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 their mobile app, website, or by calling customer service at 1-800-935-9935. You can also walk into any Chase branch with the person you want to add and complete it on the spot. The process takes minutes, and the new user can access the account almost immediately.
The person you add does not need to be a Chase customer already, and they do not need their own account. Chase will issue them a debit card tied to your account, and they can set up online and mobile access using the same login credentials you provide or create for them.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user online through Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a branch with the person present.
- The authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days and can access the account online or through the app immediately.
- You remain the account owner and are responsible for all activity on the account, including charges and overdrafts made by the authorized user.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same channels you used to add them, and their debit card will be deactivated.
- Chase does not charge a fee to add or remove an authorized user on most checking accounts.
Adding an authorized user online or through the Chase app
Log into Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app and go to your checking account. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Manage Account," or "Settings"—the exact label varies by device. Select the option to add an authorized user or cardholder.
You will be asked for the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase uses this information to verify their identity and set up their access. After you submit this information, Chase will send a confirmation to your email and may ask security questions to confirm you are the account owner.
Once approved, Chase will mail a debit card to the address on file. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can activate it by calling the number on the card or through the Chase app as soon as it arrives. They can also set up online and mobile access right away without waiting for the physical card.
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 person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions about your account.
The process is the same as online: Chase will confirm the information, mail a debit card, and activate online access. Phone representatives can sometimes expedite the card if you explain why you need it faster, though this is not may provide. Ask what options are available when you call.
Adding an authorized user in person at a Chase branch
Bring the person you want to add to any Chase branch along with your ID. The branch representative will ask for the same information: their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will verify your identity and the authorized user's identity using the IDs you both present.
In-branch additions are often the fastest route because you can walk out with a temporary card or a card order that arrives within a few days. Ask the representative what timeline to expect for the physical card. The authorized user can access the account online or through the app the same day.
What the authorized user can and cannot do
An authorized user can deposit checks, withdraw cash, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and make purchases with the debit card. They can see the full account balance and transaction history. They can also set up their own online and mobile access using a username and password you create together.
An authorized user cannot close the account, change the account owner's contact information, remove themselves from the account, or dispute transactions on their own. Only the account owner can do these things. If the authorized user needs to dispute a charge, they must ask you to file the dispute or contact Chase with you present.
You remain responsible for all account activity
As the account owner, you are liable for every transaction the authorized user makes, including overdrafts and fees. If the authorized user overspends or the account goes negative, the debt is yours. Chase will not reverse charges simply because an authorized user made them without your permission—the account is legally theirs to use.
This is why it is important to add only people you trust completely. If you suspect fraud or unauthorized use, contact Chase immediately at 1-800-935-9935 or through the app. Chase can freeze the debit card and investigate, but you will need to prove the transaction was not made by you or the authorized user.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user anytime through the same channels you used to add them: online, through the app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Log into your account, find the authorized user in your account settings, and select "Remove" or "Delete." On the phone, tell the representative which authorized user you want to remove and they will process it immediately.
When you remove an authorized user, their debit card is deactivated right away and they lose access to the account online and through the app. If they have the card in their wallet, it will no longer work at ATMs or stores. There is no fee to remove an authorized user, and the process takes just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the authorized user need to be a family member?
No. Chase does not restrict authorized users to family members. You can add anyone you trust, including friends, business partners, or caregivers. You will need their full name, date of birth, and Social Security number regardless of your relationship.
Can I set spending limits for an authorized user?
Chase does not offer built-in spending limits for authorized users on checking accounts. The authorized user has access to the full account balance. If you want to limit their spending, you can transfer only the amount you want them to have into the account, or monitor transactions regularly through your online account.
What happens if an authorized user overdrafts the account?
You are responsible for the overdraft fee and any negative balance. Chase will charge an overdraft fee (typically $35 per transaction on most Chase checking accounts) and may charge daily fees if the account stays negative. You can contact Chase to dispute the fee, but they will not automatically reverse it just because an authorized user caused the overdraft.
Can an authorized user see my savings account or other accounts?
No. An authorized user only has access to the specific checking account you added them to. They cannot see your savings account, credit cards, or any other accounts unless you add them as an authorized user to those accounts separately.
How long does it take for the authorized user to get online access?
Online and mobile access is usually available within hours of approval. The physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive. The authorized user can start using the account online or through the app before the card arrives if you set up their login information.