You can add an authorized user to your Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or through the Chase mobile app — the fastest method depends on whether you want a debit card issued when ready

An authorized user is someone you give permission to access your account and make transactions using a debit card linked to it. They are not the account owner, but they can withdraw cash, make purchases, and check the balance. Chase lets you add authorized users through three routes: visiting a branch in person, calling Chase customer service, or using the Chase mobile app. The in-person route is fastest if you need a debit card the same day; the app is fastest if you only need account access without a physical card right away.

Before you start, have the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. Chase will verify their identity as part of the process. You will also need to decide whether they get a physical debit card, a digital card in their Chase mobile app, or both. The account holder — you — must be present or on the call to authorize the addition.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add an authorized user at a Chase branch, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through the Chase mobile app under account settings.
  • Chase will ask for the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify their identity.
  • A physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail; a digital card in the Chase app is available within minutes.
  • The authorized user can access the account and make transactions when ready after being added, even if their physical card has not arrived yet.
  • You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same channels you used to add them.

Adding an authorized user at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with the authorized user present, or go alone if you have their information and permission. Tell the banker you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Bring a government-issued photo ID for yourself and for the authorized user if they are with you. The banker will collect the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, then verify the information in Chase's system.

The banker will ask whether you want a physical debit card, a digital card, or both. If you request a physical card, it will be mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. A digital card can be set up in the Chase mobile app on the spot or within a few minutes. The authorized user can start using the account when ready through the app or at ATMs, even if the physical card is still in the mail.

This route works best if you want everything done in one visit and do not mind waiting for a physical card, or if you prefer face-to-face confirmation that the person has been added correctly.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and say you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. Have your account number and the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. A representative will verify your identity as the account holder, then collect the authorized user's information and confirm it in their system.

During the call, tell the representative whether you want a physical debit card, a digital card, or both. If you request a physical card, it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you want a digital card, the representative can set it up during the call, and the authorized user can access it in the Chase mobile app within minutes. You do not need the authorized user on the call, but you do need their information and permission.

Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times vary, especially during business hours.

Adding an authorized user through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app on your phone and sign in to your checking account. Tap the account name at the top, then scroll down and look for an option labeled "Manage account" or "Account settings." Select the option to add an authorized user. Enter the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Chase will ask whether you want to issue a physical debit card, a digital card, or both. If you choose a digital card, it will be available in the authorized user's Chase mobile app within minutes. If you choose a physical card, it will be mailed to the address on file and arrive in 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can access the account and make transactions as soon as they are added, regardless of whether a physical card has arrived.

This route is the fastest if you only need digital access or if you want to avoid a phone call or branch visit. However, not all Chase accounts show this option in the app; if you do not see it, use the phone or branch method instead.

What the authorized user can and cannot do

An authorized user can withdraw cash from ATMs, make debit card purchases, check the account balance, and view transaction history. They can also deposit checks and cash at Chase branches or through mobile check deposit. However, they cannot close the account, change the account holder's contact information, open new accounts in the account holder's name, or remove themselves from the account.

The account holder — you — remain responsible for all transactions and any overdrafts. If the authorized user overspends or makes fraudulent charges, you are liable. Chase does not separate the authorized user's spending from the account holder's; all money comes from the same pool. Set clear spending limits with the authorized user before adding them, and monitor the account regularly.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same three methods: in person at a branch, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through the Chase mobile app. At a branch, tell the banker you want to remove an authorized user and provide their name. By phone, call the number above and give the representative the authorized user's name. In the app, go to account settings, find the authorized user's name, and select the option to remove them.

Removal is when ready in the system, but the authorized user's physical debit card will not work at that moment. If you want to prevent them from using the card before it expires, ask Chase to cancel the card during the removal process. The authorized user will no longer be able to access the account or make transactions once they are removed.

Fees and account requirements

Chase does not charge a fee to add or remove an authorized user. Your checking account type does not change, and there are no monthly costs associated with having an authorized user. However, if the authorized user's transactions cause the account to overdraft, standard overdraft fees explore to the account holder.

Some Chase checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees, but adding an authorized user does not trigger or increase those fees. If you are unsure what fees explore to your specific account, ask at a branch or call 1-800-935-9935.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an authorized user if I am not at the branch?

Yes. Call 1-800-935-9935 or use the Chase mobile app. You do not need the authorized user present, but you do need their full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and you must be the account holder.

How long does it take for a physical debit card to arrive?

Physical debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need when ready access, request a digital card instead, which is available in the Chase app within minutes.

What happens if the authorized user makes a fraudulent charge?

You are responsible as the account holder. Report the charge to Chase when ready by calling 1-800-935-9935 or through the mobile app. Chase will investigate, but you may need to dispute the charge in writing if it is not resolved quickly.

Can an authorized user see my Social Security number or other sensitive information?

No. Authorized users can see the account balance, transaction history, and their own debit card details, but not the account holder's Social Security number, tax documents, or other personal information stored outside the account.

Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to verify identity. If the person does not have either, you will not be able to add them as an authorized user on a standard checking account.