What adding someone to your account actually means
When you add someone to your Chase account, you are creating a joint owner or authorized user. The difference matters: a joint owner has full access to the account, can withdraw money, close the account, and change settings. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but cannot close the account or change ownership. Chase calls authorized users "cardholders" in most of their materials.
Both options put the other person's name on the account in Chase's system. Both require you to be present at a branch or to complete the process online or by phone with verification. Neither option is reversible when ready — removing someone takes a few business days, and Chase may require both parties to agree depending on how the account was set up.
The person you are adding must be at least 18 years old. If you want to add a minor, you would instead open a Chase First Banking account, which is a separate product designed for that purpose.
Key Takeaways
- A joint owner has full account control; an authorized user can spend money but cannot close the account or change settings.
- You can add someone online through Chase.com, by phone at the number on your card, or in person at a branch.
- The person you are adding will need to verify their identity, usually with a government ID and Social Security number.
- Chase will issue a debit card to the new person within 7 to 10 business days if you choose to do so.
- Removing someone from the account takes a few business days and may require both parties to consent if they are a joint owner.
Adding someone online through Chase.com
Log into your Chase account on a computer or the Chase Mobile app. Go to Settings, then Account Settings, then look for an option labeled "Add authorized user" or "Manage account access" — the exact wording varies by account type. You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Chase will ask whether you want to issue a debit card to this person. If you say yes, the card will be mailed to the address on file for your account. If you say no, they will have access through the mobile app and online banking, but no physical card. You can change this later.
Once you submit the request, Chase sends a verification email or text to the person you are adding. They must confirm their identity and agree to the terms. This step usually takes a few hours to a day. After they confirm, the change takes effect when ready in the system, though a physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
Adding someone by phone or at a branch
Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card and tell the representative you want to add an authorized user or joint owner. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: whether to issue a card, what name to use, and what address to send it to.
If you go to a Chase branch in person, bring your ID and the ID of the person you are adding. A banker will verify both identities and complete the paperwork. This is the fastest way to add someone if you want a debit card issued the same day, though the card itself still takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Phone and branch additions follow the same timeline as online: the account change is when ready, but a physical card takes about a week and a half.
What happens after someone is added
The new person can log into Chase.com or the mobile app using their own username and password within a few hours of confirmation. They will see the account balance, transaction history, and can make transfers or payments right away. If you did not order a debit card, they can still use the account through the app to send money or pay bills.
When the debit card arrives, they can use it at ATMs and stores. The card will have their name printed on it. All transactions appear in both of your accounts — there is no separate view. If you set up alerts on the account, you both receive them.
If you are making someone a joint owner rather than an authorized user, Chase may require both of you to sign paperwork in person or electronically. Joint ownership is less common for everyday accounts and is usually chosen when two people want equal legal control — for example, spouses or business partners.
Removing someone from the account
Log into Chase.com, go to Settings, then Account Settings, and look for "Manage authorized users" or similar. Select the person you want to remove and choose the remove option. Chase will ask you to confirm.
If the person is an authorized user, the removal is usually final within one business day. Their access to the account ends, and their debit card stops working. If the person is a joint owner, Chase may require written consent from both parties or may ask you to visit a branch.
The person being removed will receive a notification from Chase. If they have a debit card, it will no longer work at ATMs or stores after the removal is processed. Any pending transactions they started before removal may still go through.
Fees and account requirements
Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user or joint owner to a checking or savings account. There is no monthly cost for having multiple people on the account.
Some Chase account types have monthly maintenance fees, but adding a person does not change whether you pay them. For example, a Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee regardless of how many people are on it. A Chase Sapphire Checking account has a $12 monthly fee, which applies whether one person or five people are on the account.
If you want to add someone to a credit card account instead of a checking account, that is a different process — Chase calls it adding an "authorized user" to the card, and it works through the credit card settings rather than the bank account settings.
What to know before adding someone
Once someone is added to your account, they can see the full balance and all transaction history. They can withdraw all the money if they choose to. If the account is overdrawn, both of you are responsible for the negative balance. If you have automatic payments set up, the new person can see where the money goes each month.
Adding someone does not affect your credit score. It also does not automatically add them to any credit cards you have — those are separate accounts. If you want them to have access to a credit card, you would add them as an authorized user on that card through a different process.
If you are adding someone temporarily — for example, to help manage bills during a medical situation — remember that removing them takes a few business days. Plan ahead if you have a specific date in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone without them being present?
Yes. You can add them online or by phone without them in the room. Chase will send them a verification email or text, and they must confirm their identity and agree to the terms. You do not need their permission in advance, but they will be notified and can see the account when ready after they confirm.
What if the person I want to add does not have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to add someone to an account. If the person does not have either, you cannot add them through the standard process. You would need to speak with a banker at a branch about alternative options, though they are limited.
Can I add someone to a joint account I already share with someone else?
Yes. You can add a third person to an account that already has two owners. All three will have equal access and responsibility. If you want to remove one person later, the other owners may need to consent depending on how the account was originally set up.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit?
No. Adding someone as an authorized user or joint owner on a checking or savings account does not appear on their credit report and does not affect their credit score. Credit reports only track credit products like credit cards and loans.
How long does it take for a debit card to arrive after I add someone?
Chase typically mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. The card is mailed to the address on file for your account. If you need the card faster, you can visit a branch and ask whether they can issue a temporary card or expedite the order, though this varies by location.