You can add someone to your Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or through Chase's online banking portal

The person you want to add becomes an authorized user or a joint account holder, depending on what access level you choose. An authorized user can use the account but you remain the primary owner. A joint account holder has equal ownership and full control. Chase lets you decide which one fits your situation, and the process takes minutes to hours depending on which method you use.

You'll need the other person present (in person) or their Social Security number and date of birth (by phone or online). Chase will verify their identity before adding them. Once they're added, they can use a debit card, make transfers, pay bills, and see the full transaction history—so only add someone you trust completely.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add someone as an authorized user (limited access) or joint account holder (full ownership) depending on the control you want to give them.
  • The fastest method is visiting a Chase branch in person with the other person and a valid ID; it takes about 15 minutes.
  • By phone, you'll need the person's Social Security number and date of birth; Chase will verify their identity before completing the addition.
  • Once added, the person can immediately use a debit card, transfer money, and see all account activity—so verify you trust them first.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to add someone to an existing checking account.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

Bring the person you want to add and both of your valid IDs to any Chase branch. A teller will pull up your account, confirm your identity, and ask whether you want to add them as an authorized user or joint account holder. Tell them which one you prefer.

The teller will collect the other person's information, verify their ID, and have both of you sign the paperwork. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once it's done, Chase will order a debit card in their name if they don't have one already—it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. They can use the account immediately with a temporary card or by logging into online banking.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add someone to your checking account. They'll ask for your account number, PIN, and the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Chase will verify the information and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. The whole call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once approved, the person can log into online banking within a few hours, but their debit card will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. If they need to use the account before the card arrives, they can transfer money online or set up bill pay.

Adding someone through Chase online banking

Log into your Chase account on the website or mobile app. Go to Settings, then Account Management, then look for an option like "Add User" or "Manage Account Access." Chase's interface changes occasionally, so if you don't see it immediately, use the search function or call customer service for the exact path in your version.

You'll enter the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will send them a verification code by email or text. They'll need to enter that code to confirm they want to be added. Once confirmed, they can log in and use the account. A physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days.

Authorized user versus joint account holder

An authorized user can use the account and make transactions, but you remain the sole owner. You can remove them at any time without their permission. If the account has overdraft protection or credit tied to it, the authorized user can trigger those features. Chase reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus under your name, so their spending affects your credit history.

A joint account holder owns the account equally with you. They can close it, remove you, or take all the money without your permission. Both of you are liable for overdrafts. If one of you dies, the account passes to the survivor automatically. Choose joint account holder only if you want to give someone complete control and you're certain you trust them.

What happens after someone is added

The new person can log into online banking and mobile banking immediately using their own username and password. They'll see the full account balance, all transaction history, and can make transfers or pay bills. If they need a physical debit card, it arrives in 7 to 10 business days and works at any ATM or store that takes Visa.

Both of you will see all activity on the account in real time. Chase sends statements to the primary account holder's address, but the added person can view statements online. If you want to remove them later, you can do so through online banking or by visiting a branch—you don't need their permission.

Removing someone from your account

If you need to remove an authorized user, log into online banking, go to Account Management, and select the option to remove them. It takes effect immediately. Their debit card stops working right away. If they're a joint account holder, you'll need to visit a branch in person because removing a joint owner is a more complex transaction.

When you remove someone, Chase does not automatically close any linked services like bill pay or transfers they set up. Check your account for any recurring payments or transfers they created and cancel them if needed. If they had overdraft protection linked to a credit card, verify that's still set up the way you want it.

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 to add someone to a checking account. If the person has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, call Chase customer service to ask whether they can use that—policies vary by branch and situation.

Does the person I'm adding have to be present?

No. You can add them by phone or online without them being there, but Chase will send them a verification code to confirm they want to be added. They must respond to that code for the addition to go through.

Will adding someone to my account hurt my credit?

Adding an authorized user to a checking account does not affect your credit score. However, if they overdraw the account, you're responsible for the overdraft fee, and it may show on your credit report as a negative item on the account.

Can I add someone to a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. The process is the same—visit a branch, call customer service, or use online banking. Savings accounts work the same way as checking accounts when adding users.

What if the person I want to add is under 18?

Chase has a separate product called Chase First Banking for minors. You cannot add a minor under 18 as an authorized user to a standard checking account. Visit a branch to ask about opening a Chase First Banking account instead, which is designed for parents and children.