by account type. Click that option and select "Add Authorized User."

Enter the authorized user's full name exactly as it appears on their government ID, their date of birth, and their Social Security number. Chase will run a verification check using this information. You will also choose what access level to grant — typically "full access" (they can see balances, make transfers, and withdraw funds) or "limited access" (restrictions vary by what you select). After you submit, Chase sends a confirmation to your registered email address.

The authorized user will receive a separate notification and may need to set up their own login credentials if they want online access. If you are adding a minor, Chase will restrict their online access automatically until they reach 18, even if you grant "full access" on your end.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Have the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions about your account, then process the request over the phone.

The representative can also answer questions about what access level to grant and whether there are any restrictions based on your account type. After the call, you will receive a written confirmation in the mail within a few business days. The authorized user's access typically activates within one business day.

Adding an authorized user in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with your ID and bring the authorized user with you if possible (though it is not required). Tell a banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. You will need to provide the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number — if they are present, they can provide this information directly.

The banker will complete the paperwork and verify the information on the spot. You will sign a form authorizing the addition, and the new user can receive a debit card immediately if they are present. If they are not present, Chase will mail the debit card to the address on file, usually within 5 to 7 business days.

What authorized users can and cannot do

An authorized user can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and purchases using a debit card linked to your account. They can also access online banking and mobile banking if you grant them login credentials. However, they cannot close the account, change the account holder's name, remove themselves as an authorized user, or change account settings like overdraft protection.

You remain the primary account owner and are responsible for all activity on the account, including any overdrafts or fees. If an authorized user makes unauthorized transactions, you can report them to Chase as fraud, but the burden of proof is on you to show the transaction was not authorized. Chase's fraud protection covers debit card transactions, but the timeline for a refund depends on whether the transaction was made in person, online, or by phone.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same methods you used to add them. Online, go to account settings, find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove" or "Delete." By phone, call 1-800-935-9935 and ask to remove the user by name. In person, visit a branch with your ID and ask a banker to process the removal.

When you remove an authorized user, their debit card will stop working immediately, though they may retain online access for a short time. If you want to ensure they cannot access online banking, change your password after removing them and contact Chase to confirm their login has been disabled. There is no fee to remove an authorized user.

Adding a minor as an authorized user

Chase allows minors to be added as authorized users starting at age 13 (or younger in some cases, depending on state law). A minor can receive a debit card and make purchases, but they cannot access online banking or set up their own login until they turn 18. You will have full visibility into their account activity through your own online banking.

When you add a minor, you will need their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, just as you would for an adult. Chase may require the minor to be present in a branch to receive their debit card, depending on your state. Some Chase branches offer youth checking accounts with additional parental controls, which may be a better option if you want to restrict spending or set up alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the authorized user need to be present when I add them?

No. You can add an authorized user online or by phone without them being present. You will need their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you add them in person at a branch, they do not have to come with you, though they can if they want to receive their debit card immediately.

Can an authorized user remove themselves from my account?

No. Only the primary account owner can remove an authorized user. If an authorized user wants to be removed, they must ask you to do it, or they can contact Chase and request removal, though Chase will verify ownership of the account first.

What happens to the authorized user's debit card if I remove them?

The debit card stops working immediately. If they try to use it after removal, the transaction will be declined. If they have online access, it may take a few hours to a day for Chase to disable their login, so change your password after removing them to be safe.

Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add an authorized user. If the person does not have either, you cannot add them as an authorized user on your existing account, though you could explore opening a joint account instead.

Will adding an authorized user affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user to a checking account does not appear on credit reports and does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts.