You can add someone to your Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Chase's secure messaging — but the method depends on whether you want them as a joint owner or an authorized user

The fastest route is to visit a Chase branch with the person you want to add and both forms of ID. A banker will walk you through the options, confirm both parties' information, and complete the paperwork on the spot. If that is not possible, you can call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and request an account change, though they will mail you forms to sign and return. Online account management does not let you add someone directly, but you can use Chase's secure message center to start the process and receive instructions.

Before you choose a method, understand the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user. A joint owner has full control of the account — they can withdraw money, close the account, and make decisions about it. An authorized user can access the account and make transactions but cannot close it or change account settings. Chase treats these differently for liability and fraud protection, so knowing which one you need matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding someone in person at a Chase branch is the fastest method and requires both of you to bring valid ID.
  • A joint owner has full account control; an authorized user can transact but cannot close the account or change settings.
  • If you add someone remotely, Chase will mail you forms that both parties must sign and return before the change takes effect.
  • Chase reports joint accounts to credit bureaus under both names, which can affect credit scores and loan applications for both parties.
  • You can remove an authorized user online through your Chase account settings, but removing a joint owner requires a visit to a branch or a signed request.

Adding a joint owner at a Chase branch

Bring your ID and the other person's ID to any Chase branch. Tell the banker you want to add a joint owner to your checking account. The banker will verify both identities, confirm the account you want to modify, and explain what a joint owner can do. You will both sign paperwork that makes the change official.

The account becomes joint immediately after you sign. Chase will issue a new debit card in the other person's name within 7 to 10 business days. Both of you will receive statements and have access to the full account balance and transaction history. If either of you closes the account or makes a large withdrawal, the other will see it.

Joint accounts are reported to credit bureaus under both names. If one person misses a payment or overdraws the account, it can affect both people's credit scores. Some lenders also count the full joint account balance when calculating debt-to-income ratio for loan applications, which can hurt one person's chances of borrowing even if the other person is responsible.

Adding an authorized user by phone or mail

Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card and ask to add an authorized user. The representative will confirm your identity and the account, then explain what an authorized user can do. They will tell you that Chase will mail you an authorization form that both you and the authorized user must sign.

Sign the form, have the authorized user sign it, and mail it back to Chase in the envelope provided. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after Chase receives the signed form. A debit card will be mailed to the authorized user's address within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

An authorized user does not appear on your credit report and cannot close the account, change the mailing address, or remove themselves from the account — only you can do that. They can see the account balance and transaction history if they log into the account online, but they cannot change account settings or add other users.

Using Chase's secure message center to start the process

Log into your Chase account online and go to the Messages section. Send a secure message asking to add an authorized user or joint owner. Include the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number if you are adding a joint owner (Chase needs this for credit reporting).

A Chase representative will respond within one business day with next steps. If you are adding an authorized user, they will mail you the form. If you are adding a joint owner, they may ask you to come to a branch or will mail you forms to sign and return. This method is slower than going to a branch but useful if you cannot visit in person.

What happens to the account after someone is added

Both the account owner and the new person can access the account online and by phone. Both will receive statements (or can choose to receive them electronically). Both can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. If either person overdraws the account, Chase charges overdraft fees to the account, and both are responsible for repaying the overdraft.

If you added a joint owner, both names appear on checks and the debit card. If you added an authorized user, only the authorized user's name appears on their debit card, but the account itself still belongs to you. Chase's fraud protection covers both joint owners and authorized users equally — if either person reports unauthorized transactions, Chase will investigate.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

To remove an authorized user, log into your Chase account online, go to Account Settings, and select the option to manage authorized users. You can remove them without their permission or signature. The removal takes effect immediately, and their debit card will stop working.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated. You cannot do it online. You must visit a Chase branch with your ID and ask a banker to remove the joint owner. The banker will explain that both parties' signatures are usually required, though Chase may allow removal if you can show the other person is deceased or if there is a court order. If the joint owner refuses to come to the branch, you may need to close the account and open a new one without them.

Protecting yourself when adding someone to your account

Before you add someone as a joint owner, understand that they have the same legal rights to the money as you do. They can withdraw the entire balance without your permission. If they are sued or file for bankruptcy, creditors can go after the joint account. If they die, the account may be frozen while their estate is settled.

An authorized user is safer because you retain full control. They cannot close the account or change settings, and you can remove them at any time. However, they can still see your balance and transaction history, so only add someone you trust with that information.

If you are adding someone to help with bills or caregiving, consider whether an authorized user meets your needs before making them a joint owner. Many people add a joint owner thinking they need one, then regret it later when the relationship changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

Yes. You can call Chase or use secure messaging to start the process, and they will mail you forms. Both you and the other person must sign the forms and mail them back. You do not need to visit a branch together, but both signatures are required.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Only if you add them as a joint owner. Joint accounts are reported to credit bureaus under both names. Authorized users do not appear on credit reports and are not affected. If the joint account has missed payments or high balances, it can lower the other person's credit score.

Can I add someone to my account if they do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number for joint owners because they report the account to credit bureaus. For authorized users, you may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call Chase to confirm what they will accept.

What if I want to remove a joint owner and they refuse to sign?

You cannot remove a joint owner without their cooperation or a court order. Your options are to close the account entirely (which requires both signatures) or to open a new account and move your money there. If there is a dispute over the account, you may need to consult a lawyer.

How long does it take to add someone to my Chase account?

In person at a branch: same day. By mail: 5 to 10 business days after you mail back the signed forms, plus 7 to 10 days for the debit card. The debit card arrival time varies by location.