You can add another person to your Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Chase's account management tools

Chase lets you add an authorized user or joint owner to an existing checking account. The process differs depending on which route you choose and whether the person already has a Chase account. Adding someone takes anywhere from a few minutes (in branch) to a few business days (online), and you'll need their Social Security number and basic identifying information either way.

The person you add will have full access to the account — they can withdraw money, write checks, use the debit card, and see all transaction history. If you want to give someone limited access instead, you may want to explore other options like setting up a separate account or using Chase's spending controls for a debit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding someone in a Chase branch is the fastest option and takes about 15 minutes; you'll both need to be present with government-issued ID.
  • You can add an authorized user or joint owner; joint owners have equal rights to the account, while authorized users can access it but you remain the primary account holder.
  • Chase requires the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address before they can be added to the account.
  • If you add someone online or by phone, the change typically takes one to three business days to process.
  • Once someone is added, they can when ready use the debit card and access the account online, though some features may take longer to set up.

Adding someone in a Chase branch

Going to a branch is the fastest way to add someone to your account. Both you and the person you want to add need to be present with a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Bring your Chase debit card or account number so the banker can pull up your account quickly.

The banker will verify both of your identities, confirm the person's Social Security number and date of birth, and ask whether you want to add them as a joint owner or authorized user. They'll explain the difference and have you both sign the necessary paperwork. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few hours for the new person to access the account online or through the Chase mobile app.

If the person you're adding doesn't have a Chase account yet, the banker can open one for them at the same time, which adds about 10 minutes to the process.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your account number ready and be prepared to verify your identity with your PIN or answers to security questions. The representative will ask for the other person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

You don't need the other person on the call, but Chase may ask you to confirm that they've given you permission to add them. The representative will explain whether you're adding them as a joint owner or authorized user and what that means for account access. The change typically takes one to three business days to show up in the account system.

Adding someone online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account on Chase.com or the mobile app and look for "Account Services" or "Manage Account." The exact menu location varies depending on your account type and whether you're on desktop or mobile. Select the option to add an authorized user or joint owner.

You'll enter the person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Chase will ask you to confirm the relationship and whether this person should be a joint owner (equal access and responsibility) or authorized user (can use the account but you remain the primary holder). After you submit the request, it typically takes one to three business days for Chase to process the change.

Once the change is approved, the person can set up their own online login and mobile app access. They may need to verify their identity with Chase before they can see the full account balance or transaction history.

Joint owner versus authorized user

A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account. Both of you can withdraw money, close the account, change the account settings, and add or remove other people. If one joint owner dies, the surviving joint owner typically keeps the account and all its money. Both joint owners are equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees.

An authorized user can use the account and access it online, but you remain the primary account holder. You can remove an authorized user at any time without their permission. If you die, the authorized user loses access to the account. Authorized users are not responsible for overdrafts or fees — only the primary account holder is.

Choose joint owner if you want to share full responsibility and control (for example, with a spouse or adult child managing household finances). Choose authorized user if you want to give someone access without giving them the power to close the account or change its terms (for example, a teenager or an adult child you're helping financially).

What information you'll need to provide

Before you add anyone, gather the following details about the person:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on their government ID)
  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • Current mailing address
  • Government-issued photo ID (if adding them in person at a branch)

If the person doesn't have a Social Security number (for example, they're a non-citizen), contact Chase directly to ask about alternatives. Some accounts may allow you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by situation.

What happens after someone is added

Once the person is added, they can when ready use the debit card if one is issued and can access the account through Chase.com or the mobile app. They'll need to set up their own login credentials and may need to verify their identity with Chase before they can see sensitive information like the full account balance.

If you ordered a new debit card for the new account holder, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. They can use the account online or through mobile banking before the physical card arrives. Any checks you order will have both names on them if the person is a joint owner.

You can remove someone from the account at any time by calling Chase, visiting a branch, or using your online account settings. If the person is a joint owner, some Chase locations may require both of you to be present to remove them, though this varies. Call ahead to confirm what's required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who doesn't have a Chase account?

Yes. Chase can add them to your account even if they've never banked with Chase before. If you're doing this in a branch, the banker can open a new Chase account for them at the same time. If you're doing it online or by phone, Chase will set up their account access once they're added to yours.

Does the person I'm adding have to be present?

They must be present if you're adding them in a branch — both of you need to show government ID. If you're adding them by phone or online, they don't need to be present, but Chase may ask you to confirm they've given you permission.

Can I add someone who lives in another state?

Yes. Chase can add someone regardless of where they live. You'll need their current mailing address, which can be in any state. If you want to do this in person, you can visit any Chase branch, not just one in your state.

What if I want to remove someone later?

You can remove an authorized user anytime by calling Chase, visiting a branch, or using your online account settings. Removing a joint owner may require both of you to be present at a branch, depending on Chase's policy at that location — call ahead to confirm.

Will adding someone affect my credit score?

Adding someone to a checking account does not affect your credit score. Checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, if you later explore for credit together, lenders may see that you share a bank account.