Yes, you can add an authorized user to most Chase checking accounts
Chase allows you to add an authorized user to a personal checking account, which gives that person the right to withdraw money, make deposits, and conduct transactions on your behalf. The person you add does not need to be a Chase customer already. You can do this in person at a branch, by phone, or through the Chase mobile app or online banking portal.
The process is straightforward, but there are limits on who can be added and what they can do. Chase does not allow authorized users on certain account types, and the person you add will have access to the full balance and transaction history unless you set restrictions through Chase's controls.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user to most Chase personal checking accounts through the app, online, by phone, or in person at a branch.
- The authorized user does not need to have a Chase account or be a U.S. citizen, but Chase will verify their identity before adding them.
- An authorized user can access the full account balance and make any transaction the primary account holder can make, unless you set spending limits through Chase controls.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same channels you used to add them.
- Business checking accounts and some specialty accounts have different rules — call Chase to confirm your account type allows authorized users.
How to add an authorized user through Chase online or mobile app
Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app and look for the account settings or account details section. In the app, this is usually under the account name at the top of the screen. Select the checking account you want to modify, then find the option for "Authorized Users" or "Add User." Chase will ask for the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Chase will verify the information and send a confirmation to your registered email and phone number. The new authorized user will not receive a separate notification from Chase, so you should tell them themselves. Once confirmed, they can use their own debit card or access the account through their own login if they set up Chase online banking with their email address.
Adding an authorized user by phone or in person
Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to add an authorized user to your checking account. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN ready. The representative will verify your identity, confirm the details, and process the request over the phone. This usually takes a few minutes.
You can also visit a Chase branch in person with the person you want to add as an authorized user. Bring a government-issued ID for both yourself and the other person. A branch representative will verify both identities, collect the necessary information, and complete the addition on the spot. This method is useful if the person does not have a Social Security number or ITIN yet, because the branch staff can sometimes work with alternative identification.
What an authorized user can and cannot do
An authorized user has full access to the checking account, including the ability to withdraw cash, write checks, make transfers, pay bills, and see the complete transaction history and balance. They can use a debit card issued in their name or access the account through Chase online banking and the mobile app. They are treated as a co-owner of the account for transaction purposes.
An authorized user cannot close the account, change the account type, remove other authorized users, or modify account settings like the mailing address or contact information. If you want to limit how much money an authorized user can spend per day or per transaction, you can set spending controls through Chase online banking. Go to the account settings, find the authorized user's name, and set daily withdrawal or transfer limits. These limits apply to debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals but may not apply to all types of transfers.
Identity verification and what Chase needs
Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN for any authorized user you add. If the person does not have either, you may still be able to add them at a branch with alternative government-issued identification, such as a passport or state ID. Call Chase ahead of time to confirm what documents the branch will accept.
Chase will verify the information you provide against its database and may contact you if there is a mismatch. The verification process usually takes one to three business days. During this time, the person cannot yet access the account. Once Chase confirms the identity, they will send you a confirmation email and the authorized user can begin using the account immediately.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same methods you used to add them. In the Chase app or online, go to account settings, find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove" or "Delete." By phone, call Chase and provide the authorized user's name and ask to have them removed. At a branch, speak with a representative and they will process the removal on the spot.
Once removed, the authorized user loses access to the account immediately. Any debit card issued in their name will stop working. Chase does not notify the authorized user that they have been removed, so you should tell them yourself. If the authorized user has set up their own login to access the account, that login will no longer work.
Special rules for business accounts and joint accounts
Chase business checking accounts have different rules for adding users. Instead of "authorized users," business accounts use "signers" or "authorized signers," and the process is more formal. You will need to provide more documentation and may need to have the person sign a signature card at a branch. Call Chase business banking to confirm the process for your specific business account type.
If your checking account is a joint account with another primary owner, both owners must consent before adding an authorized user. Some Chase accounts, such as certain money market or savings accounts linked to checking, may not allow authorized users at all. If you are unsure whether your account type supports authorized users, call Chase or ask at a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the authorized user need to be a family member?
No. Chase does not require the authorized user to be related to you. You can add anyone — a friend, employee, caregiver, or business associate. Chase only requires their name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN for verification.
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 or theirs. Credit reports track credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not checking accounts.
Can I add an authorized user who does not live in the United States?
Yes. The authorized user does not need to be a U.S. citizen or resident. However, Chase will still need a Social Security number, ITIN, or alternative government-issued ID for verification. International residents may need to visit a branch in person or provide additional documentation.
What happens if an authorized user makes unauthorized transactions?
Because an authorized user has your permission to access the account, transactions they make are not considered fraud or theft by Chase. However, if you believe an authorized user has taken money without your consent, you can remove them immediately and file a police report. Chase will not reverse transactions made by an authorized user unless there is evidence of criminal activity.
Can I set a spending limit for an authorized user on a specific type of transaction?
Chase spending controls apply to debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, but they may not limit transfers, bill payments, or checks written by the authorized user. Check the Chase app or call to confirm which transaction types are covered by the spending limits you set.