You can start a joint Chase account online, but you cannot finish it there

Chase lets you begin opening a joint checking or savings account on their website or mobile app, but at least one account owner must complete the process in person at a Chase branch or by video call. You cannot open a joint account with both owners signing entirely online. One person can open the account solo online, then add a joint owner later, but that is a different transaction with its own requirements.

The reason for the in-person or video step is verification. Chase needs to confirm the identity of both owners using government-issued ID, and they do this through a branch visit or a scheduled video appointment with a Chase representative. This is a federal banking requirement, not a Chase choice.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start a joint account application online, but one owner must complete it in person at a branch or through a video call with Chase.
  • Both account owners need a government-issued ID and a Social Security number to open a joint account.
  • If you open an account solo online, you can add a joint owner later, but Chase will require that person to verify their identity in person or by video.
  • The entire process from start to finish typically takes one to three business days once both owners have completed their identity verification.

What you need before you start

Gather these items for both people who will own the account. Each owner needs a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a Social Security number, and a current mailing address. Chase will ask for the last four digits of the Social Security number during the online application.

You will also need to decide what type of account you want: a checking account, a savings account, or both. Chase offers several checking products (Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking) and savings products (Chase Savings, Chase High Yield Savings), and the features and fees differ. Know which one you want before you start, because you cannot change the account type after opening.

The online application step

Go to Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app and select "Open an account." Choose "Joint account" when prompted. You will enter the primary account holder's information first: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will run a soft credit check at this point, which does not affect your credit score.

Next, you will enter the information for the second account owner. Chase will ask for their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Do not submit the application yet — you will see a summary page that shows both owners and the account type. Review it for accuracy, then proceed to the identity verification step.

At this point, Chase will tell you that one owner must complete verification in person or by video. You cannot move forward without scheduling this appointment or visiting a branch.

Completing verification in person or by video

If you choose to verify in person, find a Chase branch near you using their branch locator on Chase.com. Bring the government-issued photo ID for the account owner who will verify in person. A Chase representative will scan your ID, confirm your information matches what you entered online, and ask a few security questions. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you choose video verification, Chase will schedule a call with a representative. You will need to show your government-issued ID to the camera, and the representative will confirm your identity the same way they would in a branch. Video appointments are often available within 24 hours, depending on demand in your area.

The second account owner does not have to be present for this appointment if they are not the one verifying. However, if you want both owners to verify their identities (which some people do for security), both must complete this step before the account opens.

What happens after verification

Once the in-person or video verification is complete, Chase will activate the account. You should see it in your online banking dashboard within one business day. A debit card will be mailed to the primary account holder's address within 7 to 10 business days. The second account owner can request their own debit card through the Chase app or by calling customer service.

Both owners can access the account immediately through online banking and the mobile app using their own login credentials. Each owner has full access to the account balance, transaction history, and the ability to transfer money, pay bills, or make withdrawals. There is no "primary" and "secondary" owner once the account is open — both have equal rights.

Opening an account solo, then adding a joint owner

If the second person is not available to verify their identity right away, you can open the account as a solo account online. Complete the entire process with just your information, verify your identity in person or by video, and the account will open in your name alone.

Later, you can add a joint owner through the Chase app or by visiting a branch. The person you want to add must bring their government-issued ID and Social Security number. Chase will verify their identity the same way, and once that is done, they will have full access to the account. This process takes one to three business days.

Fees and account requirements

Chase checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees that vary by product. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee, which is waived if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee with different waiver options. Savings accounts have no monthly fee but may have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month.

There is no minimum opening deposit required for most Chase accounts, though some products have minimum balance requirements to waive fees. You can deposit money immediately after the account opens through mobile check deposit, transfers from another bank, or in-person deposits at a Chase branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both owners open the account without going to a branch or doing a video call?

No. Federal banking rules require identity verification for both owners, and Chase does this in person or by video. At least one owner must complete this step before the account opens. You cannot skip it or do it entirely online.

What if one owner lives in a different state?

The second owner can still verify by video call, which is available nationwide. They do not need to visit a Chase branch in their home state. Schedule the video appointment through the online application, and Chase will call at the agreed time.

Can I open a joint account if one owner does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number for both owners. If one owner does not have one, you cannot open a joint account. That person would need to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS first, though Chase's policy on ITIN holders varies by account type.

How long does the whole process take?

From the moment you start the online application to the moment the account is fully open, expect one to three business days. The online part takes 10 to 15 minutes. The in-person or video verification takes another 10 to 15 minutes. The account activation happens within one business day after verification.

Can I change who the joint owner is after the account opens?

No. You cannot remove or replace a joint owner online. You would need to close the account and open a new one with the correct owner, or visit a Chase branch to discuss your options. Removing a joint owner is a legal matter, and Chase requires in-person authorization.