You can add an authorized user or joint owner to your Chase checking account through the Chase mobile app or website, but the process and permissions differ depending on which role you choose.
Chase offers two ways to give someone access to your account: as an authorized user or as a joint account owner. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but the original account holder remains the legal owner and keeps full control. A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account, can make all decisions, and both names appear on the account. Most people add authorized users online in minutes; adding a joint owner typically requires a phone call or visit because it changes the account's legal structure.
The online process works fastest if you already have the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. Chase will verify their identity before the change takes effect. If you are adding a minor, there are additional restrictions on what they can do with the account.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized users can use a debit card and make transactions, but you keep full account control and can remove them anytime through the app.
- Joint owners have equal legal rights to the account and both names appear on statements and tax documents, which requires a phone call or branch visit to set up.
- You will need the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid ID for Chase to verify their identity before adding them.
- Minors can be added as authorized users but cannot be joint owners, and their card may have spending limits depending on your account settings.
- Changes to authorized users take effect within hours or a day; changes to joint ownership can take several business days to process.
Adding an Authorized User Through the Chase App or Website
Open the Chase mobile app or log into chase.com on your computer. From your checking account page, look for a menu option labeled "Account Services," "Manage Account," or "Settings"—the exact label varies depending on whether you are using the app or website. Select the option to add a user or cardholder. Chase will ask you to confirm your identity with a security code sent to your phone or email.
Enter the person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information. Chase will run a verification check, usually within minutes. Once verified, you can choose what permissions they have: whether they can make transfers, pay bills, or only use the debit card for purchases. You can also set daily spending limits on their debit card if you want to restrict how much they can spend in a single day.
A debit card will be mailed to the authorized user's address within 7 to 10 business days. They can use their name and the card number to set up mobile or online access to the account before the physical card arrives. You can remove an authorized user anytime through the same menu without calling Chase.
Adding a Joint Owner Requires a Phone Call or Branch Visit
Chase does not allow you to convert an account to joint ownership or add a joint owner entirely through the app or website. You must call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch in person. A representative will verify your identity and the identity of the person you want to add as a joint owner, then process the change.
The person you are adding does not need to be present for the phone call, but Chase may ask you to confirm their Social Security number and date of birth. If you visit a branch, both account holders should bring a valid ID. The change takes 2 to 5 business days to process, and both names will appear on all future statements, tax documents, and account records.
Once someone is a joint owner, they have the same rights you do: they can withdraw money, close the account, change the address, or add or remove other users. You cannot undo this change through the app—you would need to call Chase again or visit a branch to remove them, and they would have to agree to the change or you would need to close the account and open a new one.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Gather the following details about the person you want to add before you begin the process. You will need their full legal name as it appears on their ID, their Social Security number, their date of birth, and a current phone number or email address. If they live at a different address than you, have that address ready as well—Chase uses it to mail the debit card.
If the person does not have a Social Security number (for example, if they are a non-citizen), Chase may not be able to add them as an authorized user online. Call Chase to discuss other options, such as adding them in person at a branch.
Adding a Minor to Your Checking Account
You can add a minor (under 18) as an authorized user on your checking account through the app or website using the same process as an adult. Chase will mail a debit card to the address you provide. Minors cannot be joint owners.
When you add a minor, you can set daily spending limits on their debit card and choose whether they can make online transfers or pay bills. Some Chase accounts come with a "Student Checking" option that is designed for minors and includes lower or no monthly fees. If you want to move to that account type, you will need to call Chase or visit a branch, because you cannot change the account type online.
Once a minor turns 18, their authorized user status does not automatically change. You can keep them as an authorized user, remove them, or convert the account to joint ownership if you both want that.
What Happens If Chase Cannot Verify the Person's Identity
If Chase's verification check fails, you will see an error message in the app or on the website. This usually means the Social Security number or date of birth did not match Chase's records. Ask the person to double-check their information and try again.
If verification fails a second time, call Chase at the number on the back of your card. A representative can manually verify the person's identity using additional information, such as their address or recent transactions. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can then complete the process online or have the representative add them over the phone.
Removing an Authorized User or Joint Owner
To remove an authorized user, open the Chase app or website, go to your account settings, and select the option to manage users or cardholders. Find the person's name and choose "Remove" or "Delete." The change takes effect when ready, and their debit card will stop working within hours. You do not need their permission to remove an authorized user.
Removing a joint owner is more complicated. You cannot do it online. Call Chase or visit a branch, and a representative will explain your options. If the joint owner agrees, the change can be processed in one call. If they do not agree, you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name only, which means moving your direct deposits, automatic payments, and other services to the new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Chase account?
Yes. The person does not need to have their own Chase account to be added as an authorized user or joint owner. Chase will create a record for them in their system and mail them a debit card. They can set up online access using the account number and their Social Security number.
Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit score. Adding a joint owner may appear on their credit report because they become legally responsible for the account balance and any overdrafts. If you are concerned, ask Chase whether joint ownership will be reported to credit bureaus before you proceed.
Can I set different spending limits for different authorized users?
Yes. Each authorized user's debit card can have its own daily spending limit. You can set these limits when you add them and change them anytime through the app or website. Some limits may vary by account type.
What if the person I want to add lives outside the United States?
Chase can add authorized users who live outside the U.S., but the debit card will be mailed to their address, which may take longer. Call Chase to discuss international mailing options. Joint ownership for someone outside the U.S. may have additional requirements—call to confirm before you visit a branch.
Can I add someone to my account temporarily?
Yes. You can remove an authorized user anytime through the app without notice. If you want to add someone for a specific purpose—such as helping with finances during a medical recovery—you can remove them once that period ends. Keep in mind that removing them will deactivate their debit card when ready.