You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch
Chase offers two ways to bring someone onto your account: as an authorized user or as a joint owner. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but the original account holder remains the legal owner. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account and can close it or change terms without your permission. Which one you choose depends on your relationship with the person and how much control you want to share.
The fastest method is usually online through Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app if you're adding an authorized user. Adding a joint owner typically requires a phone call or branch visit because it involves legal changes to the account. Either way, you'll need the person's Social Security number and date of birth, and they may need to verify their identity.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized users can use the account but don't own it; joint owners have equal legal control and can make changes without your permission.
- Adding an authorized user online through Chase.com or the mobile app takes minutes if you have their Social Security number and date of birth.
- Adding a joint owner requires a phone call to Chase or a visit to a branch because it changes the legal structure of the account.
- The person you're adding may receive a debit card and online access, depending on the type of account and what you choose during setup.
- Chase may place a temporary hold on the account or request additional verification if the person being added is not already a Chase customer.
Adding an authorized user online or through the app
Log into Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app and navigate to the account you want to modify. Look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Add User"—the exact wording varies by device and app version. Select the option to add an authorized user.
Enter the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will use this information to verify their identity. You'll also choose whether they receive a debit card and what level of online access they have. Some account holders restrict authorized users to view-only access; others grant full transaction rights. Make your choice based on how much control you want to give them.
After you submit the request, Chase will send a confirmation to you and may send a notification to the person being added. If they are not already a Chase customer, they may need to create a login or verify their identity through a separate process. The entire process usually completes within one business day.
Adding a joint owner by phone or at a branch
Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a Chase branch in person. Tell them you want to add a joint owner to your checking account. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready.
A Chase representative will walk you through the legal implications: a joint owner has the same rights as you do, including the ability to withdraw all funds, close the account, or change the account terms. Both of you will need to agree to this arrangement. If you're doing this in person, both account holders should be present with a government-issued photo ID.
Chase will update the account paperwork and may place a temporary hold while they verify the new owner's identity. If the joint owner is not already a Chase customer, they will need to set up online access separately. This process typically takes three to five business days.
What happens after someone is added
An authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within seven to ten business days (unless you chose view-only access, in which case they won't receive a card). They can also log into Chase.com or the mobile app using their own login credentials once their identity is verified. They'll see the account balance, transaction history, and any other information you've granted them access to.
A joint owner receives the same access as you: they can see everything, make all transactions, and change account settings. They also receive statements and tax documents in their name. If either of you closes the account or makes major changes, the other person will be notified.
Both authorized users and joint owners appear on the account with Chase. If you later want to remove someone, you can do so online (for authorized users) or by calling Chase or visiting a branch (for joint owners). Removing a joint owner is more complicated because it requires legal paperwork and both parties' consent in most cases.
Identity verification and holds
Chase verifies the identity of anyone being added to an account. If the person is already a Chase customer with an established account, verification is usually instant. If they're new to Chase, they may receive a text message, email, or phone call asking them to confirm their identity. They'll need to provide information like their address, previous addresses, or answers to security questions.
In some cases, Chase places a temporary hold on the account while verification is underway. This doesn't freeze your money—you can still withdraw and deposit—but it may delay the new person's access to online banking or their debit card. Holds typically last one to three business days.
If Chase cannot verify the person's identity through automated methods, they may ask for documents like a driver's license, passport, or recent utility bill. You can upload these through the Chase app or website, or bring them to a branch in person.
Removing someone from your account
To remove an authorized user, log into Chase.com or the mobile app, go to account settings, and select the option to remove the user. The change takes effect immediately, and their debit card stops working right away. They lose access to online banking for that account.
Removing a joint owner is more involved. You must call Chase or visit a branch in person. Chase will explain that removing a joint owner requires consent from both parties in most states, though some states allow one owner to remove the other unilaterally. If you proceed without the joint owner's consent, Chase may require legal documentation or a court order. The process can take one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person doesn't have either, they'll need to obtain one before you can proceed. You can contact Chase directly to discuss alternatives, though options are limited.
What if the person I'm adding is under 18?
Chase allows minors to be added as authorized users, but a parent or legal guardian must be the account holder. The minor cannot be a joint owner until they reach the age of majority in your state, typically 18. The minor will receive a debit card and can make transactions, but the parent retains legal control.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?
Adding an authorized user or joint owner does not directly affect your credit score. However, if the person makes large purchases or overdrafts the account, those activities could indirectly impact shared finances. Joint owners' credit reports may be linked to the account for verification purposes during setup.
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
Chase will send a notification to the person being added, so they will know. If you're adding a minor child, the notification goes to the parent or guardian. You cannot add someone without their knowledge, and attempting to do so may violate Chase's terms of service.
What's the difference between an authorized user and a joint owner for taxes?
An authorized user is not a legal owner, so they don't receive tax documents or have tax liability for the account. A joint owner receives a 1099 form if the account earns interest and may have tax obligations. Consult a tax professional if you're unsure how adding someone affects your tax situation.