You can add someone to your Chase checking account in three ways: as an authorized user, a joint owner, or through power of attorney
The method you choose determines what that person can do with the account and what happens to it if you die. An authorized user can use a debit card and make transactions, but the account stays in your name alone and they have no legal claim to the money. A joint owner has equal rights to the account, can withdraw all the money, and inherits it automatically if you die. Power of attorney lets someone manage the account on your behalf without owning it, and it ends when you die or revoke it.
Most people choose authorized user for teenagers or trusted family members who need spending access but not ownership. Joint ownership works for spouses or long-term partners. Power of attorney is for situations where you want someone to handle bills or banking while you're alive but unable to do so yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized users can spend from your account but cannot own it, and the account reverts to you alone if they die.
- Joint owners have equal legal rights to all money in the account and inherit it automatically without probate.
- Power of attorney lets someone manage your account temporarily without owning it, and ends when you die or cancel it.
- You can add an authorized user or joint owner online through Chase.com, by phone, or in person at a branch.
- Chase requires the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them to the account.
Adding an authorized user online or by phone
Log into your Chase checking account on Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section—the exact path varies slightly by app version, but it is usually under "Account" or "Settings." Look for an option that says "Add authorized user," "Manage account access," or "Account holders." You will need the person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address.
Chase will verify the information and send a confirmation to both you and the new authorized user. The person does not have to be present, and they do not need their own Chase account. A debit card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you want to add someone faster, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card and ask to add an authorized user. A representative can often complete it in one call, though the card will still take the same time to arrive.
Adding a joint owner in person or by phone
Joint ownership requires more verification than authorized user status, so Chase prefers to do this in a branch or over the phone with both people present. Visit a Chase branch with the other person and bring government-issued photo ID for both of you. Tell the banker you want to add a joint owner to your checking account. They will verify both identities, explain that you will have equal rights to all money in the account, and have both of you sign the paperwork.
If you cannot go to a branch together, call Chase and ask to add a joint owner. The representative will need to verify both people's identities by asking security questions, and both of you will need to be on the call. Some branches allow one person to come in and the other to verify by phone, but this varies by location. Once the change is complete, both names will appear on statements and checks, and both of you can withdraw money or close the account.
What information Chase needs from the other person
Chase requires the same core information whether you are adding an authorized user or a joint owner: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current mailing address. For an authorized user, that is usually all they need. For a joint owner, Chase may also ask for employment information, income, and whether they have other accounts at Chase.
If the person does not have a Social Security number—for example, if they are a non-citizen—ask the Chase representative whether they can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some branches accept it; others do not. Call ahead to confirm before you go in.
The difference between authorized user and joint owner in practice
An authorized user receives a debit card linked to your account and can spend up to whatever limit you set. They cannot see your full account history, cannot change account settings, and cannot add other people to the account. If they die, the account remains yours. If you die, the account does not automatically go to them—it becomes part of your estate and goes through probate or to whoever you named in your will.
A joint owner has full access to everything: they can see all transactions, change the account settings, add or remove other people, and withdraw all the money without asking you. If either of you dies, the surviving joint owner automatically inherits the full balance—it does not go through probate. This is called "right of survivorship." If you want to remove a joint owner later, both of you must agree and sign paperwork at a branch.
The tax and legal consequences differ too. If a joint owner dies and leaves debts, creditors can sometimes claim money in the joint account to pay those debts. If an authorized user dies, your account is unaffected. Talk to a tax professional or estate attorney before making someone a joint owner, especially if either of you has significant assets or debts.
Using power of attorney instead of adding someone to the account
If you want someone to pay your bills or manage your account while you are alive but unable to do so—because of illness, travel, or disability—you can grant them power of attorney without making them an owner. This is a legal document, not something Chase sets up directly. You create it through an attorney or using a legal document service, then bring it to Chase to register.
Power of attorney is temporary: it lasts only as long as you want it to, and it ends automatically when you die. The person holding it has no claim to the money and cannot inherit it. This is useful if you want someone to handle your finances for a few months or years but do not want to give them permanent ownership. Chase will ask to see the original power of attorney document and may require it to be notarized.
What happens if you change your mind
Removing an authorized user is straightforward: log into your account online, go to account settings, and remove them. The debit card stops working when ready, though Chase may take a few days to process the change in the system. You can also call Chase or visit a branch to remove them.
Removing a joint owner is harder. Both of you must go to a Chase branch together, or both must be on a phone call with a representative, to sign paperwork removing them. Chase will not remove a joint owner based on one person's request alone. If you and the joint owner disagree, you may need to close the account and open a new one, which means a new routing number and account number for direct deposits and bill payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to my Chase account without them knowing?
Chase sends a confirmation notice to the person you are adding, so they will know. If you are adding a minor as an authorized user, the confirmation goes to the address on file, which is usually your home address. For an adult, Chase sends it to their address, so they will see it.
What is the age limit for an authorized user?
Chase allows authorized users as young as 13 years old on some accounts, though policies vary. Call Chase or ask at a branch about the minimum age for your specific account type. There is no maximum age.
Can an authorized user see my full account history?
No. Authorized users can see transactions they made and their current balance, but they cannot see your full statement history or change account settings. Joint owners can see everything.
If I add a joint owner, can I still remove them later without their permission?
No. Both of you must agree and sign paperwork at a branch to remove a joint owner. If you cannot agree, your only option is to close the account and open a new one.
Does adding someone to my account affect their credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not affect their credit. Adding a joint owner may trigger a soft credit inquiry by Chase, which does not affect credit scores, but does not create a credit obligation for them either.