You can remove an authorized user from a Chase card by calling Chase, using the online account portal, or visiting a branch in person
The fastest way to remove an authorized user is to call Chase's customer service number on the back of your card. You'll need the authorized user's name and the last four digits of their card number. Chase can remove them over the phone in minutes, and the old card becomes invalid when ready.
If you prefer not to call, you can log into your Chase online account, go to the card's settings, find the authorized user section, and select the option to remove them. The process takes a few minutes and you'll receive confirmation via email. Some Chase cards also let you manage authorized users through the Chase mobile app under the card details menu.
A third option is to visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and card. A banker can remove the authorized user while you wait, though this is slower than calling or using the online portal.
Key Takeaways
- Calling the number on the back of your card is the fastest method and takes only a few minutes.
- The authorized user's card stops working when ready once they are removed from the account.
- You can also remove an authorized user through your online Chase account or mobile app without calling.
- Removing an authorized user does not affect your credit score or the primary cardholder's account in any other way.
What happens to the authorized user's card after removal
Once Chase removes the authorized user, their physical card becomes inactive and cannot be used for purchases. Any pending transactions on that card may still process if they were already in the system, but no new charges will go through.
The authorized user will no longer have access to the account online or through the mobile app. If they try to log in using their card number, they will see an error message. Chase does not send a separate notification to the authorized user, so you may want to tell them the card is no longer active.
The authorized user should destroy the physical card or return it to you. Cutting it up or shredding it is sufficient — you do not need to mail it back to Chase.
Removing an authorized user does not hurt your credit
Removing an authorized user has no impact on your credit score. The account remains open under your name, the payment history stays the same, and your credit utilization ratio is unaffected. Chase does not report the removal to the credit bureaus as a negative event.
The authorized user's credit score is also unaffected by removal. Since they were never the primary account holder, the account was not reported under their name to begin with. Their credit report will straightforward stop showing the account once Chase updates the credit bureaus, which usually happens within one to two billing cycles.
Timing: when the removal takes effect
When you remove an authorized user by phone or online, the removal is effective when ready. The card stops working right away, and the authorized user loses access to the account within minutes.
If you remove them in person at a branch, the removal is also when ready. However, if you mail a written request to Chase (which is rarely necessary), allow five to seven business days for processing.
The authorized user will not receive a bill or statement after removal. If there are pending charges on the card that have not yet posted, those will still appear on your next statement, but no new charges can be made.
Removing an authorized user vs. closing the account
Removing an authorized user is different from closing the card account itself. When you remove an authorized user, the card account stays open and active under your name. You keep the card, the account history, and any rewards or benefits tied to that card.
Closing the account is a separate action that ends the entire card relationship with Chase. Closing a card can affect your credit score because it lowers your total available credit and may increase your utilization ratio on other cards. Removing an authorized user has none of these effects.
If you want to close the card entirely, you would call Chase and ask to close the account. But if you only want to remove one person's access, removal is the right choice.
What you need before you call or log in
To remove an authorized user by phone, have the authorized user's full name and the last four digits of their card number ready. You will also need your own card or account number. Chase may ask you to verify your identity by providing your Social Security number or answering security questions.
If you are removing the authorized user online, you just need to log into your Chase account. You do not need the authorized user's card number for the online process — Chase will show you a list of all authorized users on the account, and you select the one to remove.
If you are visiting a branch, bring a government-issued ID and your card. The banker will verify your identity before making any changes.
Removing an authorized user who is a family member or ex-partner
If the authorized user is an ex-partner or someone you no longer trust, remove them as soon as possible. There is no waiting period or notification requirement — you can remove them without their knowledge or consent. The card becomes inactive when ready, so they cannot make any more charges.
If you are concerned about fraud or unauthorized use before removal, call Chase right away and ask them to freeze or cancel the card temporarily while you arrange removal. You can also report the card as lost or stolen, which will deactivate it when ready.
After removal, monitor your account for a few days to make sure no additional charges appear. If you see suspicious activity, contact Chase's fraud department when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user remove themselves from my card?
No. Only the primary cardholder can remove an authorized user. The authorized user cannot call Chase and request their own removal, nor can they do it through the online portal. If an authorized user wants off the card, they must ask you to remove them.
Will the authorized user know I removed them?
Chase does not send a notification to the authorized user when they are removed. They will only know if they try to use the card and it is declined, or if they log into the account and see they no longer have access. You should tell them directly if you want them to know.
Can I remove an authorized user if there is a balance on the card?
Yes. The balance on the card has no effect on removal. You can remove an authorized user whether the card has a zero balance or a large balance. The balance remains your responsibility as the primary cardholder.
How long does it take to remove an authorized user?
Removal by phone or online takes a few minutes and is effective when ready. If you visit a branch, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you mail a written request, allow five to seven business days, though this method is rarely used.
Can I add the same person back as an authorized user later?
Yes. If you remove an authorized user and later want to add them back, you can call Chase or use the online portal to add them again. There is no waiting period or restriction on re-adding someone you previously removed.