What you need to do to add an authorized user or joint owner

Chase lets you add someone to your checking account in two different ways, and which one you choose matters. You can make them an authorized user — they get a debit card and can spend from the account, but you stay the legal owner. Or you can make them a joint owner — they have equal legal rights to the account and can close it, change settings, or remove you. Most people adding a spouse or adult child choose joint ownership. Most people adding a teenager choose authorized user.

Both changes happen through your Chase account online or at a branch. Neither requires the other person to be present, though Chase will mail them a debit card and may ask them to verify their identity by phone or in person before the card arrives. The whole process usually takes a few business days to a week.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorized users can spend from the account but cannot close it or change account settings; joint owners have full legal control.
  • You can add someone online through Chase's website or mobile app, or in person at any Chase branch.
  • Chase will mail a debit card to the new person and may ask them to verify their identity before the card is active.
  • If you are adding a minor, Chase has separate rules and may require the parent or guardian to be present or to sign documents.
  • You can remove an authorized user or joint owner anytime, but removing a joint owner may require their consent or a trip to the branch.

Adding someone online through Chase.com or the mobile app

Log into your Chase account and go to the account details or settings section — the exact location varies slightly between the website and app, but look for "Account Settings," "Manage Account," or "Account Services." You should see an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. Click it and enter the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will run a soft credit check and verify their identity.

After you submit the information, Chase will send a confirmation to the email or phone number on file for that person. They may be asked to verify their identity through a code sent by text or email, or through a phone call from Chase. Once verified, Chase will mail a debit card to their address. The card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days, and the person can use the account online or through the app before the physical card shows up.

If Chase cannot verify the person's identity online — for example, if they have no credit history or recently moved — you may need to go to a branch in person instead. A Chase representative can help complete the process there.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

Bring your ID and the other person's ID to any Chase branch. Tell the representative whether you want to add an authorized user or a joint owner. They will ask for the same information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. The representative will run the identity check and may ask the other person to sign documents on the spot.

If you are adding a joint owner, some branches may ask both of you to sign the paperwork together. If you are adding an authorized user, you may be able to do it without them present, though Chase may still contact them to verify their identity before the card is mailed. Ask the representative what documents to bring if you want to add someone who is not with you.

Processing at the branch is usually faster than online — the card may be ordered the same day, and you may be able to get a temporary card number to use when ready while the physical card is in the mail.

What happens if you are adding a minor

Chase does not let minors be joint owners of a checking account. You can add a minor as an authorized user, but the account must be owned by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian will need to be present at the branch or verify their identity online before Chase will issue a debit card to the minor.

Some Chase branches offer teen checking accounts with built-in spending limits and parental controls. These are separate products from adding a minor to your existing account. If you want those features, ask a representative whether a teen account makes sense for your situation.

Removing an authorized user or joint owner

You can remove an authorized user anytime through your Chase account online or by calling Chase customer service. Go to account settings, find the authorized user's name, and select the option to remove them. Their debit card will stop working when ready, though they may still see the account online if they have login credentials — you can change your password to lock them out.

Removing a joint owner is more complicated. Legally, a joint owner has equal rights to the account, so Chase may require both of you to agree to the removal. Some branches will let you remove a joint owner if you go in person and show ID, but others will ask for written consent from the joint owner or may require both of you to be present. Call Chase before you go to the branch to find out what your branch requires.

What the other person needs to know before you add them

If you are adding someone as a joint owner, they should understand that they will have full legal access to the account. They can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the settings without your permission. They are also legally responsible for any overdrafts or fees. If you are adding them as an authorized user, they can spend money but cannot change account settings or remove themselves.

Chase will report the account to credit bureaus in both names if it is a joint account. This means the account history — including any late payments or overdrafts — will show up on both credit reports. If you are adding an authorized user, the account may or may not be reported to their credit report depending on Chase's current policy; ask a representative to confirm.

The other person should also know that Chase may contact them to verify their identity before the card is mailed, and they should be ready to answer security questions or provide documents if asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them knowing?

Chase will contact the person to verify their identity before the card is mailed, so they will find out. You cannot complete the process without their knowledge or consent. If you are trying to add a minor, the parent or guardian must be involved.

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 one, you may need to speak with a branch representative about other options, though they are limited.

Can I add someone who lives in another state or country?

Yes. Chase will mail the debit card to their address, wherever it is. They can verify their identity online or by phone. If you are adding someone outside the United States, call Chase to confirm they can process the request, as some international addresses may have restrictions.

If I add someone as a joint owner, can they remove me from the account?

Yes. A joint owner has equal legal rights, so they can remove you, close the account, or change settings without your permission. Only add someone as a joint owner if you trust them completely with full access to your money.

How long does it take for the debit card to arrive?

Chase usually mails the card within 1 to 3 business days after the person's identity is verified. The card itself takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. The person can use the account online or through the app before the physical card shows up.