You can add someone to your Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch

Chase lets you add another person to an existing checking account in three ways: through your online banking portal, by calling Chase customer service, or by visiting a branch in person. The person you add becomes an authorized user or joint account holder, depending on what permissions you choose. The process takes a few minutes if you do it online, or longer if you go through a branch because they verify identity in person.

Before you start, have the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Chase will run a background check on anyone you add to the account. If the person is not yet a Chase customer, they may need to provide a government-issued ID at a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add someone online through Chase's website, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or at any Chase branch during business hours.
  • The person you add will need their Social Security number, date of birth, and current address; Chase will run a background check.
  • An authorized user can use the account but cannot close it or change account settings, while a joint owner has full control.
  • The process takes minutes online but may take longer at a branch if the person is not yet a Chase customer.
  • Both you and the person you add are responsible for any overdrafts or negative balances on the account.

Adding someone online through Chase.com

Log into your Chase account at chase.com and go to the account settings or account details page. Look for an option labeled "Manage Users," "Add Authorized User," or "Account Access." Click that option and enter the person's full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address exactly as they appear on their government ID.

Chase will ask you to choose what level of access to give them. If you select "Authorized User," they can withdraw money and make deposits but cannot close the account, change the account name, or alter settings. If you select "Joint Owner," they have the same rights as you do, including the ability to close the account or remove you. Choose based on how much control you want them to have.

After you submit the information, Chase will send a confirmation email to both you and the person you added. They will also receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The account is active when ready, so they can start using it online or at an ATM before the card arrives if they have the account number and routing number.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to add a user to your checking account. Have the person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then walk you through the process of choosing what access level to give the new user.

The phone process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Chase will mail a debit card to the address you provide for the new user, and they can use the account online or at an ATM while they wait for it to arrive. You will receive a confirmation email, and so will the person you added.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with your ID and bring the other person with you if possible. Tell a banker you want to add them to your account. If the person is not yet a Chase customer, they will need to bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Chase will verify both of your identities and run a background check on the new user.

The in-person process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. A debit card will be ordered for the new user and mailed to the address on file. If the person is already a Chase customer, the process may be faster because Chase already has their information on file.

What happens after you add someone

Once the person is added, they have when ready access to the account online and through the Chase mobile app. They can check the balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit. A physical debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Both you and the person you added are equally responsible for the account. If the account goes negative, both of you are liable for overdraft fees. If either of you writes a bad check or causes fraud, both of you could face legal consequences. Chase reports the account activity to the credit bureaus in both names if one of you is a joint owner.

If you want to remove someone later, you can do so online, by phone, or at a branch. The process is similar to adding them. Chase will deactivate their debit card and remove their access to the account.

Authorized user versus joint owner: what the difference means

An authorized user can use the debit card, withdraw cash, make deposits, and move money around, but cannot close the account, change the account name, add or remove other users, or alter account settings. They are still liable for overdrafts and negative balances. This option is useful if you want to give someone access without giving them full control.

A joint owner has the same rights as you do. They can close the account, change the account name, add or remove other users, set up bill pay, and change account settings. Both of you are equally responsible for everything that happens in the account. This option is common for spouses, partners, or family members who manage finances together.

Chase reports account activity to credit bureaus in the names of all joint owners, so adding someone as a joint owner affects their credit report. Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit report.

What to do if Chase denies the addition

Chase may decline to add someone if they fail the background check, have a history of fraud or identity theft, or have unpaid debts with Chase. If this happens, Chase will send you a notice explaining the reason. You can call 1-800-935-9935 to ask for more details or to dispute the decision if you believe it was made in error.

If the person has a legitimate reason for the denial—such as a case of mistaken identity or an old debt that has been paid—they may be able to resolve it by contacting Chase directly or by providing documentation. This process can take several weeks.

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 does not have either, they will need to obtain one before you can add them. Non-citizens can explore for an ITIN through the IRS.

Will adding someone to my account affect their credit score?

Adding someone as an authorized user does not affect their credit. Adding them as a joint owner may affect their credit because Chase reports the account to credit bureaus in both names, and any negative activity (like overdrafts or missed payments) will show on their credit report.

Can I add someone who lives in a different state?

Yes. You can add someone who lives anywhere in the United States. You will need their current address, and they can complete the process online or by phone. If they prefer to do it in person, they can visit any Chase branch in their state.

What if the person I want to add is a minor?

Chase does not allow minors to be joint owners or authorized users on a standard checking account. You can open a Chase student checking account or a teen checking account for a minor, which has different rules and restrictions. Contact a Chase branch for details on accounts designed for young people.

How long does it take for the new user to receive their debit card?

Chase typically mails a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. The new user can access the account online and at ATMs when ready, even before the card arrives. If you need the card faster, ask at a Chase branch whether they can issue a temporary card on the spot.