You can remove an authorized user from your Chase card by calling Chase, visiting your online account, or going to a branch in person
Chase lets you remove an authorized user in three ways: by phone, through your online Chase account, or at a physical branch. The fastest route is usually your online account if you have access to it — the change takes effect when ready. If you prefer to speak to someone or don't have online access, a phone call to the number on the back of your card will get it done in a few minutes. Removing an authorized user does not affect your account balance, credit limit, or your own credit score.
The person you're removing will no longer be able to use their card, and Chase will stop reporting their activity to the credit bureaus. If the authorized user has an outstanding balance on purchases they made, you remain responsible for paying it — removing them does not erase what they charged.
Key Takeaways
- You can remove an authorized user online through your Chase account, by phone at the number on your card, or in person at a Chase branch.
- The change takes effect when ready when you remove them online; phone and branch removals may take a few minutes to process.
- Removing an authorized user does not change your credit limit, account balance, or your own credit score.
- You remain responsible for any balance the authorized user created, even after you remove them from the account.
- The authorized user's card will stop working once they are removed, and Chase will no longer report their activity to credit bureaus.
Remove an authorized user through your Chase online account
Log into your Chase account on the Chase website or mobile app. Go to the card account you want to manage, then look for a section labeled "Authorized Users," "Card Users," or "Manage Card Users" — the exact label varies by card type. Select the authorized user you want to remove and choose the option to remove or delete them. Confirm the action when Chase asks you to verify.
The authorized user will be removed from your account right away. Their physical card will stop working when ready, though they may still see the account in their own Chase profile for a short time. If they try to use the card after removal, it will be declined.
Remove an authorized user by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase card. Tell the representative you want to remove an authorized user and provide the name of the person you're removing. The representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other account details.
Once verified, the representative will remove the authorized user from your account. The change usually takes effect within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours for the card to stop working everywhere. Ask the representative for a confirmation number so you have a record of the removal.
Remove an authorized user at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with a photo ID and your card. Tell a banker you want to remove an authorized user and provide the name of the person you're removing. The banker will verify your identity and process the removal in the branch system.
This method is useful if you prefer to handle it in person or if you're already at a branch for another reason. The removal takes effect when ready, though the card may take a few hours to stop working at all merchants.
What happens to the authorized user's card after removal
Once you remove an authorized user, their card will no longer work at any merchant or ATM. If they try to use it online, in a store, or to withdraw cash, the transaction will be declined. The card itself does not need to be physically destroyed, though you can ask the authorized user to cut it up or return it to you for security.
Chase will stop reporting the authorized user's activity to the credit bureaus. This means their credit report will no longer show this account, and any positive payment history they built on your account will no longer help their credit score. If the account had a negative history — late payments, high balances — removing them also stops that from appearing on their report going forward.
What you remain responsible for after removal
You are responsible for paying any balance the authorized user created before you removed them. If they charged $500 to the card and you remove them the next day, you still owe that $500. Removing them does not erase their charges or transfer the debt to them.
If you want to hold the authorized user responsible for their charges, you will need to work that out with them directly — Chase cannot split the bill or transfer charges between cardholders. Your only option through Chase is to dispute individual transactions if they were fraudulent, which is a separate process from removal.
Removing an authorized user does not affect your credit
Removing an authorized user will not lower your credit score or change your credit report. Your credit limit stays the same, your account balance does not change, and your payment history is unaffected. The only thing that changes is that the authorized user can no longer use the card and their activity will no longer be reported to the credit bureaus.
If the authorized user had a high balance on the card, removing them will not lower your credit utilization ratio — the balance remains on your account and counts toward your utilization until you pay it down. Your credit score is tied to your account, not to who has access to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the authorized user still see the account after I remove them?
They may see it in their Chase profile for a short time, but they will not be able to access it or use the card. If they try to log in or use the card, they will get an error. Within a few hours to a day, the account will disappear from their profile entirely.
What if the authorized user disputes the removal?
The account owner has the right to remove any authorized user at any time. Chase does not require the authorized user's permission. If the authorized user contacts Chase to complain, Chase will explain that the account owner made the decision and it cannot be reversed without the account owner's consent.
Do I need to notify the authorized user before I remove them?
Chase does not require you to notify them, but it is a good idea to tell them in advance so they are not surprised when their card stops working. If you remove them without warning, they may try to use the card and have it declined in front of a cashier.
Can I remove an authorized user if there is a balance on the account?
Yes, you can remove an authorized user at any time, regardless of the account balance. You remain responsible for paying the full balance, including any charges the authorized user made. Removing them does not reduce what you owe.
How long does it take for the authorized user's card to stop working?
If you remove them online, the card stops working when ready. If you remove them by phone or in person, it usually takes a few minutes to a few hours for the card to be declined everywhere. Some merchants may have a delay of up to 24 hours before the system updates.