Do you want to grant someone limited access to your credit card, or full ownership of a checking/savings account? The process and implications are quite different!
Adding someone to your Chase Bank account can mean one of two things, each with distinct levels of access and responsibility:
Adding an Authorized User (typically for Credit Cards): This grants someone the ability to make purchases using your credit card account, but they are not financially responsible for the debt incurred. You, as the primary cardholder, remain solely liable for all charges. This is often used for family members or trusted individuals to make purchases on your behalf.
Adding a Joint Owner (for Checking or Savings Accounts): This makes another person an equal owner of the bank account. Both you and the new joint owner will have full access to the funds, can make deposits and withdrawals, write checks, and are mutually responsible for the account. This is common for spouses, partners, or family members who share financial responsibilities.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for both scenarios, helping you decide which option is right for you and how to execute it properly with Chase Bank.
Understanding the Differences: Authorized User vs. Joint Owner
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's ensure you understand the key distinctions. Choosing the wrong option can have significant financial and legal consequences.
Authorized User (Credit Cards)
Access: Can make purchases on the credit card.
Financial Responsibility: None. The primary cardholder is 100% responsible for all debt.
Credit Impact: The authorized user's credit report may reflect the account activity, which can help build their credit history if payments are made on time. However, if the primary cardholder misses payments, it could negatively impact the authorized user's credit.
Control: The primary cardholder can add or remove authorized users easily.
Rewards: Purchases made by an authorized user typically earn rewards for the primary cardholder.
Joint Owner (Checking/Savings Accounts)
Access: Full and equal access to the account. Can deposit, withdraw, write checks, and manage funds.
Financial Responsibility: Both owners are equally responsible for the account, including any overdrafts or fees.
Credit Impact: Generally not applicable in the same way as credit cards, but issues like overdrafts could reflect on both owners.
Control: Both owners typically need to agree to major changes or to close the account. Removing a joint owner can be more complex than removing an authorized user.
Liability: In the event of a debt or legal issue, assets in a joint account may be accessible to creditors of either owner.
Adding a Person to Your Chase Bank Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's break down the process based on whether you're adding an authorized user to a credit card or a joint owner to a checking/savings account.
Scenario 1: Adding an Authorized User to Your Chase Credit Card
This is generally the simpler process and can often be completed online or over the phone.
Step 1: Decide If This Is the Right Fit for You
Before proceeding, ask yourself:
Do I trust this person completely with access to my credit? Remember, you are financially responsible for all their spending.
What are my goals for adding them? Is it for convenience, or to help them build credit?
Have I discussed spending limits and expectations with them? Clear communication is key to avoid issues.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information for the Authorized User
You'll need basic personal details for the person you're adding. Typically, this includes:
Full Name: As it appears on their government ID.
Date of Birth: To verify their age (usually a minimum age requirement, often 16 or 18).
Social Security Number (SSN): While not always strictly required to add an authorized user, providing it allows Chase to report their activity to credit bureaus, which is crucial if your goal is to help them build credit.
Address: Their current mailing address.
Step 3: Choose Your Method: Online or Phone
Chase offers convenient ways to add an authorized user.
Sub-heading: Online Method (Recommended for Speed and Convenience)
Log In to Your Chase Online Account: Go to the Chase website (chase.com) and log in with your username and password.
Navigate to Account Management: Look for a section related to "Account Management," "Customer Service," or "Access & Security Manager." The exact wording may vary slightly.
Tip: Sometimes, you'll find a direct link on your credit card account summary page.
Find "Add Authorized User": Within the account management section, locate the option to "Add an authorized user," "Add a user," or similar.
Enter Authorized User's Information: Follow the prompts to input the full name, date of birth, SSN (if applicable and desired), and address of the person you're adding.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the information for accuracy. Read any terms and conditions related to adding an authorized user.
Submit Request: Confirm the addition. Chase will usually send a confirmation email.
Sub-heading: Phone Method (For Assistance or if Online is Unavailable)
Locate Your Credit Card Customer Service Number: This number is typically found on the back of your credit card or on your monthly statement.
Call Chase Customer Service: Be prepared to verify your identity as the primary cardholder.
Request to Add an Authorized User: Inform the representative that you wish to add an authorized user to your credit card account.
Provide Information: The representative will ask for the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and potentially their SSN and address.
Confirm Details: Listen carefully as the representative confirms the information.
Await Confirmation: They will typically confirm the addition over the phone and inform you if a new card will be mailed to the authorized user.
Step 4: What Happens Next?
New Card Issuance: Chase will usually mail a new credit card with the authorized user's name on it to your billing address or directly to the authorized user's address (depending on your preference and Chase's policy).
Credit Reporting: If you provided the SSN, Chase will begin reporting the account activity to credit bureaus under the authorized user's name. This can take 1-2 billing cycles to appear on their credit report.
Discussion with Authorized User: Make sure to communicate the card's terms, any spending limits you've agreed upon, and how they should use the card responsibly.
Scenario 2: Adding a Joint Owner to Your Chase Checking or Savings Account
Adding a joint owner is a more significant step as it grants equal ownership and responsibility. This process cannot typically be done entirely online due to legal and verification requirements. You will almost certainly need to visit a Chase branch.
Step 1: Thoroughly Consider the Implications
This is a crucial step. Adding a joint owner means:
The new owner has full access to all funds.
Both parties are legally responsible for all account activities, including overdrafts.
In case of death, the surviving joint owner typically gets full control of the funds, bypassing probate.
If one owner has legal or debt issues, the funds in the joint account could be at risk.
Have a frank and open discussion with the person you intend to add. Ensure both of you understand the full scope of responsibilities and potential ramifications.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents for Both You and the New Joint Owner
Both the existing account holder and the prospective new joint owner will need to provide identification and other documents.
Sub-heading: Documents for Both Individuals
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID:
Driver's License
State ID
Passport
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is mandatory for tax reporting purposes.
Proof of Address: (Though often verified through ID, sometimes an additional document is needed, especially if the address on the ID is not current.)
Utility bill (electric, water, gas)
Lease agreement or mortgage statement
Other official mail showing name and address
Step 3: Visit a Chase Branch Together
This is the most common and often only way to add a joint owner to an existing checking or savings account.
Schedule an Appointment (Recommended): While not always mandatory, scheduling an appointment with a Chase banker can save you time and ensure a specialist is available to assist you.
Both Account Holders Must Be Present: It is essential that both you (the current primary account holder) and the person you wish to add as a joint owner are present at the branch. This is for identity verification and to ensure both parties understand and agree to the terms.
Inform the Banker of Your Intent: Clearly state that you wish to add a joint owner to your existing checking or savings account.
Complete Necessary Forms: The banker will provide you with the required forms. These will include:
Joint Account Agreement: This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of all joint account holders. Read it carefully.
Signature Cards: Both you and the new joint owner will need to provide your signatures.
New Account Information Forms (if applicable): Depending on the type of account or if specific information needs updating.
Provide Required Documentation: Hand over your valid IDs, SSNs, and any other requested proof of address. The banker will make copies for their records.
Review and Sign: Ensure you understand all the terms and conditions before signing the documents. Don't hesitate to ask the banker any questions you have.
Confirmation: Once all paperwork is completed and processed, the new joint owner will be officially added to the account. You may receive updated account statements or debit cards if applicable.
Important Considerations for Both Scenarios:
Communication is Key: Always have open and honest discussions with the person you're adding about financial expectations, responsibilities, and how the account will be used.
Legal Implications: Understand that adding someone to your bank account, especially as a joint owner, has significant legal ramifications. If you have any doubts, consider consulting with a legal professional.
Credit Impact (Authorized Users): While adding an authorized user can help build credit, a primary cardholder's poor payment history can negatively affect the authorized user's credit score.
Fees: While adding an authorized user to most Chase credit cards is free, some premium cards (like Chase Sapphire Reserve) may have an annual fee for additional authorized users. There are typically no fees to add a joint owner to a checking or savings account, but standard account maintenance fees will still apply.
Account Closure: If it's a joint account, typically both owners need to consent to close it. If you wish to remove an authorized user, you, as the primary cardholder, can usually do so unilaterally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check if someone is already an authorized user on my Chase credit card?
You can usually check this by logging into your Chase online account, navigating to your credit card details, and looking for "Account Management" or "Authorized Users." Alternatively, you can call Chase customer service.
How to remove an authorized user from my Chase credit card?
Log in to your Chase online account, go to the "Access & Security Manager" or "Account Management" section for your credit card, and you should find an option to "Manage Users" or "Remove Authorized User." You can also call Chase customer service to request removal.
How to add a person to my Chase checking account online?
You generally cannot add a joint owner to a Chase checking or savings account entirely online. Both individuals typically need to visit a Chase branch together to complete the necessary paperwork and identity verification.
How to add a person to my Chase savings account in branch?
Both you and the person you want to add must visit a Chase branch together. Bring valid government-issued photo IDs and their Social Security Number/ITIN. A banker will guide you through completing the joint account agreement and signature cards.
How to differentiate between an authorized user and a joint account holder?
An authorized user can make purchases on your credit card but has no financial responsibility. A joint account holder has equal ownership and financial responsibility for a checking or savings account, including full access to funds.
How to ensure the authorized user's credit is positively impacted?
To ensure a positive impact, consistently make on-time payments and keep your credit utilization low on the primary credit card account. Chase typically reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus, but the primary account's health is crucial.
How to get a new debit card for a new joint owner on my Chase account?
Once the joint owner is successfully added at a Chase branch, a new debit card with their name on it will typically be ordered and mailed to them within 5-7 business days. You can also inquire about instant card issuance at the branch if available.
How to understand the tax implications of a joint account?
For joint checking/savings accounts, income earned (like interest) may be reportable to the IRS under the Social Security Number of the primary account holder or split between both, depending on how the account is structured for tax purposes. Consult a tax advisor for specific advice.
How to find out what documents are needed to add someone to a Chase account?
For credit card authorized users, typically full name, DOB, and SSN are needed. For joint checking/savings accounts, both parties need valid government-issued photo ID, SSN/ITIN, and sometimes proof of address. It's always best to call Chase or check their website for the most current requirements.
How to change my individual Chase account to a joint account?
You cannot simply "change" an individual account to a joint account online. You and the person you wish to add must visit a Chase branch together, bringing all required identification and information, to convert or open a new joint account from your existing one.