You can remove an authorized user or account owner through Chase's website, app, or by calling the bank
The steps depend on who you're removing. If the person is an authorized user (someone added to your account but not an owner), you can remove them yourself online or by phone in minutes. If the person is a joint account owner (someone whose name is on the account), removal is more complicated—Chase typically requires both owners to agree, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.
Start by logging into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. From there, you can see who has access to your account and begin the removal process. If you can't find the option or the person is a joint owner, calling Chase directly at the number on the back of your debit card is faster than trying to navigate the website.
Key Takeaways
- Removing an authorized user takes a few minutes through Chase's website, app, or phone line and requires only your permission.
- Removing a joint account owner usually requires both owners to consent, or you must close the account and open a new one.
- Chase will not transfer the account to your name alone if someone else is a legal owner—you cannot force them off without their signature.
- Once removed, the person loses access to the account immediately, but Chase may take one to two business days to process the change in their system.
Removing an authorized user through Chase online or mobile app
Log into your Chase account on chase.com or the Chase Mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section—this is usually labeled "Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Services" depending on which platform you're using. Look for an option that says "Authorized Users," "Account Access," or "Manage Users."
Find the name of the person you want to remove and select the option to delete, remove, or revoke access. Chase will ask you to confirm the removal. Once you confirm, the person's access ends immediately. They will no longer be able to use any debit card linked to the account, see the account balance, or make transfers.
If you cannot find this option in the app or website, the account may have been set up in a way that requires phone support. Move to the next section or call Chase directly.
Removing an authorized user by phone
Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card or check. Tell the representative you want to remove an authorized user from your checking account. Have the person's full name and the last four digits of their Social Security number ready if you have it, though Chase may only need their name.
The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting your PIN. Once verified, they will remove the authorized user from the account. The change takes effect immediately, though it may take one to two business days for Chase's system to fully process the removal and for any linked cards to stop working.
Ask the representative to confirm the removal in writing or note the date and time of the call for your records. If the person has a debit card, it will still be in their possession after removal, but it will decline when used.
What happens when someone is a joint account owner instead of an authorized user
If the person's name appears on the account as an owner (not just an authorized user), you cannot remove them unilaterally. Both owners must agree to the change. Chase will not remove a legal owner from an account without that person's consent, even if you are the primary account holder.
Your options are: (1) both owners go to a Chase branch together and sign paperwork to remove one owner and transfer the account to the remaining owner, or (2) close the account entirely and open a new checking account in your name alone. If you close the account, any pending transactions may still process, so wait a few days before closing if you have checks or automatic payments outstanding.
If the joint owner refuses to cooperate and you cannot reach an agreement, you may need to consult a lawyer about your options. Chase cannot force a legal owner off an account, and the bank will not take sides in a dispute between account owners.
What the person can still access after removal
Once removed, the person loses access to the account through Chase's website and app. Any debit card issued to them will stop working. They cannot see the balance, make transfers, or set up bill pay. However, if they have a copy of checks from the account, those checks may still clear if they were written before the removal and the check number is still valid.
If the person was receiving direct deposits to this account (such as paycheck deposits), those deposits will stop. They should update their employer or benefits provider with a new account number to avoid missed payments.
The person will not receive notice from Chase that they have been removed. If you want them to know, you will need to tell them yourself.
Timing and what to expect after removal
The removal is effective immediately when you confirm it online, through the app, or over the phone. However, Chase's internal systems may take one to two business days to fully process the change. During this window, it is possible (though rare) for a debit card to still work if the transaction processes before the system updates.
If the person tries to use the card after removal and it is declined, they will see a message saying the card is invalid or the account is closed to them. They cannot dispute this with their bank—the removal is final on your end.
If you removed the person by phone, ask the representative when the change will show in Chase's system. If you removed them online or through the app, you can log back in after a few hours to confirm the person no longer appears in the authorized users list.
Preventing the person from accessing the account again
After removal, change your online banking password and, if applicable, your PIN for phone banking. This prevents the person from using any password they may have learned or written down. If you suspect they have your Social Security number or other sensitive information, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit.
Review your account activity for the next few weeks to watch for any unauthorized transactions. If you see charges you did not make, report them to Chase immediately. You can dispute unauthorized transactions through the Chase app or website, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
If the person had access to your account for a long time, consider ordering a new debit card even if you removed them. This ensures any card number they may have memorized will no longer work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove someone from my Chase account if they refuse to cooperate?
If they are an authorized user, yes—you can remove them without their permission. If they are a joint owner, no—Chase requires both owners to consent to the removal. Your only option is to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.
Will the person get notified when I remove them?
Chase does not send a notification. The person will only know if their debit card is declined or they try to log into the account and cannot access it. You will need to tell them yourself if you want them to know.
What if the person has pending transactions when I remove them?
Transactions that have already been authorized (such as a pending charge from a store) may still process even after removal. Transactions that have not yet been submitted will be declined. Check your account for a few days after removal to see what clears.
Can I remove someone and then add them back later?
Yes. You can remove an authorized user and add them again at any time through the same process. If they are a joint owner, you would need to close and reopen the account, which creates a new account number.
What if I removed someone by mistake?
Call Chase immediately and ask them to restore the authorized user. If you removed them through the app or website, call within a few hours—Chase may be able to reverse the change before it fully processes. The sooner you call, the better your chances of restoring access quickly.