You can add a joint account holder to Chase checking in person at a branch, by phone, or sometimes online—the method depends on whether the person is already a Chase customer

The fastest way is usually to visit a Chase branch with the other person and a valid ID. A banker can add them to your account on the spot, and both of you will have full access to the account and its funds within hours. If you cannot meet in person, you can call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and request to add an authorized user or joint owner—though Chase may require you to visit a branch anyway to complete the change, depending on your account type and the person's banking history with them.

The difference between a joint owner and an authorized user matters: a joint owner has equal legal claim to the account and can close it or change its terms; an authorized user can withdraw and deposit money but cannot close the account or remove other users. Most people adding a spouse or partner want joint ownership. If you are adding someone else—an adult child, a caregiver, or a business partner—clarify which arrangement you need before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring both IDs and visit a Chase branch to add a joint owner in person; this is the most direct method and takes minutes.
  • If the other person is not yet a Chase customer, they may need to open their own account first, or Chase may allow them to be added without one—call ahead to confirm.
  • A joint owner has equal rights to the account and can close it or change terms; an authorized user can only spend and deposit money.
  • After you add a joint owner, both of you will receive separate debit cards and online access, and the account will appear on both credit reports for credit-building purposes.
  • If you want to remove a joint owner later, you must visit a branch or call Chase; the other person cannot remove themselves.

What you need before you visit or call

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The person you are adding must also bring a valid ID. If either of you does not have one, Chase will not add them to the account.

Have your account number and routing number ready if you are calling. You can find both on a check or in your Chase online banking portal. If the other person is not yet a Chase customer, ask them whether they have a Social Security number and a U.S. address, because Chase will need both to verify them. Some branches will add a joint owner even if they do not yet have a Chase account; others will ask them to open a savings or checking account first. Calling ahead to your local branch can save a trip.

Adding a joint owner at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with both IDs and ask to add a joint account holder. A banker will pull up your account, verify your identity, and ask the other person to verify theirs. They will explain the rights and responsibilities of a joint owner—that both of you can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account terms without the other person's permission. You both need to agree to this before proceeding.

The banker will have both of you sign the paperwork. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once it is done, the new joint owner can use the account immediately online if they set up Chase access, though their debit card may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If they need to withdraw money before the card arrives, they can use your debit card or visit a branch with their ID to make a withdrawal.

Adding a joint owner by phone

Call the number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to add a joint account holder. They will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting information from your account. Then they will ask for the other person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.

Chase may tell you that you need to visit a branch to complete the process, especially if the other person is not yet a Chase customer or if your account has certain restrictions. If they do allow you to proceed over the phone, they will mail paperwork to both of you to sign and return. This method is slower—it can take two to three weeks—because of the mailing step. In most cases, visiting a branch is faster.

What happens after you add a joint owner

Both of you will have full access to the account. The joint owner will receive their own debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. They can also set up online and mobile banking using their own login, and they will see the full account balance and transaction history.

The account will appear on both of your credit reports. This means that if the account is in good standing, it can help build the joint owner's credit history. If the account ever goes negative or has late payments, that will also show on both credit reports. Both of you are equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees.

If either of you wants to remove the other person later, you must visit a branch or call Chase. The person being removed cannot remove themselves. Chase will close the account and open a new one in the remaining person's name, or they may ask you to visit a branch to sort out which person keeps the account and what happens to the money in it.

If the other person does not have a Social Security number

Chase requires a Social Security number to add someone to an account. If the person you want to add does not have one—because they are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident—you have two options: they can open their own account as an authorized user on your account (meaning they can use it but you remain the owner), or they can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which Chase will accept in place of a Social Security number.

Getting an ITIN takes several weeks and requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS. If you need to add someone to your account quickly and they do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, ask a Chase banker whether they can be added as an authorized user instead. This gives them access to spend and deposit money without making them a joint owner.

Removing a joint owner later

If you need to remove a joint owner, visit a Chase branch or call the number on the back of your debit card. You will need to verify your identity. Chase will ask what you want to do with the account—whether you want to keep it open in your name alone, close it and open a new account, or transfer the money to a different account.

The joint owner will lose access to the account once the change is processed. If there is money in the account, Chase will not remove the joint owner until you decide how to handle the balance. If you and the joint owner disagree about who gets the money, you may need to resolve that outside of Chase—the bank will not mediate disputes between account owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a joint owner online through Chase's website?

Chase does not currently offer a way to add a joint owner entirely online. You must visit a branch or call. Some online banking portals show an option to manage account access, but that is for authorized users only, not joint owners. For a true joint owner, you need to speak to a banker in person or by phone.

What is the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user?

A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and can close it, change its terms, or remove other users without permission. An authorized user can withdraw and deposit money but cannot close the account or change its settings. If you want the other person to have full control, choose joint owner. If you want them to spend money but not make major decisions, choose authorized user.

Will adding a joint owner affect my credit score?

Adding a joint owner will not directly change your credit score, but the account will appear on both credit reports. If the account has a good payment history, it can help the joint owner's credit. If the account ever has late payments or goes negative, that will hurt both credit scores equally.

Can I add a joint owner if my account is overdrawn?

Chase may allow you to add a joint owner even if the account is overdrawn, but they may ask you to pay the overdraft first. Call your branch to ask whether they will proceed with an overdrawn balance, because policies vary by location.

What happens to a joint account if one owner dies?

The surviving joint owner keeps full access to the account and all the money in it. The account does not automatically go through probate. However, if the deceased person's estate has debts or taxes owed, creditors may try to claim money from the joint account. Consult an estate attorney if this situation arises.