What adding an authorized user means and why you might do it
When you add an authorized user to your Chase credit card, you give another person permission to use your card and make charges against your account. That person gets their own physical card with their name on it, but the bill comes to you. You remain responsible for all charges, whether you made them or the authorized user did.
People add authorized users for different reasons. A parent might add a teenager to teach them how credit cards work. A spouse might be added to a joint household account. A business owner might add an employee who needs to make company purchases. The key thing to understand upfront: you are legally liable for every dollar spent, so only add someone you trust completely.
Chase also reports the authorized user's activity to the credit bureaus under that person's name. This can help someone build credit history if they have little or none — but it also means their credit score will be affected by how the card is used, including late payments or high balances.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user through Chase's website, mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
- Chase will ask for the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and relationship to you, but does not require a Social Security number.
- The authorized user's activity appears on your monthly statement and counts toward your credit utilization, so high spending affects your credit score.
- You can set spending limits on the authorized user's card through Chase's app or website, and you can remove them at any time.
Adding an authorized user through Chase's website or app
The fastest way to add an authorized user is through Chase's online portal or mobile app. Log in to your account, find the card you want to add someone to, and look for a menu option labeled "Manage Card" or "Card Services." The exact wording varies slightly depending on which Chase product you have — a personal card, business card, or premium rewards card — but the process is similar across all of them.
Click on "Add Authorized User" or a similar option. Chase will ask you to enter the authorized user's full name exactly as it should appear on their card, their date of birth, and your relationship to them (spouse, family member, employee, etc.). You do not need their Social Security number to add them. Once you submit this information, Chase will mail a new card to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
While you wait for the physical card to arrive, the authorized user can often begin making purchases online or over the phone using the card number from your account. Check your confirmation email or account dashboard to see if Chase has provided the card number early.
Adding an authorized user by phone
If you prefer to speak with someone or run into trouble online, call the number on the back of your Chase card. A representative can add an authorized user while you are on the call. Have the authorized user's full name and date of birth ready. The representative will confirm the mailing address for the new card and answer any questions about spending limits or card features.
Phone support is also the right choice if you need to add someone urgently and cannot wait for online processing, though the card itself will still take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Setting and changing spending limits
Chase allows you to set a monthly spending limit on an authorized user's card through your online account or app. This is optional — if you do not set a limit, the authorized user can charge up to your full credit limit. To set a limit, go to "Manage Card," find the authorized user's name, and look for a "Spending Limit" or "Card Controls" option.
You can change the limit at any time, and you can also temporarily lock or unlock the card without removing the person entirely. This is useful if you want to pause their access for a month or two without going through the process of removing and re-adding them later.
Keep in mind that any charges the authorized user makes count toward your total credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit you are using. If the authorized user spends heavily, it can raise your utilization and lower your credit score, even if you pay the full balance on time.
What the authorized user sees on statements and credit reports
The authorized user does not receive their own monthly statement. All charges appear on your statement, organized by cardholder. You will see each purchase the authorized user made, along with the date and merchant.
Chase reports the account to the credit bureaus under the authorized user's name and Social Security number (which you will have provided during the application process, or which Chase may request later). This means the authorized user's credit report will show the account, and their credit score will move up or down based on the card's payment history and balance. If you pay on time and keep the balance low, it helps their credit. If you miss a payment or carry a high balance, it hurts their credit.
The authorized user can see the account in their own credit reports by checking their free annual report at AnnualCreditReport.com or by using a credit monitoring service.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user at any time through your Chase account online, through the app, or by calling the number on your card. Go to "Manage Card," find the authorized user's name, and select "Remove Authorized User." The physical card becomes invalid immediately, though it may take a few days for the change to show up in the authorized user's credit report.
Removing someone does not erase the account history. The account will continue to appear on their credit report, but it will be marked as closed or inactive. This can actually help their credit score over time, since an older account with a good payment history is valuable to have on record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the authorized user's Social Security number to add them?
No. Chase only requires their full name, date of birth, and relationship to you. However, Chase may request a Social Security number later if they want to report the account to credit bureaus under that person's name, which is standard practice.
Can an authorized user see my full account balance and payment history?
That depends on how Chase sets up their access. Some authorized users can see the full account online; others see only their own charges. Call Chase to ask what the authorized user will be able to see before you add them, especially if privacy is a concern.
What happens if the authorized user makes a purchase I did not approve?
You are responsible for paying it. The card is in your name and on your account. If the authorized user makes fraudulent charges, you can dispute them with Chase, but the burden is on you to report it and prove it was unauthorized. This is why trust matters when choosing an authorized user.
Can I add an authorized user who does not live with me?
Yes. Chase does not require the authorized user to live at your address. The card will be mailed to your address on file, so you will receive it and can give it to them in person, or you can update the mailing address temporarily if they live elsewhere.
Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding the person itself does not hurt your score. However, if they spend heavily and raise your credit utilization, that can lower your score. Similarly, if they miss a payment or the account goes delinquent, it will damage both your credit and theirs.