You can add an authorized user or joint owner to a Chase savings account in person, by phone, or online, but the steps and permissions differ depending on which role you choose
Chase offers two ways to bring someone onto your savings account: as a joint owner or as an authorized user. A joint owner has full access to the account, can withdraw money, close the account, and make decisions about it. An authorized user can withdraw funds and view the account but cannot close it or change account terms. The person you want to add must be present in person at a Chase branch if you are adding them as a joint owner, but authorized users can sometimes be added remotely depending on your account type and Chase's current policies.
The fastest way is usually to visit a Chase branch with the other person and a valid government ID. You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether your specific account type allows remote additions, though many joint owner requests still require an in-person visit. Online options exist for some account types but are not available for all savings accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners need to visit a Chase branch in person with a valid ID, while authorized users may be added by phone or online depending on your account type.
- A joint owner has the same rights as you do, including the ability to withdraw all funds and close the account; an authorized user cannot close the account or change its terms.
- The person being added must provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID.
- Chase will run a ChexSystems check on the new person, which can take a few minutes to a few hours to complete.
- You can remove an authorized user online or by phone, but removing a joint owner usually requires both people to visit a branch together.
Adding a joint owner at a Chase branch
Bring your ID, the other person's ID, and your account number or debit card to any Chase branch. Tell the banker you want to add a joint owner. Both of you will need to sign new account documents. Chase will ask for the new person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. The banker will explain that a joint owner has equal rights to the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close it without your permission.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Chase will run a ChexSystems check on the new person, which is a banking history report. If the check clears, the account is updated immediately. If there are issues with the ChexSystems report, Chase may ask follow-up questions or deny the addition. Ask the banker for a receipt showing the change was made.
Adding an authorized user by phone or online
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. Have the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address ready. The representative will verify your identity and then ask the same questions about the person being added. Chase will run a ChexSystems check, which usually completes within a few minutes.
Some Chase savings accounts also allow you to add an authorized user through the Chase mobile app or website. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for an option to add a user or cardholder. Not all savings account types support this feature online, so if you do not see the option, the phone method is your next step. The authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What information you need before you start
Gather these details for the person you are adding: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current street address, and phone number. If you are adding them in person, bring a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not accept a student ID or expired ID.
Have your own account number or debit card ready. If you are calling, have your PIN or the answers to your security questions so Chase can verify you are the account owner. If you are going to a branch, bring your ID as well.
Understanding the difference between joint owner and authorized user
A joint owner is legally an equal owner of the account. Both of you own the money in it. A joint owner can deposit, withdraw, transfer, or close the account without telling you. If one joint owner dies, the account usually passes to the surviving joint owner. If you are sued or file for bankruptcy, creditors can go after the entire account balance, even the part the other person deposited. Joint ownership is permanent unless both people agree to remove one owner, which usually requires a branch visit.
An authorized user is someone you give permission to use the account, but you remain the sole owner. An authorized user can withdraw money and see the balance, but cannot close the account, change the account name, remove themselves, or add other users. If you die, the authorized user loses access. If you are sued, the account is still yours, though a judgment could still reach it. You can remove an authorized user at any time by phone or online without their permission or presence.
What happens after you add someone
If you added a joint owner, both of you will receive new debit cards in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The account statements will now show both names. Both of you can see the full transaction history and account balance online or by phone. If you added an authorized user, they will also receive a debit card, but the account statements and online access will show your name as the primary owner.
Chase will send a confirmation letter to the address on file. Check it for accuracy. If the new person's address is different from yours, ask Chase to update their contact information so they receive their own statements and alerts if you set them up. You can set up text or email alerts for large withdrawals, which can help you notice unauthorized activity early.
Removing someone from your account
To remove an authorized user, log into your Chase account online, go to account settings, and select the option to remove a user. You can also call 1-800-935-9935 and ask a representative to remove them. The change takes effect immediately, and the authorized user's debit card will stop working. Chase will send a confirmation to both of you.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated. Both of you usually need to visit a Chase branch together with your IDs. The banker will explain that removing a joint owner means that person no longer has rights to the account. If the joint owner refuses to come to the branch, ask Chase what options exist; some branches may allow removal with just your signature and documentation of the request, but this varies. After removal, the joint owner's debit card stops working, and they lose online access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my Chase savings account without them being present?
Authorized users can usually be added by phone or online without the person present. Joint owners almost always require an in-person visit to a Chase branch with both IDs. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm whether your specific account type allows remote joint owner additions, though this is rare for savings accounts.
What if Chase denies the addition because of ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a banking history report. If the check flags issues, Chase will tell you why and may ask the person being added for more information. They can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems. You can also try a different bank, as policies vary. Ask Chase whether reapplying after 30 days is an option.
Can a joint owner remove themselves without my permission?
No. Both joint owners must visit a Chase branch together to remove one person from the account. If one person refuses, the other cannot unilaterally remove them. If you need to remove someone who will not cooperate, contact Chase to discuss your options.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding a joint owner or authorized user to a savings account does not affect your credit score. Chase may run a ChexSystems check, which is not a credit check and does not appear on your credit report. Your credit score is based on borrowing and payment history, not on savings account ownership.
What happens to a joint savings account if one owner dies?
The account usually passes to the surviving joint owner automatically. The surviving owner keeps full access and ownership. Chase will ask for a death certificate and may freeze the account briefly while processing the change. The deceased person's name will be removed from the account.