Adding an authorized user to your Chase credit card is a straightforward process that you can complete directly from the Chase mobile app. An authorized user gets their own physical card and can make purchases using your account, while you remain responsible for the balance.
Before adding someone, make sure you understand how the arrangement works and who will be responsible for the charges.
How to Add an Authorized User on a Chase Credit Card
To add an authorized user, open the Chase app and go to your main account screen. You will see your Chase accounts listed there. Select the credit card you want to use.
Once you open the card, you will see the card overview screen. Under the image of your card, tap “Manage account.”
You will see several account management options. Scroll down past sections such as card setup and maintenance and credit management until you find “Card access and wallets.” Under this section, tap “Authorized users.”
Chase will take you to a page called “Share your account with others.” This page explains what happens when you add a authorized user. There is no credit check required, and the user receives their own physical card. Purchases made by the user also continue to earn the card’s applicable rewards and benefits.
Before continuing, review the information under “Before you start.” The most important point is that you are responsible for the entire account balance, including purchases made by the authorized user.
Some Chase cards may also charge a fee for adding an authorized user. For example, certain premium cards have an authorized-user fee, while cards such as standard Freedom cards and the Prime Visa generally do not.
When you are ready, tap “Get started.”
Enter the User’s Information
The first step asks for the user’s personal information. Enter the requested details and tap “Next.”
You will then be asked for the person’s address. If the authorized user lives with you, you can select “Same address as primary card member.” Chase will automatically fill in the address.
If the authorized user lives somewhere else, enter their address manually and continue by tapping “Next.”
The next screen covers shipping details. One important detail is that Chase sends the physical card to the primary card member’s address, even if the authorized user has a different residential address. This helps provide an additional layer of fraud protection.
The card is typically delivered to your address first, after which you can give it to the user.
Standard delivery generally takes 5 to 7 business days through USPS, with no shipping charge.
Review and Submit the Request
Before Chase adds the authorized user, you will reach a review screen titled “Does everything look okay?”
Review all the information carefully. This includes:
- The Chase credit card being used
- The authorized user’s personal information
- Their address
- Your mailing address
- The shipping method
If you notice an error, use the back arrow to return to the previous screens and correct it.
When everything is correct, tap “Add authorized user.” Your request will then be submitted.
The user may be added to the account within approximately 24 hours. Their physical card should arrive at your address within 5 to 7 business days. Once they receive and activate the card, they can begin using it.
When Adding an Authorized User Makes Sense
Adding an authorized user can be useful in several situations, particularly if you want to help someone establish or strengthen their credit history.
For example, adding a family member to an established credit card may allow information about the account to appear on their credit report. A history of on-time payments and responsible credit utilization can potentially help them build a stronger credit profile.
It can also make sense if you want to earn more rewards from shared spending. If you and your spouse use the same Chase card for groceries, gas, and other everyday purchases, those purchases are combined on your account and can help you earn rewards based on the card’s terms.
However, adding an authorized user is a responsibility you should take seriously.
You are responsible for every purchase made on the account. If the person spends more than expected, you are still responsible for paying the balance. A high balance or missed payment can also affect your credit.
For that reason, an authorized user should generally be someone you trust completely, such as a spouse, parent, or child. Adding a friend or roommate can create unnecessary financial risk if you do not have complete confidence in how they will use the card.
How to Remove an Authorized User
If you no longer want someone to have access to your Chase credit card, you can remove an authorized user from the same account management area.
Go back to the authorized users section of your Chase account and follow the available options to remove the person. You do not need their permission to remove them from your account.
This can be useful if circumstances change, such as when a child moves out or no longer needs access to the card.
Adding an authorized user can be convenient and can potentially help someone build credit, but it also means taking responsibility for their spending. As long as you understand that responsibility and trust the person using the card, the process of adding them through the Chase app is relatively simple.
