Chime does not offer joint checking accounts
Chime does not let you open a joint account where two people share ownership and both can access the same funds. Each Chime checking account is tied to one person's Social Security number and one person's identity verification. If you need a second person to have access to money, Chime offers a different option: an authorized user, which lets someone else use a debit card linked to your account without giving them ownership or full control.
This matters because joint accounts and authorized user accounts work differently. With a joint account, both owners typically have equal rights to withdraw, transfer, or close the account. With an authorized user on a Chime account, you remain the sole owner and can set limits or remove access at any time. The authorized user gets a debit card but cannot change account settings, add other users, or close the account.
Key Takeaways
- Chime accounts are individual accounts only; you cannot open a joint checking account with another person as co-owner.
- You can add an authorized user to your Chime account, giving them a debit card to spend from your balance while you keep full control.
- An authorized user cannot change account settings, transfer money between accounts, or remove themselves—only the account owner can do those things.
- If you need true joint ownership, you will need to use a different bank that offers joint accounts.
How authorized users work on a Chime account
When you add an authorized user to your Chime checking account, Chime issues them a debit card with their name on it. That card draws from your account balance, not a separate account. The authorized user can make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, and check the balance, but they cannot initiate transfers, change the account password, or see transaction history beyond their own card activity.
You can set spending limits on the authorized user's card through the Chime app. For example, you might allow $500 per day in purchases or $100 per ATM withdrawal. You can also turn the card on or off when ready if you need to stop access without removing the person entirely. These controls make authorized user accounts useful for parents managing money for teenagers, or for one spouse managing household spending while keeping the account in one name.
Chime does not charge a fee to add an authorized user, and there is no monthly cost for the service. The authorized user does not need their own Chime account or their own Social Security number on file.
When you actually need a joint account
A true joint account makes sense when two people need equal control—for example, spouses managing household bills together, or business partners pooling operating funds. With a joint account, either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change settings without the other person's permission. Both owners see all transactions and both are responsible for overdrafts.
If you and another person need that level of shared control, Chime is not the right choice. Banks that do offer joint checking accounts include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional and local banks. When you open a joint account at those banks, both people typically need to be present (in person or online) and provide identification and Social Security numbers. The account is held in both names and either person can access it fully.
The tradeoff is that joint accounts also mean joint liability. If one person overdraws the account, both are responsible for the overdraft fee. If one person makes a large withdrawal, the other person cannot reverse it. Some couples use a joint account for shared expenses and separate individual accounts for personal spending, which gives them both the shared control they need and some financial independence.
Adding an authorized user to your Chime account
To add an authorized user, open the Chime app and go to the account settings or card management section. You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Chime will verify their identity through a soft credit check (which does not affect their credit score) and then issue a debit card to their address.
The process usually takes a few business days. Once the card arrives, the authorized user can set up it in the Chime app and start using it when ready. You can set spending limits before or after the card arrives. If you want to remove the authorized user later, you can deactivate their card and remove them from the account at any time through the app—no notice required.
Removing an authorized user or closing the account
You can remove an authorized user whenever you want by deactivating their card in the Chime app. Once removed, their card stops working when ready. They will no longer see the account in their Chime app, and you will no longer see their card activity in your transaction history.
If you close your Chime checking account, any authorized user cards become inactive automatically. Chime will not transfer the account to the authorized user or give them ownership—the account straightforward closes. If the authorized user needs to keep banking with Chime after that, they would need to open their own individual account.
Alternatives if you need shared account access
Beyond authorized users, you have a few other options depending on your situation. Some banks let you set up a power of attorney arrangement, where one person can manage the account on behalf of another (useful for aging parents or someone managing finances for a disabled family member). This is different from joint ownership and requires legal documentation.
You can also straightforward transfer money to someone else's account when they need it, though this requires manual transfers each time. Some couples use a shared savings goal or savings pod feature (offered by some banks) where both people can contribute and see the balance, but this is not the same as a checking account.
If you are looking for a bank that offers true joint checking accounts, start with your current bank or a large national bank. Most will let you open a joint account online or in a branch with both people present. The process is straightforward and usually takes one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give someone access to my Chime account without making them an authorized user?
No. The only way to give someone else access to spend from your Chime account is to add them as an authorized user. You cannot share your login credentials or give someone a card any other way. If someone has your password, they can change it and lock you out, so do not share it.
Can an authorized user see all my transactions?
No. An authorized user can only see transactions made with their own debit card. They cannot see transfers you made, checks you wrote, or purchases you made with your card. This is one of the main differences between an authorized user and a true joint account owner.
What happens if an authorized user spends more than the limit I set?
Chime will decline the transaction if it exceeds the daily or monthly limit you set. The authorized user will not be able to complete the purchase. You can adjust limits at any time through the app.
Can I add more than one authorized user to my Chime account?
Chime's policy on multiple authorized users can change, so check the current Chime app or contact Chime support for the most up-to-date information. In the past, Chime has allowed multiple authorized users on a single account, but the number may be limited.
If I add someone as an authorized user, does it affect their credit score?
Adding an authorized user involves a soft credit check, which does not affect their credit score. A soft check is an inquiry that does not show up on their credit report. Hard inquiries (the kind that can lower your score) only happen when someone applies for new credit themselves.