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

Adding someone to your account means giving them access to the same funds and account information. Chase calls this person an authorized user or account owner, depending on the level of access you want them to have. The process takes a few days to a few weeks, and you'll need the other person's Social Security number and basic information before you start.

The person you're adding must be at least 18 years old. If you want to add a minor, you'll need to open a different type of account — Chase offers accounts designed for parents and teens, but those work differently from adding someone to an existing adult account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add someone to your account at a Chase branch in person, by calling Chase customer service, or through your online account using find messaging.
  • The person you're adding needs to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID, and they may need to visit a branch to verify their identity.
  • An authorized user can access the account and make transactions, but the original account owner remains responsible for the account.
  • The process usually takes three to five business days after all information is submitted and verified.
  • You can remove someone from the account at any time through the same channels you used to add them.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

This is the fastest and most straightforward route. Go to any Chase branch with your ID and ask to add an authorized user to your checking account. Bring the other person with you if possible — Chase prefers to verify their identity in person, which speeds up the process.

The person you're adding will need to bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and be prepared to provide their Social Security number. The branch employee will collect this information, verify it against their ID, and start the process right there. You'll both sign paperwork confirming the change.

If the other person can't come to the branch with you, you can still start the process alone, but Chase will likely mail them a verification form or contact them by phone to confirm they want to be added. This adds several days to the timeline.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add an authorized user to your checking account. They'll ask for your account number, PIN, and the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Chase will then contact the other person to verify their identity and confirm they want to be added. This verification step usually happens by phone, but Chase may also mail them a form. The whole process typically takes five to ten business days because of this verification step.

Keep in mind that phone representatives can't verify identity as thoroughly as a branch can, so expect more back-and-forth communication and a longer wait.

Adding someone through your online account

Log into your Chase account online and look for the account settings or account management section. The exact location varies depending on whether you're using the website or the mobile app, but it's usually under "Account" or "Settings."

Select the option to add an authorized user or account owner. You'll enter the other person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will then send them a find message or contact them directly to verify the request. Like the phone method, this route takes longer because of the verification step — usually five to ten business days.

What happens after you submit the request

Once you've provided all the information, Chase will verify it and contact the other person to confirm they want to be added. They may ask the other person to visit a branch in person, or they may complete the verification by phone or mail. Chase does this to prevent fraud and to make sure the person actually wants access to the account.

During this waiting period, the other person won't have access to the account yet. Once Chase confirms everything, they'll send both of you a confirmation letter in the mail. The new authorized user can then start using the account — they'll receive a debit card in the mail within a few business days if they don't already have one.

The difference between authorized user and account owner

When you add someone to your account, you're deciding what level of access they get. An authorized user can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, and can use the debit card, but they don't have the legal responsibility for the account. You, as the original account owner, remain responsible for any overdrafts, fees, or problems.

An account owner has full control and shares legal responsibility with you. They can close the account, change the terms, or remove you. Most people add someone as an authorized user rather than a full owner unless they're married or in a long-term partnership where you want equal control.

You can change someone's status later if you want to give them more or less access. Call Chase or visit a branch to make this change.

Removing someone from your account

If you need to remove someone later, you can do it the same way you added them — in person at a branch, by phone, or through your online account. The removal is usually when ready, though it may take a day or two for the change to show up everywhere in Chase's system.

Once someone is removed, their debit card will stop working, and they won't be able to access the account online. If they have checks, those will still have the account number on them, but Chase may flag unusual activity. If you're concerned about fraud or unauthorized use after removing someone, contact Chase right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account if they don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add someone to an account. If the person doesn't have either, they may need to obtain one first. Contact Chase directly to discuss options for your specific situation.

What if the person I'm adding lives in a different state?

You can still add them. They don't need to visit a Chase branch in your state. If they live near a Chase branch, they can go there to verify their identity, which speeds up the process. If not, Chase will verify them by phone or mail, which takes longer.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

No. Adding someone as an authorized user to a checking account doesn't appear on their credit report and won't affect their credit score. Credit reports track borrowing and debt, not checking account access.

Can I add someone without them knowing?

No. Chase requires the person to verify that they want to be added. They'll contact the person directly by phone, mail, or find message to confirm. This is a fraud prevention measure.

How long does it take for the new person to get a debit card?

Once they're added to the account, Chase will mail them a debit card. This usually arrives within five to seven business days. In the meantime, they can access the account online or through the mobile app if they set up login credentials.