Yes, you can link your Chase checking account to another person, but the method depends on what you want that person to do with the account
Chase offers several ways to give another person access to your checking account, each with different permissions and legal standing. You can add them as an authorized user (they get a debit card and can spend from the account but don't own it), make them a joint account holder (they own the account equally and can do anything you can), or set up power of attorney (they can manage the account on your behalf without owning it). The right choice depends on whether you want them to have spending access, full control, or just the ability to handle transactions while you're unavailable.
Key Takeaways
- Adding an authorized user gives them a debit card and spending access but no ownership of the account.
- Converting to a joint account makes the other person a legal owner with equal rights to all funds and account decisions.
- Power of attorney lets someone manage your account without owning it, and you can revoke it at any time.
- All methods require the other person to be present in person at a Chase branch or to complete identity verification online, depending on the option.
- Joint account holders and authorized users can both withdraw all the money; the difference is legal ownership and what happens if you die.
Adding an authorized user to your existing account
An authorized user is someone you add to your account who can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but does not own the account. You remain the sole owner. The authorized user cannot close the account, change the account terms, or remove themselves—only you can do those things. This is the simplest option if you want to give someone spending access without giving them legal ownership.
To add an authorized user, visit a Chase branch with the other person present and bring a government-issued ID for both of you. Chase will issue them a debit card linked to your account. You can also start the process online through your Chase account under "Account Services" and then "Authorized Users," though the other person will still need to verify their identity, either in person or through Chase's online verification process depending on your account type.
You can remove an authorized user at any time by calling Chase customer service or visiting a branch. If the authorized user dies, the account remains yours and the funds stay in your name.
Converting to a joint account or adding a joint owner
A joint account means both people own the account equally. Both of you can withdraw money, close the account, change terms, and make decisions about the account without the other person's permission. If one joint owner dies, the surviving owner typically keeps the account and all the money in it (this is called "right of survivorship" and is how most joint accounts work). Joint ownership is appropriate for spouses, long-term partners, or family members who will share finances.
To add a joint owner to an existing account, you and the other person must visit a Chase branch together with government-issued IDs. Chase will convert your account to a joint account. The other person will receive their own debit card and online access. If you want to create a new joint account instead of converting an existing one, you can do that in a branch as well.
Either joint owner can remove the other by visiting a branch or calling Chase, though this converts the account back to a single-owner account and the funds stay where they are. If you are concerned about the other person's spending or want to limit their access, a joint account is not the right choice—consider authorized user status instead.
Using power of attorney for account management
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets someone manage your account on your behalf without owning it. You remain the account owner, but the other person (called the "attorney-in-fact") can make transactions, pay bills, and handle account matters as if they were you. You can revoke power of attorney at any time, and it automatically ends if you die.
Power of attorney is useful if you want someone to manage your account temporarily (while you are traveling, recovering from surgery, or dealing with a crisis) or if you want to plan ahead in case you become unable to manage your finances yourself. Unlike joint ownership, you keep full control and can change your mind.
To set up power of attorney with Chase, you will need a legal power of attorney document signed by you and notarized. This document is not created by Chase—you obtain it from an attorney, a legal document service, or sometimes your state bar association. Once you have the signed, notarized document, bring it to a Chase branch along with your ID and the ID of the person you are naming. Chase will add them to your account with the powers specified in the document.
What each person can and cannot do
| Action | Authorized User | Joint Owner | Power of Attorney |
|---|---|---|---|
| Withdraw money | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Make deposits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use debit card | Yes | Yes | No (unless card is issued) |
| Close the account | No | Yes | No |
| Change account terms | No | Yes | No |
| Remove the other person | No | Yes | No |
| Access online banking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Own the account | No | Yes | No |
What happens if the account owner dies
If you are the account owner and you die, what happens to the money depends on how the account is set up. If the other person is a joint owner, they keep the account and the money passes to them automatically—the account does not go through probate. If the other person is only an authorized user or power of attorney holder, they lose access when ready. The money becomes part of your estate and goes through probate or passes according to your will.
If you want to make sure money goes to someone after you die, joint ownership is the clearest way to do it. If you want them to have access during your life but not after, authorized user or power of attorney is better. Talk to an estate attorney if you are unsure which option fits your situation.
Identity verification and in-person requirements
Chase requires the other person to verify their identity before being added to your account. For authorized users and joint owners, this usually means both of you visiting a branch together with government-issued IDs. Some account types allow online identity verification instead, where the other person answers security questions or provides additional information through Chase's website.
For power of attorney, you will need the notarized legal document, which requires a notary public to witness your signature. Many banks, law offices, and shipping stores (like UPS Store locations) offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.
If you cannot visit a branch in person, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to ask whether your account type allows online setup. Some accounts do; others require a branch visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
It depends on the account type and the method. For authorized users and joint owners, Chase typically requires the other person to verify their identity, either in person at a branch or online through Chase's verification process. For power of attorney, you need a notarized legal document, but the other person does not have to be present when you bring it to Chase.
If I add someone as an authorized user, can they see my account balance and transaction history?
Yes. Authorized users have online access to the account and can see the balance, transaction history, and account details. If you want to limit what they can see, a joint account or power of attorney will not help—both give full visibility. Your only option is to not add them to the account at all.
Can I add a joint owner and then remove them later?
Yes, but you cannot do it without their knowledge or consent. Either joint owner can visit a Chase branch and convert the account back to a single-owner account. If you remove a joint owner, the money stays in the account and remains yours. If they remove you, the same applies—the account becomes theirs alone.
What if the other person is not a U.S. citizen?
Chase can add non-citizens as authorized users or joint owners if they have a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). For power of attorney, the legal document must be valid under your state's law. Contact Chase directly to confirm what documents are needed for the other person's situation.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
No. Adding an authorized user or joint owner does not appear on their credit report or affect their credit score. Power of attorney also has no credit impact. However, if the account goes into overdraft or is reported to collections, it could affect both owners' credit if they are joint owners.