You can add a joint owner to a Chase checking account in person at a branch, by phone, or through Chase's find messaging in the mobile app — but Chase requires the new owner to be present or to sign documents separately.
Chase does not allow you to add someone as a joint owner entirely online without their involvement. The account holder and the person being added must both verify their identity and consent to the arrangement. The fastest route is usually a branch visit where both people can sign the necessary paperwork in one appointment, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes. If an in-person visit is not possible, you can start the process by phone or through the Chase app, but the new owner will need to sign and return documents before the change takes effect.
A joint owner has full access to the account — they can withdraw money, write checks, set up bill pay, and close the account. This is different from adding an authorized user, who can use a debit card but cannot make certain account changes. Make sure you understand what access you are giving before you proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Both the current account holder and the person being added must verify their identity; Chase will not complete the change without consent from both parties.
- The fastest method is visiting a Chase branch together with a government-issued ID, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- If you cannot visit a branch, you can initiate the process by phone at the number on the back of your debit card, but the new owner must sign and return documents by mail or in person.
- A joint owner has the same rights as the original owner — they can withdraw funds, write checks, and make account changes — so only add someone you fully trust.
- Chase may ask for additional information if either person has a recent address change or if the account has had fraud issues.
Adding a joint owner at a Chase branch
Bring your government-issued ID and the ID of the person you want to add. Both of you should go to the branch together. Tell the teller or banker that you want to add a joint owner to your checking account. They will pull up your account, verify both identities, and explain what rights a joint owner will have.
You will sign a form — usually called an "Account Change Request" or similar — that authorizes the change. The new joint owner will also sign. The teller will process the change on the spot in most cases, though Chase may flag the account for review if there are unusual circumstances, such as a very recent address change or a history of fraud claims. If that happens, you may receive a call within one to two business days asking for more information.
Once the change is complete, the new joint owner can use the account when ready. If they need a debit card, the teller can order one, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. They can also set up their own login to the Chase app or online banking using their Social Security number and the account number.
Adding a joint owner by phone
Call the number on the back of your debit card and ask to speak with someone about adding a joint owner. Chase will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and recent account activity. They will explain the process and what documents need to be signed.
Chase will mail documents to your address on file. You sign them and have the new joint owner sign them as well. You then mail the signed documents back to Chase in the prepaid envelope provided. Chase will process the change once they receive and verify the signatures, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days from the date they receive the documents.
During the phone call, Chase may ask for the new owner's name, date of birth, and Social Security number so they can prepare the documents with the correct information. Have this information ready before you call. If the new owner lives at a different address than you, let Chase know — they may need to mail documents to both addresses or require both signatures to be notarized.
Adding a joint owner through the Chase mobile app
Open the Chase mobile app, go to your checking account, and look for a menu option labeled "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Details." Some versions of the app have an option to "Add User" or "Manage Access." Tap that option and follow the prompts to enter the new owner's information.
The app will ask for the new owner's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. It will then generate a find message or email that Chase sends to you and to the new owner. Both of you must open the message and confirm your identity — usually by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone. Once both of you have confirmed, Chase will send documents to sign.
You can sign electronically in the app if Chase offers that option, but the new owner may need to sign in person at a branch or by returning a printed document. Check the message from Chase for specific instructions. The entire process usually takes 3 to 7 business days once both parties have confirmed their identity.
What happens if the new owner lives out of state or far away
If the new owner cannot visit a branch with you, tell Chase during the phone call or in the app. Chase can mail documents to both of you at different addresses. You sign your copy and mail it back; the new owner signs their copy and mails it back separately. Chase will not process the change until both signed documents are received and verified.
Some Chase branches will notarize signatures if you ask, which can speed up the process if the new owner is uncomfortable mailing original documents. Call your local branch ahead of time to ask if they offer notary services and whether Chase will accept a notarized signature in place of the original.
In rare cases, Chase may require both of you to visit a branch in person, even if you live far apart. This is more likely if the account is very new, if there have been fraud claims, or if the new owner has no existing relationship with Chase. Ask Chase directly whether an exception can be made before you make travel plans.
Documents and information you will need
Have your government-issued ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not accept expired IDs. The new owner also needs a government-issued ID.
You will need the new owner's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If the new owner does not have a Social Security number, they may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though Chase policies on this vary. Call ahead to ask if ITIN is acceptable.
If either of you has moved recently, have your current address ready. Chase may ask for proof of address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement — if the address on your ID does not match the address on file with Chase. The new owner should bring proof of their current address as well.
What changes and what does not change
The account number stays the same. Any automatic deposits, bill pay arrangements, or recurring transfers continue without interruption. The account type does not change — if it is a basic checking account, it remains a basic checking account.
The new joint owner will have access to the full account history from the date they are added forward. They will not see transactions that occurred before they became a joint owner, though they can ask Chase to print or provide older statements if needed.
If the account has overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit line, the new joint owner will have access to that as well. If you want to limit what they can do — for example, preventing them from closing the account or changing the mailing address — you cannot do that through Chase. A true joint owner has the same rights as the original owner. If you want limited access, ask Chase about adding an authorized user instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a joint owner if the account is in my name only?
Yes. As long as you are the account holder and the account is in good standing, you can add a joint owner. Chase will verify your identity and the new owner's identity, and both of you will need to consent to the change.
What is the difference between a joint owner and an authorized user?
A joint owner has full rights to the account — they can withdraw money, write checks, change account settings, and close the account. An authorized user can use a debit card and make purchases, but cannot make account changes or close the account. If you want to give someone limited access, ask Chase about authorized users instead.
Can I remove a joint owner later?
Yes, but both owners must agree, or you may need to close the account and open a new one in your name only. Call Chase or visit a branch to discuss your options. If the joint owner refuses to cooperate, the process becomes more complicated and may require legal action.
Will adding a joint owner affect my credit score?
No. Adding a joint owner to a checking account does not affect either person's credit score. Credit bureaus do not track checking account ownership. However, if the joint owner later applies for credit, lenders may ask about shared accounts.
How long does it take for the new joint owner to access the account?
If you both visit a branch, the change is usually complete when ready and the new owner can access the account that day. If you do it by phone or mail, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date Chase receives all signed documents. The new owner can set up their own login to the app or online banking once the change is processed.