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

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account — they can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using a debit card or online access. Chase lets you add them through your online account, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch in person. The fastest route is usually online if you have the person's Social Security number and date of birth ready. If you're adding a minor, some restrictions apply, and you may need to visit a branch.

The person you add does not have to be a Chase customer already. Once added, they'll receive their own debit card and can log into the account online or through the Chase mobile app if you grant them digital access. You remain the account owner and can remove them or change their permissions at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user online through your Chase account, by phone at the number on your debit card, or at any Chase branch.
  • Chase will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number to add them to your account.
  • A new debit card is mailed to the authorized user's address, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can set spending limits, restrict certain transaction types, or remove the authorized user's access at any time from your online account.
  • Adding a minor may require a visit to a branch, and the account type may limit what they can do.

Adding an authorized user online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com and go to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Authorized Users," "Add User," or "Manage Access" — the exact wording varies by account type. Click to add a new user and enter the person's full name as it appears on their government ID, their date of birth, and their Social Security number.

Chase will ask you to confirm the relationship (spouse, family member, employee, etc.) and whether you want to give them online and mobile access or just debit card access. If you want to set a daily spending limit, you can do that during setup or change it later. After you submit, Chase will mail a debit card to the address on file for that person within 7 to 10 business days. They can start using the account online immediately if you granted digital access, but they won't be able to use a physical card until it arrives.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card and ask to speak with a representative about adding an authorized user. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the details, and process the request over the phone.

You'll be asked the same questions as the online process: relationship to the account holder, whether they need online access, and any spending limits you want to set. A debit card will be mailed to the authorized user within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card to arrive faster, ask the representative whether expedited shipping is available and what it costs.

Adding an authorized user in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with your ID and bring the authorized user with you if possible. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They will ask for the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and they may ask them to provide a government ID as well.

The banker can set up spending limits, online access, and other permissions on the spot. A debit card will still be mailed to the authorized user's address — it won't be issued immediately at the branch. This route is useful if you want to ask questions in real time or if you're adding a minor, since some account types require a branch visit for minors.

What happens after you add an authorized user

Once the authorized user is added, they can access the account in several ways. If you granted online and mobile access, they can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using their own username and password. They can see the account balance, transaction history, and make transfers. They can also set up bill pay and mobile check deposit.

The debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, they can still withdraw cash at a Chase ATM using their online login, or they can ask you to withdraw cash for them. Once the card arrives, they can use it at any merchant, ATM, or Chase branch. All transactions appear on the same statement you receive, so you can monitor spending.

Setting and changing spending limits for an authorized user

You can set a daily spending limit when you add the authorized user, or change it anytime afterward. Log into your Chase account, go to the authorized user's settings, and look for "Spending Limit" or "Transaction Limits." Enter the maximum amount they can spend per day. This limit applies to debit card purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online transactions combined.

Some account types let you restrict certain types of transactions — for example, you can allow debit card purchases but block online transfers, or allow ATM withdrawals but block bill pay. These options appear in the same settings menu. Changes take effect immediately, though transactions already in progress may still go through.

Removing an authorized user or changing their access

You can remove an authorized user at any time through your online account. Log in, go to the authorized user's settings, and select "Remove User" or "Delete Access." The person will no longer be able to access the account online, and their debit card will stop working immediately. They won't receive a notice that you've removed them — the card will simply decline at the next transaction.

If you want to keep them on the account but restrict their access, you can turn off online access, lower their spending limit, or block specific transaction types instead of removing them entirely. These changes also take effect right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add an authorized user. If the person doesn't have either, you may need to visit a branch to discuss other options, though Chase's policy on this can vary.

What's the difference between an authorized user and a joint account owner?

An authorized user can access and use the account but does not own it — you remain the sole owner and can remove them anytime. A joint account owner has equal legal rights to the account and can't be removed without their consent. Adding an authorized user is simpler and gives you more control.

Can I add a minor to my checking account?

Yes, but Chase may require you to visit a branch if the minor is under a certain age (usually under 13). Some account types have restrictions on what minors can do — for example, they may not be able to set up bill pay or make large transfers. Ask at your branch about the rules for your specific account.

Will adding an authorized user affect my credit score?

No. Adding an authorized user to a checking account does not appear on credit reports and does not affect your credit score. It's a transaction account, not a credit account.

How long does it take for the debit card to arrive?

Chase typically mails the debit card within 7 to 10 business days. Delivery time depends on your location. If you need the card faster, ask about expedited shipping options when you add the user — some branches or phone representatives can arrange this for a fee.