You can add someone to your Chase account online, but the process depends on what type of account you have and what access level you want them to have

Chase lets you add another person to your checking or savings account through their website or mobile app, but you cannot complete the entire process online by yourself. You will start online, but Chase requires you to finish the request in person at a branch or by phone with a representative who can verify both account holders' identities. The person you are adding will also need to provide their own identification and sign documents.

The most common reason to add someone is to give them authorized user access — meaning they can use the account but you remain the primary account holder and keep full control. A less common option is to make them a joint account holder, which gives you equal legal ownership and equal responsibility for the account. Chase treats these differently, and which one you choose affects what you can do online and what requires a branch visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start adding an authorized user or joint account holder through Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app, but you must complete the process at a branch or by phone.
  • An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but you stay the primary owner; a joint account holder has equal legal ownership and equal responsibility.
  • Both the account holder and the person being added need to provide government-issued ID and sign documents before Chase finalizes the request.
  • The process typically takes a few business days after you complete it in person or by phone.

Starting the process online through Chase.com or the app

Log into your Chase account on Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section — the exact location varies slightly depending on whether you are on a computer or phone, but look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Information." From there, you should see an option to add an authorized user or joint account holder.

Enter the person's name, date of birth, and contact information. Chase will ask whether you want to add them as an authorized user or a joint account holder. At this stage, you are only providing information — you are not finalizing anything. Chase will show you a summary of what you are requesting and ask you to confirm. After you confirm, Chase will generate a request that you will need to complete offline.

Finishing the request at a Chase branch or by phone

After you submit your online request, Chase will send you a confirmation. You then have two options to complete the process: visit a Chase branch in person or call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card.

If you go to a branch, bring your government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The person you are adding should come with you and bring their own government-issued ID. A Chase representative will verify both identities, answer any questions, and have you both sign the necessary documents. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you call instead, a Chase representative will verify your identity over the phone. You will need to provide information from your ID, such as your driver's license number. The person being added will also need to be on the call or available to verify their identity. Some representatives may ask you to visit a branch anyway to complete the signature requirement, depending on your account type and the representative's judgment.

What happens after you submit the request

Once you and the other person have verified your identities and signed the documents, Chase typically processes the request within two to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email or text message when the change is complete. The new authorized user or joint account holder will be able to access the account through their own Chase login or by using a debit card that Chase issues to them.

If you added them as an authorized user, they will see the account in their Chase app or online portal, and they can make purchases and withdrawals. However, they cannot change account settings, close the account, or remove themselves — only you can do those things. If you added them as a joint account holder, they have the same rights as you do, including the ability to change settings or close the account.

Authorized user versus joint account holder: which one to choose

An authorized user is the right choice if you want someone (like a teenager or a family member you trust) to use the account without giving them full control. You keep all the power to change the account, remove them, or close it. Authorized users appear on the account, and the bank reports their activity to credit bureaus, which can help build their credit history if the account is in good standing.

A joint account holder is the right choice if you want to truly share ownership — for example, with a spouse or long-term partner. Both of you have equal say and equal responsibility. Either of you can withdraw all the money, change settings, or close the account without the other's permission. Joint accounts also mean that creditors can pursue either account holder for debts tied to the account.

If you are unsure which option fits your situation, ask the Chase representative when you complete the process in person or by phone. They can explain the legal and financial differences and help you decide.

What to bring and what to expect at the branch

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The person you are adding should bring their own government-issued photo ID as well. If either of you does not have a photo ID, ask Chase ahead of time what alternative documents they will accept.

The branch visit is straightforward. A representative will verify both identities, review the request you submitted online, answer any questions, and have you both sign the necessary paperwork. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not need an appointment, but visiting during a slower time (mid-morning on a weekday, for example) may mean a shorter wait.

If you cannot visit a branch or complete the process by phone

If you live far from a Chase branch or cannot easily get to one, calling Chase is your best option. You can reach them at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can walk you through the identity verification process over the phone and may be able to mail you documents to sign and return, depending on your situation and account type.

Some Chase accounts or situations may require an in-person visit no matter what. If a representative tells you that you must visit a branch, ask whether there is a Chase branch near you or whether they can arrange for documents to be mailed to you. Be prepared to explain your situation — for example, if you are out of state or have mobility issues — and ask what options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can start the process online without them present, but Chase requires both of you to verify your identities before finalizing the request. This means either visiting a branch together or both being available for a phone call with a Chase representative. You cannot complete the entire process alone.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not directly affect your credit score. However, if the account is reported to credit bureaus, the authorized user's credit history may be affected by the account's payment history. A joint account holder's credit is affected the same way as yours, since you both own the account equally.

Can I remove someone from my account later?

Yes. If you added them as an authorized user, you can remove them online or by calling Chase. If they are a joint account holder, you can also remove them, but Chase may require you to visit a branch or have them sign documents acknowledging the removal, depending on the account type.

What if the person I want to add does not have a Chase account?

They do not need their own Chase account to be added to yours. They only need a government-issued ID to verify their identity. After they are added as an authorized user, Chase can issue them a debit card linked to your account, or they can access the account through your login if you give them permission.

How long does it take to add someone after I submit the online request?

The online request is just the first step. After you complete the in-person or phone verification, Chase typically processes the change within two to three business days. The total time from starting online to full access depends on how quickly you finish the verification step.