You can add an authorized user to most Chase cards by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your online account

Chase lets you add an authorized user — someone who can use your card but is not responsible for the bill — through their customer service line or your Chase account portal. The process takes about 10 minutes on the phone or a few clicks online. The person you add does not need to have a credit history or even a Social Security number, though Chase will ask for their name, date of birth, and address. Once approved, Chase mails them a card in their name, and they can use it immediately while the card is in transit.

Adding an authorized user does not create a separate account or a joint account. You remain the primary cardholder and the only person responsible for paying the bill. The authorized user's activity shows on your statement, and their charges count toward your credit limit. If they fail to pay or overspend, the debt is yours.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Chase card or log into Chase.com to add an authorized user without visiting a branch.
  • Chase will ask for the authorized user's name, date of birth, and address, but does not require a Social Security number or credit history.
  • The authorized user receives their own card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days and can use the account immediately through a temporary digital card.
  • You remain fully responsible for all charges and the entire balance, regardless of who made the purchase.
  • Chase reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus under your account, so their spending affects your credit utilization and payment history.

Adding an authorized user by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card. Have your account number and the authorized user's date of birth ready. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. They will ask for the person's full name, date of birth, and mailing address. You do not need to provide their Social Security number unless you want Chase to run a credit check, which is optional.

The representative will confirm the details and ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions. Once verified, the authorized user is added to your account immediately. Chase will mail a physical card to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can start using the account right away through a temporary digital card in the Chase Mobile app if they have one, or you can share your card number with them until their physical card arrives.

Adding an authorized user online

Log into your Chase account at Chase.com and navigate to your credit card account. Look for a menu option labeled "Manage Card" or "Account Services" — the exact label varies by card type. Select the option to add an authorized user. You will be asked to enter the person's full name, date of birth, and mailing address. Chase does not require a Social Security number through the online portal.

Review the information for accuracy and submit. Chase will send you a confirmation email and begin processing the request. The authorized user's card will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, call customer service to ask about expedited shipping options, though not all cards or accounts may have access to.

What happens after you add an authorized user

The authorized user's charges appear on your monthly statement with their name or a note indicating they are an authorized user. All spending counts toward your credit limit — if the authorized user charges $2,000 and your limit is $5,000, you have $3,000 available. If they miss a payment or the account goes over limit, it affects your credit score, not theirs, because you are the account owner.

Chase reports the account history to the credit bureaus under your name. If the account has a good payment history and low utilization, it may help the authorized user's credit if they are trying to build it. If the account carries a high balance or has late payments, it will not help them and will hurt your own credit profile.

Removing an authorized user

You can remove an authorized user at any time by calling Chase customer service or logging into your account online. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to remove the authorized user by name. The representative will confirm the removal, and the person's card will no longer work. Their physical card does not need to be returned, but it becomes inactive immediately.

If you remove an authorized user, their charges stop appearing on your statement going forward. However, the account history — including any balances they ran up — remains on your credit report because you are still responsible for it. Removing them does not erase past activity or reduce what you owe.

Authorized users and credit limits

An authorized user shares your credit limit. If your limit is $10,000 and an authorized user charges $6,000, you can only charge $4,000 before hitting the limit. There is no separate sub-limit you can set for an authorized user through Chase's standard tools. If you want to restrict how much they can spend, you will need to monitor their activity yourself or ask them to check with you before large purchases.

If you need more spending room, you can request a credit limit increase on your own account. This increases the total available to both you and the authorized user. Some Chase cards allow you to set up purchase alerts or spending notifications through the mobile app, which can help you track what the authorized user is charging.

Age requirements and restrictions

Chase requires authorized users to be at least 18 years old. You will need to provide their date of birth, and Chase will verify it matches the age requirement. Some parents add teenagers under 18 by using a parent's date of birth or another workaround, but this violates Chase's terms and can result in the account being closed if discovered.

There is no upper age limit. You can add a spouse, adult child, parent, or anyone else you trust with access to your card. Chase does not verify the relationship — they only confirm the person's identity through the information you provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?

Adding an authorized user itself does not hurt your score. However, if they charge a lot and increase your credit utilization, that can lower your score temporarily. Once the balance is paid down, utilization drops and your score typically recovers. Late payments or missed payments on the account will hurt your score because you are responsible for the bill.

Can an authorized user see my full account history?

Authorized users can see transactions they made and the current balance, but Chase does not give them access to your full account settings or the ability to change your password, request credit limit increases, or close the account. You remain the sole account owner with full control.

What if the authorized user runs up a large balance?

You are responsible for paying the entire balance, regardless of who charged it. The authorized user has no legal obligation to reimburse you. If you are concerned about overspending, remove them from the account or monitor their activity regularly through your statement or the Chase app.

Can I add an authorized user without their knowledge?

Technically you can, but it is not recommended. Chase will mail a card to the address you provide, so the person will eventually find out. Adding someone without their consent can damage trust and may violate the terms of your relationship with them.

Does the authorized user need to activate their card?

When the card arrives in the mail, the authorized user may need to activate it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase app, depending on the card type. You can ask Chase customer service whether activation is required when you add them, or check your confirmation email for instructions.