You can add an authorized user to your Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch

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. Chase lets you add them through your online account in minutes, or you can call or visit a branch if you prefer to do it in person. The person you add does not need to be a Chase customer already.

Before you start, have the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. You will also need to decide whether they get a debit card, online access, or both. Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user online through Chase.com, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting your local Chase branch in person.
  • An authorized user can access your account and make transactions, but you remain responsible for all activity and any overdrafts.
  • You will need the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the process.
  • Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user, and the process usually takes a few minutes to a few business days depending on your method.

Adding an authorized user online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com and go to the account settings or account management section. Look for an option labeled "Add authorized user," "Manage account access," or "Account users" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your account type. Click that option and enter the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Next, choose what access they will have. You can give them a debit card, online and mobile banking access, or both. If you want them to have a debit card, Chase will mail it to the address on file for your account. Once you confirm the details, the request goes through when ready, though the debit card itself takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

If you run into trouble finding the right menu, the "Help" section on Chase.com has a search bar where you can type "add authorized user" and it will walk you to the right page.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Have the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will ask you a few security questions to confirm you are the account owner, then walk you through the process.

You will need to decide whether the authorized user gets a debit card, online access, or both. If you request a debit card, Chase will mail it to your address. The whole call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Keep a record of the date and time you called in case you need to follow up.

Adding an authorized user in person at a Chase branch

Visit your local Chase branch with your ID and bring the person you want to add if possible — though some branches will let you add someone without them present. Tell a banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Bring the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, or have them bring their ID so the banker can copy the information.

The banker will have you sign paperwork and will ask what access the authorized user should have. If you request a debit card, it will be mailed to your address on file. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This method is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face or if you are not comfortable doing it online.

What happens after you add an authorized user

Once the authorized user is added, they can use the account when ready for online and mobile banking if you gave them that access. If you ordered a debit card, it arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can start using it as soon as it arrives — they do not need to set up it at a branch, though they may need to set a PIN at an ATM or call the number on the back of the card.

You remain the account owner and are responsible for all transactions, overdrafts, and fees. The authorized user's activity shows up on your statements and online account just like your own transactions do. You can remove the authorized user at any time through the same online menu, by calling customer service, or by visiting a branch.

Things to know before adding an authorized user

An authorized user has full access to the account — they can withdraw all the money, make large transfers, or overdraw it. Chase does not limit what an authorized user can do once they are added. If you want to restrict their spending, you will need to manage it outside of Chase, such as by moving money out of the account or setting up a separate account with a lower balance.

Adding an authorized user does not affect your credit score or the authorized user's credit score. However, if the account goes into overdraft or has missed payments, that can show up on both of your credit reports if Chase reports it. The authorized user's Social Security number is used for identity verification only — Chase does not run a credit check to add them.

If the authorized user is a minor, Chase has additional rules. Some Chase accounts for minors have spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions. Ask the banker or customer service representative whether your account type has any restrictions for minors.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time through Chase.com by going to the same account settings menu where you added them and selecting "Remove authorized user." You can also call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. Removal is when ready for online and mobile access, but any debit card the authorized user has will still work until it expires — you may want to ask them to destroy it or call Chase to deactivate the card specifically.

If you remove an authorized user, their access to online banking ends right away. Any pending transactions they started may still go through. If you are concerned about fraud or unauthorized use, call Chase when ready to report it and ask them to freeze the account or deactivate the debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone who is not a U.S. citizen?

Chase requires a Social Security number to add an authorized user. If the person does not have one, you may not be able to add them through the standard process. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether there are other options, such as using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What if I want to add someone but do not want them to have a debit card?

Yes, you can give them online and mobile banking access only. When you add them, just select "online access" and skip the debit card option. They will be able to log in and see the account balance, make transfers, and pay bills, but they will not receive a physical card.

Does adding an authorized user cost money?

No, Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user. There is no monthly fee for having an authorized user on your account either.

Can an authorized user add another authorized user?

No, only the account owner can add or remove authorized users. An authorized user cannot make changes to who has access to the account.

What if the authorized user loses their debit card?

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch to report the card lost or stolen. Chase will deactivate it when ready and can mail a replacement card to your address. The authorized user can use online banking while waiting for the new card to arrive.