You can add another person to your Chase savings account in two ways: as an authorized user or as a joint account holder

The simplest route is to call Chase at the number on the back of your card and ask to add an authorized user. Chase will ask for the person's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The new authorized user gets their own debit card and can withdraw money, but they do not own the account — you remain the sole owner and are responsible for all activity.

If you want the other person to have equal ownership of the account, you will need to convert it to a joint account or open a new joint savings account together. This requires both of you to visit a Chase branch in person with government-issued photo ID. A joint account means both people own the money equally, both can withdraw it, and both are responsible for overdrafts or fees.

The choice between these two matters because it affects who can close the account, who inherits the money if one person dies, and what happens if your relationship changes. Read the sections below to understand which option fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • An authorized user can use a debit card and withdraw money, but you remain the sole owner and are legally responsible for the account.
  • A joint account holder owns the account equally with you, can withdraw all the money, and shares responsibility for fees and overdrafts.
  • Adding an authorized user happens over the phone; converting to a joint account or opening a new joint account requires both people to visit a Chase branch with photo ID.
  • If you die, money in a joint account goes to the other owner automatically, but money in an account with only an authorized user goes through your estate.

Adding an authorized user over the phone

Call the Chase customer service number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to add an authorized user to your savings account. Have the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions, then process the request.

The authorized user will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. They can use it to withdraw cash at any ATM or make purchases at stores. They cannot change account settings, close the account, or see the account online unless you give them separate online access — that is a different step you do through your Chase account.

You can remove an authorized user at any time by calling Chase again. The old card stops working when ready, though the person can still withdraw cash if they know your PIN.

Converting your account to a joint account

If your current savings account is in your name alone and you want to make it joint, both of you must visit a Chase branch together. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the other person's photo ID. Tell the banker you want to add the other person as a joint owner.

Chase will close your current account and open a new joint savings account with both names on it. Your money transfers to the new account, so there is no gap in your balance. You will receive new debit cards for the joint account. This process takes about 15 minutes in the branch.

Once the account is joint, either person can withdraw all the money without permission from the other. If one person dies, the surviving owner automatically owns all the money — it does not go through probate or your will. Both people are equally responsible for overdraft fees and any account issues.

Opening a new joint savings account together

If you prefer to start fresh rather than convert an existing account, you and the other person can open a new joint Chase savings account together. Both of you visit a Chase branch with photo ID. The banker will ask for both Social Security numbers and will verify your identities.

You can decide how much each person deposits to start. The account works the same way as a converted joint account — both owners have equal access and equal responsibility. Your old individual account remains open unless you close it separately.

This route takes longer because you have two accounts to manage during the transition, but it can be cleaner if you want to keep some money separate. You can keep your individual account for personal expenses and use the joint account for shared costs.

What happens to the account if your relationship changes

If you added someone as an authorized user, you can remove them by calling Chase. The card stops working, and they lose access. You keep the account and all the money.

If the account is joint, both people have equal legal claim to the money. If you want to remove the other person or close the account, you both have to agree. If you do not agree, you may need a lawyer or a court order. If one person dies, the surviving owner keeps all the money automatically — the other person's family cannot claim any of it, even if they think they should inherit.

Before you make an account joint, think about whether you trust the other person completely with all the money in it. Joint accounts are meant for people in long-term relationships or family members who share finances.

Authorized user versus joint account: which is right for you

Choose an authorized user if you want to give someone spending access without giving them ownership. This works well for a teenager you want to teach about money, an adult child you want to help with bills, or a caregiver who needs to make purchases on your behalf. You stay in control, and you can remove them anytime.

Choose a joint account if you are married, in a long-term partnership, or managing family money together. Both people should want equal access and equal responsibility. Joint accounts are also useful if you want the other person to inherit the money automatically if you die, without it going through probate.

If you are unsure, start with an authorized user. You can always convert to a joint account later if you both decide that is what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my account without them being present?

You can add an authorized user over the phone without them present. But if you want to convert to a joint account or open a new joint account, both people must visit a Chase branch in person with photo ID. Chase requires both signatures for joint accounts.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding an authorized user does not show up on their credit report. If you convert to a joint account, it may appear on both credit reports depending on how Chase reports it, but this varies. Ask Chase directly if you are concerned about credit impact.

What if I want to add someone but they do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to add an authorized user or open a joint account. If the person does not have either, you will need to explore other options with Chase directly, as policies vary by situation.

Can an authorized user see my account online or on the Chase app?

Not automatically. When you add an authorized user, they get a debit card but no online access. You can give them access separately through your Chase account settings if you want them to see the balance and transactions, but this is optional.

What if I want to remove someone from a joint account?

Both people must agree to remove someone from a joint account. You will need to visit a Chase branch together or contact Chase to discuss your options. If the other person will not agree, you may need legal help to separate the account.