You can add another person to your Chase savings account in person at a branch, by phone, or online through Chase's account management tools

Chase lets you add a co-owner or authorized user to an existing savings account. A co-owner has full access to the account and shares legal responsibility for it. An authorized user can withdraw money and make transfers but does not own the account. Which one you choose depends on whether you want the other person to have equal control or limited access.

The person you want to add must be present for in-person changes, or you may need to provide their information and consent through other methods depending on which route you choose. Chase does not allow you to add someone remotely without their involvement in the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a co-owner or authorized user at any Chase branch with both people present, by calling Chase customer service, or through your online account settings if Chase offers that option for your account type.
  • A co-owner has equal access and legal responsibility; an authorized user can withdraw and transfer money but does not own the account.
  • The person being added will need to provide identification and may need to sign documents, especially for co-ownership.
  • Changes take effect when ready at a branch or within one to three business days if done by phone or online.
  • Some Chase account types have restrictions on who can be added or how many people can have access.

Adding someone in person at a Chase branch

This is the fastest and most straightforward method. Go to any Chase branch with the person you want to add. Bring a valid government-issued ID for both of you. Tell the banker you want to add a co-owner or authorized user to your savings account.

The banker will explain the differences between the two roles and ask which one you want. If you are adding a co-owner, both of you will sign documents. If you are adding an authorized user, the process is usually shorter. The change takes effect when ready, and you will receive updated account documents by mail within a few days.

Adding someone by phone

Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your account statement. Have your account number and the other person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The representative will verify your identity and ask security questions.

For a co-owner, Chase may require the other person to be on the call to confirm consent. For an authorized user, you may be able to proceed without them on the line, but Chase will likely mail documents for their signature. The change typically takes one to three business days to process after all signatures are collected.

Adding someone through your online Chase account

Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. Look for account settings or account management options, usually under a menu labeled "Settings," "Profile," or "Account." Some Chase savings accounts allow you to request adding an authorized user directly from this menu.

If the option is available for your account, you will enter the other person's information and submit the request. Chase will send them a notification and may require their signature before the change takes effect. Not all account types or regions support this method, so if you do not see the option, use the branch or phone method instead.

What happens if the other person is not available to sign

If the person you want to add cannot come to a branch or get on the phone, you have limited options. For a co-owner, both people must consent and usually must sign documents, so you cannot proceed without their involvement. For an authorized user, some branches may allow you to start the process and have Chase mail documents to the other person for their signature.

Ask your banker or the phone representative what your specific account allows. If the other person is out of state or unavailable for a while, mailing documents back and forth will add one to two weeks to the timeline. If they are unreachable, you cannot add them until they can participate.

Removing someone from your account later

If you need to remove a co-owner or authorized user in the future, you can do so at a branch, by phone, or sometimes online. For a co-owner, the removal may require both people to consent or may require a court order if the co-owner refuses. For an authorized user, you can usually remove them without their permission.

Go to a branch with your ID, call customer service, or check your online account settings. The change takes effect when ready at a branch or within one to three business days if done by phone or online. After removal, the other person will no longer be able to access the account.

Restrictions and things to know before you add someone

Some Chase savings account types have limits on how many people can have access or who can be added. For example, certain promotional or specialty accounts may not allow co-owners. If you have a minor's savings account, the rules are different—a parent or guardian is usually already on the account.

Adding a co-owner means that person has the same legal rights to the money as you do. They can withdraw all of it without your permission. If you want to limit access, an authorized user is the safer choice. Also, adding someone may affect how the account is taxed or reported, especially if it is a joint account. Ask your banker about tax implications if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone to my Chase savings account without going to a branch?

Yes. You can call Chase customer service or try your online account settings. However, the other person must still provide consent and may need to sign documents, which Chase will mail to them. The process takes longer than in-person but works if a branch visit is not possible.

What is the difference between a co-owner and an authorized user?

A co-owner owns the account equally with you and can withdraw all the money without asking. An authorized user can withdraw and transfer money but does not own the account and cannot close it or change account settings. Choose co-owner if you want equal control; choose authorized user if you want to limit their power.

How long does it take to add someone to my account?

At a branch, it happens when ready. By phone or online, it takes one to three business days after all signatures are collected. If documents need to be mailed, add one to two weeks for mail time.

Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for anyone added to an account. If the person does not have one, they cannot be added. This is a federal requirement for tax reporting.

What if the co-owner wants to remove themselves from the account?

They can go to a Chase branch or call customer service to request removal. Depending on Chase's policy, you may or may not be notified before the removal happens. If you want to prevent this, discuss it with the other person before adding them as a co-owner.