You can add authorized users to a Chase checking account through Chase's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch in person
An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your account — they can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers using a debit card or online access tied to your account number. Chase lets you add authorized users to most checking accounts, though the exact process depends on whether you're managing the account online or in a branch.
The fastest route is usually the Chase mobile app or website if you already have online access set up. If you prefer to handle it face-to-face or if you run into issues online, you can walk into any Chase branch with the person you want to add and complete it there in about 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user through the Chase app, website, or by visiting a branch with that person present.
- The authorized user will receive their own debit card and can access the account online, but you remain the account owner and responsible for all activity.
- Chase typically processes authorized user requests within one business day if you do it online, or when ready if you do it in a branch.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same channels you used to add them.
Adding an authorized user through the Chase app or website
Log into your Chase account on the mobile app or at chase.com. Navigate to the account you want to add the user to, then look for a menu option labeled "Manage account" or "Account settings" — the exact wording varies depending on which device or browser you're using. Select the option to add an authorized user or cardholder.
Chase will ask for the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. You do not need to provide their full SSN. Once you enter this information, Chase will verify the person's identity and send them a notification that they've been added to the account. The new debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're adding a minor (someone under 18), Chase has additional requirements — you'll need to confirm you're their parent or legal guardian, and some Chase checking products have age restrictions on who can be an authorized user. Check your specific account type before you start the process.
Adding an authorized user at a Chase branch
Bring a valid government-issued ID and the person you want to add as an authorized user. Both of you need to be present at the branch. The banker will verify both identities, confirm the account details, and process the request on the spot.
This method is useful if you want the debit card issued when ready — some branches can print a temporary card while you wait, though the permanent card will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. It's also the best option if you've had trouble adding the user online or if you want to ask questions about what the authorized user can and cannot do with the account.
What an authorized user can and cannot do
An authorized user can deposit checks, withdraw cash, make transfers between accounts, pay bills online, and use the debit card for purchases. They can also view the account balance and transaction history if they set up online access. However, they cannot close the account, change the account owner's contact information, remove themselves or other authorized users, or set up overdraft protection.
You remain the primary account owner and are responsible for all activity on the account, including any overdrafts or fees. If the authorized user overspends or makes unauthorized transactions, you are liable. Chase does not separate liability between the account owner and authorized users — the account is treated as a single entity.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user through the Chase app or website by going to the same "Manage account" or "Account settings" menu where you added them. Select the authorized user's name and choose the option to remove them. The change takes effect when ready, and their debit card will stop working right away.
You can also remove an authorized user in person at a Chase branch. Bring your ID, and the banker will process the removal while you wait. You do not need the authorized user to be present to remove them.
What happens to the authorized user's debit card
When you add an authorized user, Chase will mail them a debit card linked to your checking account. The card arrives separately from any account statements and typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can start using the account online or through the mobile app before the physical card arrives if they set up access.
If you remove an authorized user, their debit card becomes inactive when ready, but Chase does not automatically retrieve the physical card. If you want to may support the card is not used, you can ask the authorized user to destroy it, or you can call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and request that they deactivate the card number.
Authorized users and account statements
All transactions made by authorized users appear on the same account statement as your own transactions. There is no separate statement for each authorized user. If you want to track spending by authorized user, you'll need to review the statement yourself and identify which transactions belong to whom based on the merchant name and amount.
The authorized user can view the full account history online or through the mobile app if they have access set up. They will see all deposits, withdrawals, and transfers made by you and any other authorized users on the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add an authorized user if I have a joint account?
Yes. On a joint account, either account owner can add an authorized user. The authorized user is separate from a joint owner — they can use the account but do not have ownership rights. If you want to give someone full ownership rights, you would need to convert them to a joint account owner instead, which requires both current owners to visit a branch.
What if the authorized user wants their own separate account?
An authorized user cannot convert to an account owner online. They would need to open a new checking account in their own name. If you want to transfer funds to them, you can do so through a transfer or by closing the shared account and splitting the balance.
Does adding an authorized user affect my credit score?
No. Adding an authorized user to a checking account does not show up on credit reports or affect credit scores. Checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Credit impacts only occur with credit products like credit cards or loans.
Can I set spending limits for an authorized user?
Chase checking accounts do not have built-in spending limit controls for authorized users. The authorized user has access to the full account balance. If you want to limit their spending, you can transfer a specific amount to a separate account and make them an authorized user on that account instead.
What if an authorized user makes fraudulent transactions?
Report the transactions to Chase when ready by calling the number on the back of your debit card or through the mobile app. Chase will investigate, but because the person is an authorized user rather than someone who stole your card, the liability rules are different — you may be responsible for the full amount rather than the standard $50 fraud limit. This is why it's important to only add people you trust completely.