You can add another person to your Chase checking account in two ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder
The simplest route is to call Chase at the number on the back of your card and ask to add an authorized user. Chase will ask for the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The new person gets their own debit card and can withdraw money and make purchases, but they cannot close the account or change account settings. This takes a few business days.
The second option is to convert your account to a joint account, which gives the other person equal ownership and control. Both of you can manage the account, add or remove people, and close it. This requires you to visit a Chase branch in person with the other person present, along with their government-issued ID. A joint account is permanent unless both owners agree to change it back.
Choose authorized user if you want to give someone spending access without giving them control over the account itself. Choose joint account if you want to share full responsibility and decision-making — for example, with a spouse or adult child you trust completely.
Key Takeaways
- An authorized user can spend money from your account but cannot change account settings or close it; a joint account holder has equal control over everything.
- Adding an authorized user happens by phone and takes a few business days; converting to a joint account requires an in-person visit to a Chase branch with both people present.
- You will need the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number for either option.
- An authorized user gets their own debit card; a joint account holder can use the existing card or request their own.
Adding an authorized user by phone
Call the Chase customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Have the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready.
Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions about your account. Once confirmed, they will take the information for the new authorized user and explain what the person can and cannot do. You do not need to be in the same room as the other person for this step.
The new authorized user's debit card will arrive in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. Until then, they cannot use the account to make purchases or withdraw cash, though the account itself is active and they can see the balance online if you set up access for them.
Converting to a joint account at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with the other person and bring both government-issued IDs — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the banker you want to convert your checking account to a joint account.
The banker will explain what a joint account means: both people own the money equally, both can withdraw all of it, and either person can close the account without the other's permission. You will both sign paperwork confirming you understand this. The change takes effect when ready.
After the conversion, both of you can log into the account online, request debit cards, and manage the money. If you later want to undo this and go back to a single-owner account, you will both need to visit the branch again and agree to the change.
What happens to the money and the debit card
All the money in your account becomes joint property. If you add an authorized user, the money stays in your name legally, but the authorized user can spend it. If you convert to a joint account, both people own the money equally.
Your existing debit card continues to work. If you add an authorized user, they get a separate card with their name on it. If you convert to a joint account, the other person can request their own card or use yours if you give it to them — Chase does not automatically send a second card.
What the other person can and cannot do
An authorized user can withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases with their debit card, and see the account balance online if you set up online access for them. They cannot change the account password, add or remove other people, set up bill pay, close the account, or dispute transactions on their own.
A joint account holder can do everything an authorized user can do, plus change passwords, add or remove other people, set up bill pay, close the account, and dispute transactions. They have the same legal authority over the account as you do.
Removing someone from your account
To remove an authorized user, call Chase customer service and ask them to remove the person by name. Chase will cancel their debit card and revoke their access. This happens when ready, though the card may take a few days to stop working at merchants.
Removing a joint account holder is more complicated because both people have equal rights. You cannot unilaterally remove them. Instead, you and the joint account holder must both visit a Chase branch and agree to convert back to a single-owner account, or one person can close the account entirely and open a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?
No. Chase requires the other person's Social Security number and date of birth, which you should only provide with their knowledge and permission. If you are adding a joint account holder, they must be present in the branch with their ID. Doing this without consent could be fraud.
What if the person I want to add doesn't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for both authorized users and joint account holders. If the person does not have either, you may not be able to add them through Chase. Ask a banker about alternatives.
Can I add a minor to my account?
Yes, but Chase has age limits. You can add a child as an authorized user, and they will get a debit card. For a joint account, Chase typically requires the other person to be at least 18 years old. Call Chase or ask at a branch about the specific age rules.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit?
No. Adding an authorized user or joint account holder does not show up on their credit report or affect their credit score. A checking account is not a credit product, so credit bureaus do not track it.
What if I want to add someone but keep some money separate?
A joint account or authorized user account does not let you keep money separate within the same account. If you want to share some money but keep some private, you would need two accounts — one joint or with an authorized user, and one in your name alone.