You can add someone to your Chase checking account in two ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder

The difference matters. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but the original account holder stays in legal control and on the hook for overdrafts. A joint account holder has equal ownership, equal access to all funds, and equal responsibility for the account. Chase lets you do either one, but the process and the consequences are different.

If you want to add someone with full ownership rights—say, a spouse or adult child you trust completely—you'll convert to a joint account. If you want to give someone spending power without ownership—a teenager, a caregiver, or an employee—you'll add them as an authorized user. Both can be done online, by phone, or in branch, and both take effect within one business day in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can spend from your account but does not own it; a joint account holder owns it equally and has the same legal responsibility you do.
  • You can add an authorized user online through Chase.com or the mobile app without visiting a branch.
  • Converting to a joint account requires the other person to be present in branch with a government ID, or you can mail in a signed form.
  • Chase will run a ChexSystems check on any new account holder, which may delay the process by a few days if there are flags.
  • Once someone is added, they can access the account when ready, so only add people you trust with full visibility into your balance and transaction history.

Adding an authorized user online or by phone

This is the faster route if you only need to give someone spending power. Log into Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app, go to your checking account, and look for "Manage Account" or "Account Settings." You should see an option to add an authorized user. You'll need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will verify this information against their records.

If you prefer not to do it online, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to add an authorized user. A representative will walk you through the same questions. The authorized user does not need to be present, and they do not need to visit a branch. Within one business day, Chase will mail them a debit card in their name linked to your account.

The authorized user can start making transactions as soon as the card arrives, but they can also access the account online or by phone before the card shows up if they have the login credentials you give them. They will see your full balance and transaction history, so this step only makes sense if you trust them completely.

Converting to a joint account in branch or by mail

If you want the other person to have equal ownership and equal legal responsibility, you need to convert the account to a joint account. This requires more verification than adding an authorized user. The simplest way is to visit a Chase branch together with the other person's government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). A banker will update the account on the spot, and it takes about 15 minutes.

If the other person cannot come to a branch, Chase will mail you a form to sign and have notarized. Both of you sign it, you get it notarized at a bank or notary public, and you mail it back to Chase. This route takes longer—usually two to three weeks—because Chase has to receive the form, process it, and run their verification checks.

Once the account is joint, both of you own it equally. That means both of you are responsible for overdrafts, both of you can close it, and both of you can see all transactions. If one person withdraws all the money, the other person has no legal recourse against Chase—the bank treats it as a legitimate transaction by a joint owner. Only make this change if you trust the person completely.

What Chase checks before adding someone

Chase runs a ChexSystems report on anyone you add as an authorized user or joint account holder. ChexSystems is a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If the person has a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, Chase may flag the process or ask for more information.

This check usually takes one to two business days, but if there are flags, it can take longer. Chase may call you or the other person to ask about the history. In rare cases, Chase may decline to add the person, though this is uncommon for authorized users. If it happens, Chase will tell you why and what you can do next.

Chase also runs a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. They are looking for identity verification, not lending risk.

What the other person can and cannot do

An authorized user can make purchases with a debit card, withdraw cash, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online. They cannot close the account, change the account type, add or remove other users, or change the mailing address without your permission (though they can see it). If the account is overdrawn, you are responsible for the overdraft fee, not them.

A joint account holder can do all of that, plus close the account, change the account type, add or remove other users, and change the mailing address. Both of you are equally responsible for overdrafts and any negative balance. If one joint owner writes a bad check or causes an overdraft, the other joint owner is liable.

Removing someone from your account

You can remove an authorized user online through Chase.com or by calling Chase. Go to "Manage Account," find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove." The debit card in their name will stop working when ready, but they may still be able to access the account online if they have your login credentials. Change your password after you remove them.

Removing a joint account holder is more complicated. You cannot do it unilaterally—both people have to agree, or you have to close the account and open a new one in your name alone. If you want to remove a joint owner and they will not cooperate, you will need to close the account, which means the other person loses access too. Chase will not remove one joint owner at the request of the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for authorized users and joint account holders. If the person does not have one, they cannot be added. They could open their own account if they have an ITIN, but they cannot be added to yours.

Will adding someone to my account affect my credit score?

No. Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not show up on your credit report and does not lower your score. The other person's credit is also not affected.

What happens if the authorized user overdrafts the account?

You pay the overdraft fee, not them. The overdraft shows on your account history, and Chase will contact you about it. The authorized user is not liable for the fee or the negative balance.

Can I add someone to my account if they live in another state?

Yes. For an authorized user, you can do it entirely online or by phone. For a joint account holder, you can mail in the notarized form instead of visiting a branch in person. The person's location does not matter.

How long does it take for the debit card to arrive?

Chase usually mails the card within two to three business days of adding the authorized user. Standard mail delivery takes five to seven business days after that, so plan for one to two weeks total. You can ask Chase to expedite it, though there may be a fee.