You can add someone to your Chase account, but the method depends on the account type and your relationship to that person

Chase offers two main ways to bring another person onto your account: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder. These are different arrangements with different consequences for access, liability, and what happens to the account if one person dies.

An authorized user can use the account to make purchases and withdrawals, but the original account holder remains the legal owner and is responsible for all activity. A joint account holder has equal ownership, equal responsibility for overdrafts or debt, and equal claim to the money in the account. Which one you choose matters for taxes, creditor claims, and what happens if the relationship ends.

You can start the process online through Chase's website or mobile app, by phone, or in person at a branch. The person you're adding will need to provide identification and may need to be present, depending on the account type and how you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can spend from the account but don't own it; joint account holders own it equally and share all liability.
  • You can add an authorized user to most Chase checking and savings accounts online or by calling customer service, often without the person being present.
  • Creating a joint account usually requires both people to visit a branch or complete identity verification, and both names go on the account documents.
  • Adding someone to your account does not automatically give them access to your other Chase accounts or credit cards.
  • If you add a spouse or domestic partner, the account may affect tax filing, creditor claims, and what happens to the money if one person dies.

Adding an authorized user online or by phone

The fastest route is to add an authorized user through Chase's website or mobile app. Log into your account, go to Settings, then find the option for "Authorized Users" or "Add User" (the exact label varies by account type). You'll enter the person's name, date of birth, and relationship to you. Chase will ask for their Social Security number to verify their identity.

The person you're adding does not need to be present or have a Chase account already. Once you submit the request, Chase typically approves it within one business day. The authorized user can then use a debit card linked to the account or access it online if you give them the login credentials.

If you prefer to do this by phone, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can walk you through the same process and may ask security questions to confirm your identity. This route takes longer — usually a few business days — because the representative has to manually enter the information and submit it for approval.

Opening a joint account at a Chase branch

If you want to create a true joint account rather than add an authorized user, both account holders typically need to visit a Chase branch together. Bring a government-issued ID for both people — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The branch representative will verify both identities, confirm the account type you want (checking, savings, or money market), and set up the account with both names on the documents.

Some Chase branches allow you to open a joint account online if both people complete identity verification through the app or website. This option is not available at all branches, so call ahead or check the Chase website to see if your local branch supports it. If it does, both people will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and address, and may need to answer security questions or provide a photo ID.

Once the joint account is open, both people receive debit cards, online access, and equal authority over the account. Both names appear on statements and tax forms. If one person dies, the account typically passes to the surviving account holder automatically, though this depends on how the account was titled and your state's laws.

What authorized users can and cannot do

An authorized user can withdraw cash, make purchases with a debit card, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill pay — essentially anything the primary account holder can do with the account itself. They cannot, however, add or remove other authorized users, change the account's settings, close the account, or dispute transactions on their own.

The primary account holder remains legally responsible for all activity on the account, including overdrafts, fees, and any fraud. If an authorized user overspends or the account goes negative, the bank will pursue the primary account holder for payment. This is why authorized user status is often used for teenagers or family members you trust completely.

Adding someone as an authorized user does not give them access to your other accounts. If you have a Chase credit card, savings account, and investment account, adding them to your checking account does not automatically add them to the others. You would need to add them separately to each account.

What joint account holders can and cannot do

A joint account holder has the same access as the primary account holder: they can withdraw all the money, close the account, add or remove other users, and change account settings. Both people are equally responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any debt tied to the account. If one joint holder runs up a negative balance, the bank can pursue either person for the full amount.

From a tax perspective, both joint account holders may receive tax documents (like 1099 forms for interest earned) if the account generates taxable income. This can complicate tax filing if the account is with someone other than a spouse. Consult a tax professional before opening a joint account with anyone but a spouse or domestic partner.

If one joint account holder dies, the account typically passes to the surviving holder automatically — this is called "right of survivorship." However, if the account was titled differently (for example, as "tenants in common" rather than "joint tenants with right of survivorship"), the deceased person's share may go through probate or be claimed by their estate. Ask Chase how the account will be titled before you open it.

Removing someone from your account

You can remove an authorized user from your account online through Chase's website or app, or by calling customer service. Go to Settings, find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove." The change usually takes effect within one business day. The person will no longer be able to access the account or use any debit card linked to it.

Removing a joint account holder is more complicated. You cannot unilaterally remove a joint account holder — both people have equal rights to the account. If you want to end the joint arrangement, you typically need to close the account and open a new one in your name alone, or have both people agree to change the account structure. Contact Chase to discuss your options.

Adding someone to a Chase credit card account

Adding an authorized user to a Chase credit card works differently than adding someone to a checking account. You can add an authorized user online through your credit card account, by calling the number on the back of your card, or at a Chase branch. The authorized user receives their own card with their name on it and can make purchases, but you remain the account holder and are responsible for all charges.

The authorized user's credit history is not affected by the card, and their credit score does not improve or decline based on the account's payment history. However, if the account goes to collections or shows late payments, it may appear on their credit report if they are listed as a joint account holder rather than an authorized user.

You cannot create a true joint credit card account the way you can with a checking account. Credit card accounts have one primary account holder who is responsible for the debt. Additional people can only be authorized users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the other person's Social Security number to add them?

Yes, Chase requires a Social Security number to verify the person's identity, whether you're adding an authorized user or opening a joint account. If the person does not have a Social Security number, contact Chase to discuss alternative verification methods.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Technically you can add an authorized user without the person being present, but doing so without their knowledge creates legal and practical problems. The person will eventually discover they're on the account when they receive mail or see the account in their name. It's better to discuss it first.

What happens to a joint account if one person dies?

If the account is titled as "joint tenants with right of survivorship," the surviving account holder automatically owns the full account. If it's titled differently, the deceased person's share may go through probate. Ask Chase how your account will be titled before you open it.

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

Yes. The person you're adding does not need to have an existing Chase account. They can be added as an authorized user or joint account holder even if they've never banked with Chase before.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding someone as an authorized user to a checking or savings account does not affect their credit score. Adding them as an authorized user on a credit card also does not affect their credit, but opening a joint credit card account (if Chase offered it, which they don't) would.