You can add an authorized user or joint owner to most Chase accounts through the mobile app or website, but the process and what you're actually doing depends on which one you choose.

Chase lets you add someone in two different ways: as an authorized user (they can use the account but don't own it) or as a joint owner (they have equal legal rights to the money). You can start both processes online, but authorized users can be added entirely through the app or website, while joint owners usually require a phone call or branch visit to complete the paperwork. The person you're adding will need to be present or provide consent, and Chase will verify their identity.

The fastest route is the Chase mobile app if you're adding an authorized user. Log in, go to Settings, select the account, and look for "Add authorized user" or "Manage account access." If you're trying to add a joint owner, you'll need to call Chase at the number on the back of your card or visit a branch in person, because joint ownership changes the legal structure of the account and requires a signature.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can be added through the Chase app or website in minutes, but they don't own the account or have legal rights to the money.
  • Joint owners must be added through a phone call or branch visit because Chase requires signed paperwork and identity verification for ownership changes.
  • The person you're adding needs to provide consent and may need to verify their identity through Chase's system.
  • Both authorized users and joint owners can see the full account history and make transactions, but only joint owners can close the account or change ownership.

Adding an Authorized User Through the App or Website

Start in the Chase mobile app or on chase.com. Tap or click on the account you want to modify, then look for Settings or Account Services. The exact menu name varies depending on account type (checking, savings, credit card), but Chase groups account management options in one place. Select "Add authorized user" or "Manage account access."

You'll enter the person's name, date of birth, and last four digits of their Social Security number. Chase will verify this information against their records. If they're already a Chase customer, the system may find them automatically. If not, you may be asked to provide their address. The person doesn't need to be in the room, but they should know you're adding them because Chase may send them a notification or require them to confirm the change.

Once added, the authorized user can request a debit card in their name, set up their own login credentials, and access the account when ready. They'll see all transactions and balances. However, they have no legal claim to the money and cannot remove themselves from the account—only you can do that.

Adding a Joint Owner Requires a Phone Call or Branch Visit

If you want the other person to have equal legal ownership of the account, you cannot complete this online. Call Chase at the number on your card or visit a branch with the person you're adding. Bring a government-issued ID for both of you. Chase will ask you to sign paperwork converting the account to joint ownership, and the other person will need to sign as well.

Joint ownership means both people have full legal rights to all the money in the account. Either person can withdraw everything, close the account, or change the account settings without the other's permission. This is different from an authorized user, who can only spend money but cannot change ownership or close the account. Make sure you understand this difference before proceeding—it's a significant legal change.

The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at a branch. If you call, Chase will mail you forms to sign and return, which adds a week or more to the timeline. Visiting a branch is faster if one is nearby.

What Happens to the Account After You Add Someone

If you added an authorized user, the account remains in your name only. The authorized user can use the debit card and access the account online, but the account is still yours legally. You remain responsible for overdrafts, fees, and account activity. You can remove the authorized user at any time through the app or website without their consent.

If you added a joint owner, the account now belongs to both of you equally. Both names appear on statements and the debit card. Either person can make changes to the account, and if one person dies, the money typically passes to the surviving owner automatically (this is called "right of survivorship" and is the default for joint accounts). You cannot remove a joint owner without their signature—you'd have to close the account and open a new one in your name alone.

Identity Verification and Potential Delays

Chase will verify the person's identity before adding them to your account. If they're already a Chase customer with an online login, this usually happens when ready. If they're not, Chase may ask for additional information like a phone number or address. In some cases, Chase may send them a verification code via text or email that they need to confirm.

If Chase cannot verify the person's identity online, they may ask you to visit a branch together or ask the other person to call Chase directly with you on the line. This is rare but happens when the person has no credit history, a very common name, or a recent address change. If this happens, a Chase representative will walk you through the next steps.

Removing an Authorized User or Reversing Joint Ownership

You can remove an authorized user through the Chase app or website anytime. Go to Settings, select the account, find the authorized user's name, and choose "Remove." The person will lose access to the account when ready, though Chase may send them a notification. You don't need their permission.

Removing a joint owner is much harder. You cannot do it online or by phone. You must visit a branch in person with the joint owner present, or you must close the account entirely and open a new one in your name alone. If the joint owner refuses to come to the branch, your only option is to close the account. This is why it's important to think carefully before converting an account to joint ownership.

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 or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to add someone to an account. If the person doesn't have one, they cannot be added as an authorized user or joint owner. They can open their own account if they meet Chase's requirements, which vary by account type.

Will the person I'm adding see my old transactions?

Yes. Both authorized users and joint owners can see the full account history, including all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers going back as far as Chase records them online. If you want to hide past transactions, you cannot do that by adding someone to the account.

What if I add someone as an authorized user and later want to make them a joint owner?

You'll need to remove them as an authorized user and then add them as a joint owner through a branch visit or phone call. Chase cannot convert authorized user status to joint ownership online. The process takes a few days to a week depending on whether you visit a branch or use the mail.

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Chase may send the person a notification, but they don't require the person to confirm before adding them as an authorized user. However, this is not a good idea legally or practically. The person should know they're being added, and you should have their consent. If there's a dispute later, Chase may investigate.

What if the person I'm adding is a minor?

Chase has different rules for minors depending on age and account type. Generally, minors under 18 cannot be joint owners, but they can be authorized users on some accounts. Call Chase or visit a branch to ask about your specific situation, as the rules vary by state and account type.