You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Chase checking account through the Chase mobile app, online banking, or by visiting a branch in person

Chase offers two ways to give someone access to your account: as an authorized user or as a joint owner. An authorized user can make deposits and withdrawals but does not legally own the account. A joint owner has full ownership rights and can close the account, change settings, or remove other users. The person you add must be at least 18 years old and present a valid government-issued ID if you add them in person.

The fastest method is the Chase mobile app or online banking if you already have the account set up. If you prefer to speak with someone or need to add a minor (which requires a different account type), you will need to visit a Chase branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or 20 to 30 minutes at a branch, and the new user can usually access the account within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user through the Chase app, website, or in person at a branch; a joint owner requires a branch visit or phone call to verify identity.
  • An authorized user can withdraw and deposit money but cannot close the account or change account settings; a joint owner has full control.
  • The person you add must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued ID.
  • New authorized users typically gain access within one business day, and Chase will issue a debit card to the new user within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you want to add a minor to your account, you will need to open a Chase Youth Checking account instead of modifying your existing account.

Adding an authorized user through the Chase app or website

Log into your Chase mobile app or go to chase.com and sign in. Tap or click on the checking account you want to modify, then look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Add User." Chase's interface changes periodically, so if you cannot find this option, search the app or website for "add authorized user."

Enter the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will verify this information against their records. If the person is not yet a Chase customer, you will be asked to provide their mailing address and phone number. Review the information for accuracy before submitting, because errors can delay the process.

Once you submit, Chase will send a confirmation to both your email and the new user's email (if they provided one). The new user will receive instructions on how to set up their own login credentials if they do not already have a Chase online banking account. They can begin using the account immediately, though a physical debit card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Adding a joint owner at a Chase branch or by phone

If you want to add someone as a joint owner rather than an authorized user, you cannot do this online. You must visit a Chase branch in person or call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card and request a phone verification process. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, so Chase requires identity verification for both you and the new owner.

At the branch, bring your government-issued ID and ask the new owner to bring theirs as well. A banker will verify both identities, explain the difference between joint ownership and authorized user status, and have both of you sign the necessary paperwork. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes. The account will be updated immediately, though the new owner's debit card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you call, Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your account history. They will then ask you to have the other person on the line so they can verify their identity as well. This method is slower than a branch visit because Chase may need to mail documents for both parties to sign and return. Plan for this to take 5 to 10 business days.

What happens after you add someone to your account

Once the person is added as an authorized user, they will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. They can use this card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs. They can also access the account through mobile banking or online banking if they set up their own login. Both of you will see all transactions on the account, and both of you are responsible for overdrafts or fees.

If you added them as a joint owner, they have the same rights as you do. This means they can add or remove other users, change account settings, close the account, or set up bill pay without your permission. They can also dispute transactions or freeze the account. Only add someone as a joint owner if you trust them completely with full control of your money.

Chase will report the account activity to the credit bureaus under both names if both the account holder and the authorized user have Social Security numbers on file. This means the account history will appear on both credit reports. If the account goes into overdraft or is reported as delinquent, it will affect both credit scores.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

You can remove an authorized user through the Chase app or website using the same "Account Settings" or "Manage Account" menu where you added them. Look for an option to "Remove User" or "Manage Authorized Users." Select the person you want to remove and confirm. The removal takes effect immediately, and their debit card will stop working within 24 hours.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated because they have equal legal rights to the account. You cannot remove a joint owner unilaterally through the app. You must visit a branch in person or call Chase and request that the joint owner be removed. Chase may require both of you to sign paperwork or may require a court order if the joint owner refuses to consent to removal. If you are in a situation where you need to remove a joint owner against their will, speak with a Chase banker about your options.

Adding a minor to your Chase account

You cannot add a minor as an authorized user to a standard checking account. Instead, Chase offers Chase Youth Checking, which is designed for children under 18. A parent or guardian opens the account and maintains control, while the minor receives a debit card and can make transactions up to limits set by the parent.

To open a Chase Youth Checking account, visit a branch with the minor present and bring both your government-issued ID and the minor's ID (a school ID or passport is acceptable). The banker will set up the account and explain the spending limits and parental controls available. The minor's debit card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. This account type is separate from your existing checking account, so you will need to transfer money into it if you want the minor to have access to funds.

What to do if something goes wrong

If the person you added cannot access the account after one business day, ask them to check their email for a Chase activation link. If they did not receive an email, log into your account and verify that their email address was entered correctly. If the email address is wrong, remove them and add them again with the correct information.

If a debit card does not arrive within 10 business days, call Chase customer service or visit a branch. Provide the name of the person the card was issued to, and Chase can check the status of the card order. They can reorder the card or issue a replacement if it was lost in the mail.

If you added someone by mistake or changed your mind, you can remove them immediately through the app or website (for authorized users) or by visiting a branch (for joint owners). Their access will stop within 24 hours, but any transactions they made before removal will remain on the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my Chase account if they don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number to add an authorized user or joint owner. If the person does not have a Social Security number, you cannot add them to your account. They would need to open their own account if they are may be able to access to do so.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

If they are added as an authorized user, the account activity will appear on their credit report and can help build their credit history if the account is in good standing. If the account goes into overdraft or is reported late, it will also affect their credit score. As a joint owner, they have equal responsibility for the account, so any negative activity will impact their credit the same way it impacts yours.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Technically you can add an authorized user online without them present, but Chase will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. If you add someone without their knowledge or consent, they will receive this email and may contact Chase to dispute it. Adding someone to an account without their knowledge or consent may also have legal consequences depending on your relationship and your state's laws.

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

An authorized user can make deposits and withdrawals but cannot close the account, change settings, or remove other users. A joint owner has full legal ownership and can do anything you can do, including closing the account or removing you. Only add someone as a joint owner if you trust them completely.

How long does it take for someone to access the account after I add them?

An authorized user can access the account through mobile banking or online banking within one business day if they already have a Chase login. If they do not have a Chase account yet, they will need to set one up first, which takes about 10 minutes. A physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.