You can add an authorized user to your Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or through the Chase mobile app — the person you add gets their own debit card but you remain the account owner and responsible for all activity

An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your checking account. They receive a debit card linked to your account, can make purchases and withdrawals, and see transaction history — but the account stays in your name, and you are legally responsible for everything they spend. Chase lets you add authorized users through three channels: visiting a branch in person, calling their customer service line, or using the Chase mobile app. The fastest method depends on whether you have your documents ready and whether you want to hand the new card to the person immediately or have it mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be the primary account owner and at least 18 years old to add an authorized user to a Chase checking account.
  • Chase requires the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tax ID before adding them to the account.
  • Adding an authorized user through the Chase app takes minutes, but the debit card ships separately and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You remain fully liable for all charges the authorized user makes, and you can remove them at any time through the same channels you used to add them.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user, but the authorized user's card counts toward your daily ATM withdrawal and transaction limits.

Adding an authorized user through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app, tap the checking account you want to modify, and look for a menu option labeled "Manage Account" or "Settings." Select "Add Authorized User" or a similar option — the exact wording varies by app version. You will be asked to enter the person's full legal name as it appears on their government ID, their date of birth, and their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Chase will verify this information against their records.

Once you confirm the details, the authorized user is added to the account immediately. However, the physical debit card does not arrive right away. Chase mails the card separately, and delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days depending on your location. If the authorized user needs to access the account before the card arrives, they can use your debit card temporarily, or you can transfer money to another account they control. The app will show the authorized user's name and card status in your account settings once they are added.

Adding an authorized user at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with your government-issued ID and bring the authorized user with you if possible — though some branches will add them based on your request alone. Tell the teller you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They will ask for the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. If the authorized user is present, Chase may ask to see their ID to confirm their identity.

The teller will process the request and typically issue a temporary debit card on the spot or order one to be mailed. If a card is issued at the branch, the authorized user can use it immediately. If the card is ordered, it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This method is useful if you want to hand the card directly to the authorized user the same day or if you prefer to speak with someone in person about the account changes.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number, government-issued ID, and the authorized user's information ready: full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then add the authorized user to the account. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After the call, Chase will mail the authorized user's debit card to the address on file for your account. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, ask the representative whether expedited shipping is available — some branches offer this for an additional fee, though Chase does not charge a standard fee to add an authorized user. The representative can also tell you the expected delivery date and confirm that the authorized user has been added to your account.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details about the authorized user before you begin the process through any channel: their full legal name exactly as it appears on their government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), their date of birth in month-day-year format, and their Social Security number or ITIN. If the authorized user does not have a Social Security number — for example, if they are a non-citizen — ask Chase whether they accept an ITIN or another form of identification. Have your own government ID ready as well, since Chase will verify your identity as the account owner.

If you are adding a minor as an authorized user, confirm with Chase whether there are age restrictions. Most banks allow minors to be authorized users, but some have minimum age requirements. Chase's policy on this varies, so call ahead if you are unsure. You will also need to know the address where you want the debit card mailed — this is usually the address on file for your account, but you can request a different address if needed.

Limits and responsibilities for authorized users

An authorized user shares your account's daily limits. If your Chase checking account has a $500 daily ATM withdrawal limit, that limit applies to both you and the authorized user combined — if they withdraw $300, you can only withdraw $200 that day. The same applies to debit card transaction limits and any other restrictions on your account. You can contact Chase to request higher limits, but the limits will still be shared across all users on the account.

You are legally responsible for every transaction the authorized user makes, even if you did not authorize a specific purchase. Chase will not reverse charges simply because an authorized user made them without your permission — the account is in your name. If the authorized user makes fraudulent charges or uses the card illegally, you must report it to Chase and potentially to law enforcement. For this reason, only add people you trust completely. You can remove an authorized user at any time through the app, by phone, or at a branch, and their debit card will stop working immediately once removed.

Removing an authorized user

If you need to remove an authorized user, use the same method you used to add them. In the Chase app, go to "Manage Account" or "Settings," find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove" or "Delete." By phone, call the number on your debit card and ask a representative to remove the authorized user — have your account number and the authorized user's name ready. At a branch, tell a teller you want to remove an authorized user and provide their name.

Once removed, the authorized user's debit card stops working immediately, though it may take a few hours for the system to process the change. The authorized user will no longer see your account in their banking app or have access to any account information. If the authorized user still has the physical card, they cannot use it, but you may want to ask them to destroy it or return it to you. Chase does not charge a fee to remove an authorized user.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an authorized user if I have a joint account instead of a personal account?

Joint accounts work differently — both owners have equal rights to the account, and adding an authorized user may not be necessary. Contact Chase to discuss your specific account structure, as the process and options may differ from a personal account with one owner.

What happens if an authorized user overdrafts the account?

You are responsible for the overdraft fee and the negative balance, just as you would be for your own overdraft. Chase will charge overdraft fees to your account regardless of who made the transaction that caused it. Set up overdraft protection or monitor the account closely if you are concerned about spending.

Can an authorized user see my account online or in the app?

Yes, authorized users can typically log into the Chase app or website using their own login credentials and view the full account, including transaction history, balances, and account settings. They have the same visibility you do, so treat authorized user access like you would treat giving someone your password.

How long does it take to add an authorized user?

Adding them to the account takes minutes through any channel, but the physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need immediate card access, visit a branch where they may issue a temporary card on the spot.

Is there a fee to add or remove an authorized user?

Chase does not charge a fee to add or remove an authorized user on a personal checking account. The authorized user's debit card is issued at no extra cost, though expedited shipping may be available for a fee at some branches.