The two ways to add someone to your account
Chase lets you add another person to your checking account in two different ways, and which one you choose depends on what you want that person to be able to do. The first way is to make them a joint account holder — they get full access to the account, can withdraw money, write checks, and make changes. The second way is to add them as an authorized user — they can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but cannot close the account or change account settings.
Most people add a spouse, adult child, or trusted family member as a joint holder. You would add someone as an authorized user if you want to give them spending access without giving them control over the account itself — for example, a teenager or an adult child you want to monitor.
Both changes require you to go into a Chase branch in person or call Chase directly. You cannot do this online or through the mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Joint account holders have full access and control; authorized users can spend but cannot change account settings or close the account.
- You must visit a Chase branch or call Chase to add someone — the mobile app and online banking do not offer this option.
- The person you are adding will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security number.
- Adding a joint holder may affect your account's monthly fee, overdraft protection, or interest rate, so ask about changes before you proceed.
- If you are adding someone who is not yet a Chase customer, they may need to open their own account first, depending on the branch.
What you need before you go to the branch
Bring your government-issued photo ID and your debit card or account number. The person you are adding should bring their own government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and their Social Security number.
If the person you are adding does not already have a Chase account, ask your branch whether they need to open one first. Some branches will add them to your account directly; others require them to have their own Chase account set up before they can be linked to yours. A quick phone call to your local branch before you visit can save a trip.
If you are adding a minor (someone under 18), the rules are different — they cannot be a joint holder on a standard checking account. Chase offers accounts specifically for minors, but those work differently. Call Chase or visit your branch to ask about options for a young person.
How to add someone at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with both people present and both IDs. Tell the banker you want to add someone to your checking account and whether you want them as a joint holder or authorized user. The banker will pull up your account, verify both identities, and collect the necessary information from the person being added.
The banker will explain what rights and responsibilities come with each role and will ask you to sign paperwork. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive updated account documents showing both names, and the new person will receive their own debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot both visit the branch at the same time, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask whether they can do this over the phone with both of you on the line. Some branches allow this; others require an in-person visit.
How to add someone by phone
Call the number on the back of your Chase debit card and tell the representative you want to add someone to your account. Have both people ready to speak with the representative and have both IDs available. The representative will verify both identities, explain the difference between joint holders and authorized users, and collect the necessary information.
Phone-based additions usually take 20 to 30 minutes. The representative will send you confirmation by mail, and the new person will receive their debit card in 7 to 10 business days. Ask the representative for a confirmation number before you hang up.
Not all Chase locations handle this the same way over the phone, so if the representative says they cannot do it, ask to be transferred to a branch manager or ask which branch in your area can handle it.
What happens to your account after someone is added
If you add a joint holder, both of you now own the account equally. This means either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings without the other person's permission. If you are concerned about this, talk to the banker before you proceed — some people choose to keep separate accounts instead.
Adding a joint holder may change your monthly maintenance fee. Some Chase accounts charge less for joint accounts; others charge more. Ask the banker what your new fee will be before you sign the paperwork.
If you add an authorized user, they can use a debit card to spend money and withdraw cash, but they cannot change the account, close it, or remove themselves. You remain the account owner and keep full control.
Both the joint holder and the authorized user will show up on your account statements and credit reports (if applicable). If you later want to remove someone, you will need to return to the branch or call Chase again.
Removing someone from your account later
If you need to remove a joint holder or authorized user in the future, visit a Chase branch or call Chase with your ID. You will need to sign paperwork, and the person being removed will be notified by mail. The process takes a few business days.
If the person being removed is a joint holder, they may be able to withdraw money or close the account before the removal is complete, so act quickly if this is a concern. If you are removing someone due to a dispute or safety issue, ask the banker whether you should freeze the account first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my account without them being present?
No. Chase requires both the account owner and the person being added to verify their identity in person or both be on the phone together. You cannot add someone without their knowledge or participation.
What is the difference between a joint account and an authorized user?
A joint account holder owns the account equally with you and can do anything you can do, including closing it. An authorized user can spend money and withdraw cash but cannot change settings or close the account. You stay in control as the owner.
Will adding someone to my account affect my credit?
Adding a joint holder may appear on both credit reports if the account reports to the credit bureaus. Adding an authorized user typically does not affect credit unless the account goes into overdraft or default. Ask your banker what will be reported.
How long does it take for the new person to get their debit card?
Chase usually mails the debit card within 7 to 10 business days. The new person can ask for a temporary card at the branch if they need to spend money right away, though not all branches offer this.
Can I add someone to my account if they do not 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 does not have one, they will need to obtain one before you can proceed. Ask your branch for guidance on this process.