You can add another person to your Chase savings account in two ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder
The method you choose depends on who you want to add and what access you want them to have. An authorized user can make deposits and withdrawals but does not own the account—you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all activity. A joint account holder owns the account equally with you, meaning both of you can manage it, close it, or remove the other person, and both are liable for overdrafts.
Chase does not allow you to convert an existing account to joint ownership online. You must visit a branch in person or call Chase to make either change, and you will need the other person present or their consent documented. The process takes a few minutes if you are at a branch, or 10 to 15 minutes by phone.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized users can deposit and withdraw money but do not own the account; joint account holders own it equally and can make all decisions about it.
- You must go to a Chase branch or call Chase directly to add someone—you cannot do it through the mobile app or online banking.
- The person you are adding must provide a government-issued ID and Social Security number, and they must be present or provide written consent.
- Joint account holders are both responsible for overdrafts and can each remove the other person from the account without permission.
- Chase may place a hold on deposits or freeze the account if it detects unusual activity after you add someone, so notify your bank if you expect large transfers.
Adding an authorized user at a Chase branch
Bring your ID and the ID of the person you want to add to any Chase branch. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user to your savings account. The banker will ask for the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If the person is not present, you can provide written consent signed by both of you, though most branches prefer the person to be there.
The banker will verify the information, update your account, and issue a debit card in the authorized user's name if they request one. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can set spending limits on the card through Chase's mobile app or online banking once it is active. The authorized user can access the account immediately through their own Chase login if they already have a Chase account, or Chase will help them set one up on the spot.
Adding a joint account holder at a Chase branch
Visit a Chase branch with your ID and the ID of the person you want to add as a joint owner. Tell the banker you want to convert your account to a joint account or add a joint owner. The banker will explain that both of you will have equal rights to the account, including the ability to withdraw all funds or close it without the other person's permission.
Both of you must sign new account documents. Chase will ask for the joint owner's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The change takes effect immediately, and both account holders can access the account through their own Chase logins. Chase will issue a new debit card for the joint owner if requested, arriving within 7 to 10 business days.
Adding someone by phone
Call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or savings account statement. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user or joint account holder. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then ask for the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
If you are adding an authorized user, the process usually ends there. If you are adding a joint account holder, Chase will mail documents for both of you to sign and return. You cannot complete a joint account change entirely by phone—you must sign and return the paperwork, which adds 5 to 10 business days to the process. Some Chase locations allow you to sign documents at a branch instead of mailing them back, which is faster.
What happens to your account when you add someone
Chase may place a temporary hold on deposits or flag the account for review if it detects a change in ownership or access patterns. This is a fraud prevention measure and usually clears within one business day. If you are adding a joint owner and expect to transfer a large sum into the account shortly after, call Chase ahead of time to let them know, which can prevent a hold.
Both the original account holder and the new person are responsible for overdraft fees if the account goes negative. If you are adding a joint owner, that person's credit history does not affect your account, but their banking history with Chase may be reviewed. If the new person has a history of fraud or unpaid fees with Chase, the bank may decline to add them.
Removing an authorized user or joint account holder
To remove an authorized user, visit a Chase branch or call Chase and ask to remove them by name. You can do this without the authorized user's knowledge or consent. The change takes effect immediately, and their debit card stops working. Any recurring payments set up under their card will fail, so notify them and any merchants they have set up autopay with.
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated. Both account holders must agree to the removal, or you must visit a branch and sign a form requesting removal. If only one person wants to remove the other, Chase will not process it over the phone—you must go to a branch. Some branches will allow one joint owner to close the account entirely and open a new individual account, which effectively removes the other person but also ends the joint account.
Differences between authorized users and joint owners
| Capability | Authorized User | Joint Account Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit money | Yes | Yes |
| Withdraw money | Yes | Yes |
| Close the account | No | Yes |
| Remove the other person | No | Yes |
| Own the account | No | Yes |
| Liable for overdrafts | No | Yes |
| Can be removed without consent | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my Chase account without going to a branch?
You can start the process by phone, but you cannot complete it entirely online or through the app. For authorized users, a phone call is enough. For joint account holders, you must sign documents, either by mailing them back or signing at a branch.
What ID does the other person need to bring?
A government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase also needs their Social Security number. If they do not have a Social Security number, ask the banker whether they can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.
Can I add a minor to my Chase savings account?
Chase does not allow minors to be joint account holders or authorized users on adult accounts. If you want to give a minor access to savings, Chase offers a Chase First Banking account designed for children ages 6 to 17, which requires a parent or guardian to open and manage it.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Chase account yet?
They do not need one. Chase will set up online and mobile banking access for them as part of adding them to your account. They can log in with their own username and password once the process is complete.
Can I add someone to my account if they live in another state?
Yes. You can add them by phone or mail, though some branches prefer both people to be present. If you go to a branch, the other person can visit their own local Chase branch with documentation, and Chase can coordinate the change across branches.