Yes, you can open a joint account online at Bank of America, but only if both account holders are present during the process
Bank of America allows you to start a joint checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. However, both people who will own the account must be there together when you set it up — you cannot open it alone and add someone later. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have the required documents ready, and the account can be funded immediately after approval.
The key limitation: if either account holder does not have an existing Bank of America account, that person must have a valid government ID and a Social Security number to verify their identity during signup. Bank of America uses online verification tools to confirm who you are in real time, so you will need to be able to provide that information as you go through the steps.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners must be present and logged in (or creating accounts) at the same time to open a joint account online.
- You will need a valid government ID and Social Security number for each person, even if one of you already banks at Bank of America.
- The account opens immediately after approval, and you can deposit money the same day through transfer, mobile deposit, or direct deposit setup.
- Joint accounts at Bank of America give both owners full access to all funds and the ability to make withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission.
What you need before you start
Gather these items for each person opening the account: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and the email address and phone number for each account holder. Bank of America will ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number during the online process, and they will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records.
If either person does not have an existing Bank of America account, that person will need to create one as part of the joint account setup. This means you may be creating two accounts at once: an individual account for the new customer, and then the joint account that links both of you. The individual account can be closed later if you only want to use the joint account.
Steps to open a joint account online
Start at bankofamerica.com or open the Bank of America mobile app. If both of you already have Bank of America accounts, one person can log in and select "Open an Account" from the menu, then choose "Joint Account" and follow the prompts to add the other person by their email address or phone number. The second person will receive a notification and must accept the invitation to complete the setup.
If one or both of you are new to Bank of America, go to the "Open an Account" section and select "Joint Account." You will be asked to enter basic information for both account holders: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will then verify each person's identity using their Social Security number and other details. This verification usually takes a few minutes, but occasionally Bank of America may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions to confirm who you are.
After both identities are verified, you will choose the type of account (checking or savings), set initial deposit preferences, and agree to the account terms. The account is active as soon as you finish, and both owners can log in immediately to see the balance and make transactions.
How joint account ownership works at Bank of America
A joint account at Bank of America is owned by both people equally, and both owners have the same rights and access. This means either person can withdraw money, transfer funds, set up bill pay, or close the account without asking permission from the other owner. There is no way to restrict one owner's access or require both signatures for transactions — if you need that level of control, you would need a different account structure, such as a power of attorney arrangement or a trust account.
Both owners receive their own debit card and online login credentials. Transactions made by either person appear in the same account history, so both owners can see what the other has done. If one person withdraws all the money or closes the account, the other owner will see that immediately but cannot reverse it.
Funding your new joint account
Bank of America offers several ways to put money into your joint account right after it opens. You can transfer money from another bank account you own using the account and routing number Bank of America provides. You can also set up direct deposit if you have a paycheck or government benefit that you want to deposit automatically. Mobile deposit — taking a photo of a check through the app — is available immediately for most accounts.
If you want to deposit cash, you will need to visit a Bank of America branch or ATM. There is no way to deposit cash online. The first deposit can be as small as $25 for most checking accounts, though some account types have higher minimums.
What happens if the online process fails or asks you to visit a branch
Bank of America's online verification system sometimes cannot confirm identity using the information available to them, especially if one account holder has limited credit history or has recently moved. If this happens, you will be told during the signup process that you need to visit a branch in person to complete the account opening. This does not mean you did anything wrong — it means Bank of America needs to see a physical ID and verify it face-to-face.
You can schedule an appointment at your nearest Bank of America branch through their website, or walk in during business hours. Bring both government IDs and Social Security cards (or numbers written down). A banker will verify your identities and complete the account setup, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. The account will be active by the end of the appointment.
Fees and account requirements
Bank of America joint checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500, set up direct deposit, or keep an average monthly balance of $1,500. If none of these conditions are met, the account is charged $12 per month. Savings accounts have different requirements depending on the type — some have no monthly fee, while others charge $5 per month if the balance falls below $300.
Both account holders are responsible for any overdraft fees or other charges on the joint account. If the account goes negative, either person's credit can be affected if the bank reports the debt to collection agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person is out of state or out of the country?
Yes. Both of you need to be online at the same time during the signup process, but you can be anywhere with an internet connection. Bank of America's online verification works for U.S. residents with a valid Social Security number and government ID, regardless of location. If the other person is outside the United States and does not have a U.S. Social Security number, you will need to visit a branch in person.
What if one of us already has a Bank of America account and the other doesn't?
The person without an account will need to create one as part of the joint account setup. This takes a few extra minutes, but both accounts are created in the same process. You can close the individual account later if you only want to use the joint account, though Bank of America may require the account to have a zero balance first.
Can I change a joint account to a single account later?
No. Bank of America does not allow you to convert a joint account to a single-owner account. If you want to remove one owner, you must close the joint account and open a new individual account. Any funds in the joint account must be transferred out first, and both owners must agree to close it (or one owner can close it unilaterally, which means the other owner loses access).
What if one owner wants to close the account without telling the other?
Either owner can close a joint account at any time without the other person's permission. The account will be closed, and any remaining balance will be sent to the address on file. The other owner will see the closure in their account history but cannot prevent it. If you are concerned about this, a joint account may not be the right structure for your situation.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a joint account online?
No, but you do need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bank of America uses these numbers to verify identity and comply with federal banking regulations. If you do not have either, you will need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documentation.