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

Chase lets you add another person to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner (who has full access and legal responsibility) or as an authorized user (who can use the account but you remain the primary owner). The fastest route is online through Chase's website or mobile app if you're adding an authorized user. Adding a joint owner requires a visit to a branch or a phone call, because Chase needs to verify the new owner's identity and get their signature on account documents.

The person you're adding will need to be present for most of this process, or at minimum provide their Social Security number and consent. Chase will run a background check and may place a temporary hold on the account while they verify information. The whole process typically takes one to three business days if you do it online or by phone, or same-day if you go to a branch in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can access the account and make transactions, but you stay the legal owner and responsible party.
  • Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account and equal responsibility for overdrafts or disputes.
  • Adding an authorized user online through the Chase app or website is the fastest method and takes one to two business days.
  • Adding a joint owner requires a branch visit or phone call and takes longer because Chase must verify the new owner's identity in writing.
  • The person you're adding will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID ready.

Adding an authorized user online or through the mobile app

Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section—this is usually labeled "Manage Account" or "Account Settings." Look for an option that says "Add User," "Authorized User," or "Account Access." Chase will ask you for the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address.

The new authorized user will receive an email or text from Chase asking them to confirm they want access to the account. They'll need to verify their identity by answering security questions or entering a code sent to their phone. Once they confirm, they can log into their own Chase account and see your checking account listed under "Accounts I Have Access To." They can then set up their own debit card or use mobile pay to make purchases and withdrawals.

This method works only for authorized users, not joint owners. If you need to add a joint owner, you'll have to call Chase or visit a branch.

Adding a joint owner by phone or at a branch

Call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to add a joint owner to your checking account. Have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID information ready. Chase will verify their identity over the phone and may ask questions about your relationship and the reason for adding them.

If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Chase branch with the other person present. Bring both of your government-issued IDs and be ready to sign new account documents. The branch staff will run a background check and verify the new owner's information on the spot. This method is often faster than calling, because you can walk out with everything signed the same day.

Chase may place a temporary hold on the account while they process the change—usually 24 to 48 hours. During this time, you can still make transactions, but the account won't show the new owner's name until the hold lifts. The new joint owner will receive their own debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What information you'll need to provide

You'll need the other person's full legal name exactly as it appears on their government-issued ID. Chase also requires their date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. If they've moved recently, have both their old and new addresses ready—Chase uses these to verify their identity.

If you're adding a joint owner, bring government-issued photo ID for both of you to the branch or be ready to answer identity verification questions over the phone. Chase may also ask about your relationship (spouse, adult child, business partner, etc.) and why you're adding them to the account. This is standard verification, not a judgment call—they're checking that the person consents and that you're not adding someone without their knowledge.

Authorized user versus joint owner: which one to choose

An authorized user can make purchases, withdraw money, and check the balance, but you remain the sole legal owner. You're responsible for overdrafts, disputes, and any debt on the account. The authorized user cannot close the account, change the account terms, or remove themselves—only you can do that. This is the safer choice if you want to give someone access without giving them full control.

A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account. They can make transactions, close the account, change settings, and remove authorized users. Both of you are equally responsible for any overdrafts or negative balances. If there's a dispute or fraud, both names appear on the claim. Choose this only if you fully trust the person and want them to have the same authority you do. Joint ownership is common for spouses, domestic partners, or adult children managing shared finances.

What happens after you add someone to the account

If you added an authorized user, they'll see the account in their Chase app or online banking within one to two business days. They can set up a debit card through their own account or use mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) to make purchases immediately. You'll receive a notification that they've been added, and you can remove them at any time through account settings.

If you added a joint owner, Chase will mail them a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, they can access the account online or through the app. Both names will appear on all account statements and tax documents. If either of you closes the account or makes changes, the other will be notified. You can remove a joint owner only by visiting a branch or calling Chase and providing written consent from both parties.

Transactions made by the authorized user or joint owner will appear on your statements under their name or a label like "Card User 2." You can monitor all activity through your account history. If you notice unauthorized transactions, report them to Chase immediately—the same fraud protections that cover your own transactions cover theirs.

Removing someone from your account later

To remove an authorized user, log into your Chase account online or through the app, go to account settings, and select the option to remove or delete the user. The change takes effect immediately, and they lose access to the account right away. Chase will send them a notification that they've been removed.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated. You'll need to visit a branch in person or call Chase and request the removal. Chase may require written consent from both the primary owner and the joint owner, or they may allow removal if you can show the joint owner has abandoned the account or is deceased. If the joint owner refuses to consent, you may need to close the account and open a new one, which can take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my Chase account if they don't 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 doesn't have either, they may need to obtain one first. Contact Chase directly to ask about exceptions or alternative verification methods.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit score. Adding a joint owner may appear on their credit report as a new account, but it typically does not lower their score. If you're concerned, ask Chase how they report joint accounts to credit bureaus.

What if the person I want to add lives in a different state?

You can add an authorized user who lives anywhere in the United States through the online or mobile app method. For a joint owner, you can call Chase and complete the process over the phone, or the person can visit a Chase branch near them if one is available. Some states have different rules about joint accounts, so ask Chase about any state-specific requirements.

Can I add a minor to my Chase checking account?

Chase does not allow minors to be authorized users or joint owners on adult checking accounts. If you want to give a minor access to funds, Chase offers a Chase First Banking account designed for ages 6 to 17, which requires a parent or guardian to open and manage.

What if I added someone by mistake and want to remove them immediately?

If you added an authorized user, you can remove them instantly through your account settings online or in the app. If you added a joint owner, call Chase right away—they may be able to reverse the change if it was just completed, but once the account is fully updated, you'll need both parties' consent to remove them.