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 someone to your checking account in two ways: as a joint owner (they have full access and legal responsibility) or as an authorized user (they can use the account but you remain the primary owner). The fastest route is usually online through your Chase account, though you can also call Chase or visit a branch. The person you're adding will need to provide their Social Security number and consent to a credit check, and the process typically takes one to three business days to complete.
The method you choose depends on what you want the other person to do with the account. Joint ownership means shared legal responsibility for overdrafts and account decisions. Authorized users can make transactions but cannot close the account or change its terms. Chase does not charge a fee to add either type of user.
Key Takeaways
- Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account and both are responsible for overdrafts; authorized users can transact but cannot change account settings.
- You can start the process online through your Chase account, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting a Chase branch with the other person present.
- The person you're adding must provide their Social Security number and consent to a credit check, which does not affect their credit score.
- Processing takes one to three business days, and the new user can access the account through their own Chase login once approved.
Adding someone online through your Chase account
Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app and navigate to the account settings for the checking account you want to modify. Look for an option labeled "Manage account" or "Account settings." From there, select "Add authorized user" or "Add joint owner" depending on what access level you want to give.
Chase will ask for the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. You'll also need to confirm their relationship to you. The other person does not need to be present online, but they will need to consent to the credit check. Once you submit the information, Chase sends a verification code to the person's email or phone number on file. They must enter that code to confirm their identity and consent to being added to the account.
After verification, Chase processes the request in the background. You'll see a confirmation message in your account, and the new user should receive an email or text from Chase within one to three business days confirming they've been added. They can then set up their own login credentials or add the account to their existing Chase profile.
Adding someone by phone or at a branch
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative you want to add an authorized user or joint owner to your checking account. Have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The representative will walk you through the verification process and explain the differences between the two account types before you proceed.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit a Chase branch with the person you're adding. Bring a government-issued ID for both of you and be prepared to provide the same information (Social Security number, date of birth, address). The branch representative will complete the paperwork and process the request on the spot. This method is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face or if the person you're adding does not have easy access to email or phone verification.
What happens after someone is added
Once approved, the new user can access the account through their own Chase login. If they already have a Chase account, they can add your checking account to their profile. If they don't have a Chase account yet, they'll need to create one using their email address and a password. They'll then be able to see the account balance, transaction history, and make transfers or payments depending on their access level.
Both the primary account holder and the new user receive statements and transaction alerts. If you set up alerts on the account, both of you will get notified of large transactions or low balances. You can remove an authorized user or joint owner at any time through your account settings or by calling Chase, though removing a joint owner may require both parties to consent depending on how the account was originally set up.
Joint owner versus authorized user: what's the difference
A joint owner has the same legal rights to the account as you do. They can withdraw money, make deposits, set up automatic payments, change account settings, and even close the account. Both joint owners are equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees. If the account goes negative, the bank can pursue either owner for repayment. Joint ownership is typically used for spouses, partners, or family members who will be managing finances together.
An authorized user can use a debit card, make transfers, and pay bills from the account, but they cannot change the account terms, remove other users, or close the account. You remain the sole legal owner and are responsible for any overdrafts. Authorized users are useful for giving a family member or caregiver access to spend from the account without giving them full control. Chase does not report authorized user activity to credit bureaus, so it does not affect their credit score.
What information you'll need to provide
To add someone to your Chase checking account, you'll need to have the following information ready:
- Their full legal name (as it appears on their ID)
- Their date of birth
- Their Social Security number
- Their current mailing address
- A phone number or email address where they can receive a verification code
Chase will run a soft credit check to verify their identity. This does not lower their credit score and does not appear on their credit report. The check is only used to confirm they are who they say they are. If Chase cannot verify their identity through the initial check, they may ask for additional documentation such as a copy of their driver's license or passport.
Removing someone from your account
You can remove an authorized user from your Chase checking account at any time through your account settings online, by calling Chase, or by visiting a branch. Log into your account, go to the account settings for the checking account, and select the option to remove or manage users. Choose the person you want to remove and confirm the action. The change takes effect immediately, and they will no longer be able to access the account.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated because both owners typically have equal rights. Chase may require both the primary owner and the joint owner to consent to the removal, or they may require you to close the account and open a new one with only your name on it. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to discuss your options if you need to remove a joint owner.
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 to verify identity and run the credit check. If the person does not have a Social Security number, you may need to visit a branch in person to discuss alternative forms of identification. Some branches may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport, but policies vary by location.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not lower credit scores or appear on credit reports. The check is only used to verify identity. Hard inquiries, which do affect credit, are only used when someone applies for a new credit product like a loan or credit card.
Can I add someone who lives in another state or country?
Yes. You can add someone who lives outside your state or country as long as they have a valid Social Security number and can receive a verification code by email or phone. You do not need to be in the same location to complete the process online or by phone.
What if the person I'm adding doesn't want their own Chase login?
They can still be added to the account, but they will need to create a Chase login to access it online or through the mobile app. If they only want to use a debit card, they don't need to log in—they can just use the card for purchases and withdrawals. However, to see the account balance or transaction history, they will need to set up a login.
Can I add someone as a joint owner and then change them to an authorized user later?
Yes, but it may require both parties to consent or involve closing and reopening the account. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to discuss the process, as it varies depending on your account type and state of residence.