Yes, you can add another person to your Chase account, but the process and what that person can do depends on the account type and your relationship
Chase lets you add another person to most checking and savings accounts, but they become either an authorized user or a joint account holder — and these are different things with different consequences. An authorized user can use the account but doesn't own it. A joint account holder owns it equally with you, which means they can withdraw all the money, close the account, or take other actions without your permission. Chase doesn't let you convert an existing account into a joint account; instead, you'd need to open a new joint account together and move the money over.
The person you want to add must be present in person at a Chase branch with a valid government ID. You'll both need to go together — Chase won't add someone remotely or over the phone. If the other person lives far away or can't visit a branch, you have limited options: you could open a joint account by mail in some cases, but this varies by state and account type, so call your local branch first to ask what's possible.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can use the account but doesn't own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and can take any action without your permission.
- Both you and the person you're adding must visit a Chase branch in person with valid government ID to make the change.
- You cannot convert an existing account to a joint account — you must open a new joint account and transfer money if you want joint ownership.
- Authorized users do not build credit history from the account, but joint account holders do, and both names appear on statements and checks.
The difference between authorized user and joint account holder
An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account. They get a debit card in their name, can withdraw money, and can make deposits. However, they don't own the account — you do. You can remove them at any time without their consent, and if you die, the account goes to your estate, not to them. Authorized users also don't build credit history from the account, even if they use it regularly.
A joint account holder owns the account with you equally. Both names appear on the account, both get statements, and both can do anything with the account — withdraw all the money, close it, or add or remove other people. If one joint owner dies, the account typically goes to the surviving joint owner automatically, depending on how the account is titled. Both joint owners also build credit history from the account, which means late payments or overdrafts affect both of your credit reports.
If you're adding a spouse or partner and want to share finances equally, a joint account makes sense. If you're adding a teenager, an adult child, or someone you want to help but not give full control to, an authorized user is usually the right choice.
How to add an authorized user at a Chase branch
Visit your local Chase branch with the person you want to add. Bring your ID and ask to add an authorized user to your account. The Chase employee will ask for the other person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They'll also need a valid government ID from that person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
The Chase employee will explain what the authorized user can and cannot do, then both of you will sign the paperwork. A new debit card will be ordered in the authorized user's name and mailed to the address on file. This usually takes five to ten business days. Once the card arrives, the authorized user can use it when ready.
You can add more than one authorized user to the same account if you want. Each one gets their own debit card and can use the account independently.
How to open a joint account at Chase
To open a joint account, both account owners must visit a Chase branch together with valid government ID. Tell the employee you want to open a new joint checking or savings account. You'll both need to provide your Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and current address. If you live at different addresses, Chase will ask which one to use for statements and mail.
You'll sign the account agreement together, and both names will appear on the account. You can then transfer money from your existing account into the new joint account. Some people keep their individual accounts and use the joint account only for shared expenses like rent or household bills.
If the other person cannot visit a branch in person, call your local Chase branch and ask whether they offer joint account opening by mail. This is available in some states but not all, and the process takes longer — usually two to three weeks instead of the same day.
What happens to the account if one owner dies
If you have an authorized user and you die, the account becomes part of your estate. The authorized user loses access when ready, and the money goes through your will or to your heirs according to state law. The authorized user has no claim to the account.
If you have a joint account and one owner dies, the account usually passes to the surviving owner automatically — this is called survivorship. The surviving owner keeps full access and ownership. However, this depends on how the account is titled. When you open the joint account, Chase will ask whether you want it set up with survivorship rights. Make sure you both understand this before signing, because it affects what happens to the money.
Removing an authorized user or closing a joint account
You can remove an authorized user from your account at any Chase branch or by calling the number on the back of your debit card. You don't need the authorized user's permission. Their debit card will stop working when ready, though they may still see the account in Chase's mobile app for a short time. You can remove them without warning, though it's considerate to tell them first.
Closing a joint account is more complicated because both owners have equal rights. Either owner can withdraw all the money or close the account without the other's permission. If you want to close a joint account and the other owner disagrees, you'll need to visit a branch together or have one owner withdraw all funds and close it unilaterally — which will damage your relationship and possibly lead to legal disputes. If you're concerned about this, a joint account may not be the right choice.
Adding someone to a business account or special account type
Chase business accounts have different rules than personal accounts. You can add authorized signers to a business account, but the process is similar: both you and the signer must visit a branch with ID. Some business accounts also allow you to set spending limits for each authorized signer, which is useful if you're giving an employee access to the account.
If you have a Chase savings account linked to a checking account, adding an authorized user to one account does not automatically add them to the other. You'll need to add them separately to each account if you want them to have access to both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without going to a branch?
No. Chase requires both you and the person being added to visit a branch in person with valid ID. They do not offer remote account changes for adding authorized users or opening joint accounts, with rare exceptions for joint account opening by mail in certain states.
Will adding an authorized user affect my credit score?
No. An authorized user does not build credit history from the account, so adding one does not help or hurt your credit. However, if the authorized user overdrafts the account or causes late payments, those negative marks go on your credit report, not theirs.
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to add someone to an account. If the person has an ITIN, you can use that instead. If they have neither, they cannot be added as an authorized user or joint owner.
What if I want to remove a joint owner but they won't agree?
You cannot remove a joint owner from a joint account without their consent. Either owner can withdraw all the money or close the account, but you cannot change the ownership structure unilaterally. If you want to separate finances, you would need to withdraw your share and open a new individual account.
Does adding someone as an authorized user let them see my statements?
Yes. Authorized users can see the full account history and all transactions if they log into Chase's mobile app or website using their own login. They have the same visibility as you do, though they cannot change account settings or remove themselves.