How to add an authorized user to a Chase card
You can add an authorized user to most Chase credit cards by calling the number on the back of your card, using the Chase mobile app, or logging into your online account. The cardholder — that's you — makes the request, and Chase will issue a separate card in the authorized user's name linked to your account. The authorized user can make purchases when ready, but you remain responsible for all charges on the account.
Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user, and there is no minimum age requirement, though some cardholders add authorized users only to family members they trust. The process typically takes three to seven business days for the new card to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user through the Chase app, online account, or by calling the number on your card — no fee applies.
- The authorized user receives their own card but cannot change account settings, request credit limit increases, or close the account.
- You are liable for all charges the authorized user makes, even if you did not authorize a specific purchase.
- Removing an authorized user takes one phone call and stops them from using the card when ready, though the card itself may take time to expire.
- Chase reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus, so adding someone with poor spending habits can affect your credit score.
Adding an authorized user through the Chase app or website
Log into your Chase account on the mobile app or at chase.com. Find the credit card account you want to modify, then look for a menu option labeled "Manage Card" or "Card Services." Select the option to add an authorized user. You will need to provide the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and address.
Chase will ask whether you want the card mailed to your address or the authorized user's address. If you choose to have it mailed to the authorized user, provide their mailing address. After you submit the request, Chase will send a confirmation email to the email address on file for your account. The new card typically arrives within three to seven business days.
Adding an authorized user by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase credit card. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user. Have the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and address ready. The representative will confirm your identity by asking security questions, then process the request on the call.
You can specify the mailing address for the new card during the call. Chase will mail the card to that address and send you a confirmation. If you need the card urgently, ask the representative whether expedited shipping is available — some Chase cards offer this option, though it may take an additional fee.
What an authorized user can and cannot do
An authorized user can make purchases with their card and access their own transaction history through the Chase app or website. They cannot change the credit limit, request a credit limit increase, change the account password, add or remove other authorized users, or close the account. Only the primary cardholder — you — can make those changes.
If the authorized user needs to dispute a charge or report a lost card, they can call the number on the back of their card and speak to a representative. Chase will handle the dispute or card replacement, but the primary cardholder remains the account owner and receives all official correspondence.
How authorized user activity affects your credit
Chase reports the authorized user's payment history and spending to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means the account activity appears on both your credit report and the authorized user's credit report. If the account is paid on time and the balance stays low, it can help both credit scores. If the account carries a high balance or misses payments, it can hurt both scores.
You remain responsible for all charges, so if an authorized user overspends or the account falls behind, the damage to your credit score is real. Some people add authorized users specifically to help them build credit — for example, adding a young adult or someone rebuilding after past credit problems — but this only works if the account is managed responsibly.
Removing an authorized user
Call the number on the back of your card or log into your Chase account online and select the option to remove an authorized user. You will need to provide the name of the authorized user you want to remove. The removal takes effect when ready, and the authorized user cannot use their card after that point.
The physical card may remain valid for a short time until it expires, but Chase will flag it in their system so it will be declined if used. If you want to be certain the card is not used, you can ask the authorized user to cut it up or return it to you. The account itself remains open and unaffected.
Authorized users and credit limit increases
Only the primary cardholder can request a credit limit increase. If an authorized user needs a higher limit because they want to make a large purchase, the primary cardholder must call Chase or request the increase through the app. Chase will review the primary cardholder's credit and payment history, not the authorized user's, when deciding whether to approve an increase.
If you are concerned about an authorized user overspending, you can request a lower credit limit before adding them, or you can monitor the account regularly through the Chase app to catch high balances early. Some cardholders also set spending rules with the authorized user before issuing the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone without a Social Security number as an authorized user?
Chase requires a date of birth and address but does not explicitly state that a Social Security number is required to add an authorized user. Call the number on your card to ask whether the person you want to add can be added without a SSN. Some cardholders have reported success adding family members or spouses who do not have a SSN, but Chase's policy may vary by situation.
What happens if an authorized user makes a large purchase without telling me?
You are responsible for the charge. The authorized user's card is linked to your account, so any purchase they make is your debt. If you believe a charge was fraudulent or unauthorized, you can dispute it with Chase, but disputes involving authorized users are handled differently than fraud claims. Review your statements regularly to catch unexpected charges early.
Can an authorized user see my credit limit or full account details?
Authorized users can see their own transaction history and current balance through the Chase app, but they cannot see the full credit limit or other account details like your interest rate or annual percentage rate. They can see how much of the available credit remains after their purchases, but not the total limit itself.
Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not trigger a hard inquiry, so it does not directly lower your score. However, if the authorized user makes purchases that increase the account balance, your credit utilization ratio goes up, which can lower your score. The impact depends on how much they spend relative to your credit limit.
Can I add an authorized user to a business credit card?
Chase business credit cards allow you to add authorized users, but the process and rules may differ from personal cards. Log into your business account or call the business card customer service line to add an authorized user. Business cards may have different fees, limits, or reporting requirements, so confirm the details with Chase before adding someone.