You can open a joint Chase checking account online, but both account holders must be present and verified during the process

Chase allows you to start a joint checking account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both people on the account need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and government-issued ID during signup. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes per person, and you can fund the account immediately with a transfer from another bank or a debit card.

The catch: Chase requires both account holders to verify their identity in real time. You cannot open the account alone and add someone later. Both of you must be present at the same time, either sitting together at a computer or phone, or each logging in separately from different locations. Chase uses a combination of questions about your credit history and, sometimes, a video call to confirm who you are.

Once the account is open, both people have full access to the money and can make withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission. Chase does not offer a "primary" and "secondary" owner structure for joint accounts—legally, you are equal owners.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present and complete identity verification at the same time during the online signup process.
  • You will need each person's Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport).
  • The account can be funded immediately after opening with a transfer from another bank or a debit card.
  • Both owners have equal access to all money in the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close the account without permission from the other person.
  • If identity verification fails, you can visit a Chase branch in person to complete the account opening instead.

What you need before you start

Gather these items for both people before you begin the online process. Each account holder needs a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date first.

You will also need each person's Social Security number and date of birth. Have a phone number and email address for each person ready as well. Chase will send account confirmation and statements to both email addresses you provide.

If either person does not have a Social Security number, you cannot open a joint account online. You would need to visit a Chase branch in person and bring a passport or other federal ID instead. Chase can sometimes work with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for non-citizens, but this requires a branch visit.

The step-by-step online process

Start at chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. Select "Open an account" and choose "Checking." You will be asked whether you want an individual or joint account—select joint. Enter the first person's name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information.

Chase will then ask a series of security questions based on credit history. These questions might ask about previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit card accounts. Answer as accurately as you can. If Chase cannot verify the first person this way, it may request a video call where you show your ID to a Chase representative.

Once the first person is verified, the second person must log in or be added to the session. They will go through the same identity verification process—security questions and possibly a video call. This is why both people need to be available at the same time, even if they are in different locations.

After both people are verified, you will choose your account type (most people select a basic checking account), set up online banking access, and decide how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by photo, or add funds with a debit card.

What happens if identity verification fails

If Chase cannot verify either person online, you have two options. The first is to try again later—sometimes the verification system has temporary issues, and a second attempt succeeds. Wait at least a few hours before trying again.

The second option is to visit a Chase branch in person with both people and valid government IDs. A banker can open the joint account on the spot, usually in 10 to 15 minutes. You can then fund it immediately or link it to another account later. This route bypasses the online verification step entirely.

Verification most often fails when someone's name, address, or date of birth does not match what is in Chase's system or the credit bureaus' records. If you recently moved, changed your name, or have a common name that appears in multiple credit files, you are more likely to hit this problem. Bring recent mail showing your current address to the branch visit—it can help the banker resolve the mismatch.

Joint account access and what each person can do

Once the account is open, both people can log into online banking and the mobile app using their own username and password. Each person can see the full balance, transaction history, and pending transfers. Neither person needs the other's permission to move money or make a withdrawal.

Both people can also add external accounts for transfers, set up bill pay, or change account settings. If one person closes the account or removes the other person, the other person will lose access immediately. Chase does not require both signatures to make changes.

If you want to protect the account from unauthorized changes, you have limited options. You cannot set up a rule that requires both people to approve a withdrawal. Some couples use a separate savings account as a buffer and transfer money to checking only when both agree, but this is a workaround, not a built-in feature.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Chase's basic joint checking account (Chase Total Checking) has no monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or link a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. If you do not meet any of these, Chase charges $12 per month.

There is no fee to open the account online. Chase does not charge for transfers between your own accounts, but it does charge $3.50 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal after the first four per month. If you use Chase ATMs, there is no limit.

Overdraft fees are $35 per overdraft, and Chase allows up to four overdrafts per day. If the account goes negative, both people are responsible for the debt, even if only one person made the withdrawal.

Removing someone from a joint account

Either person can remove the other person from the account without their knowledge or consent. Log into online banking, go to account settings, and select the option to remove an authorized user. The other person will lose access to the account immediately, though they will receive a notice in the mail a few days later.

If you want to end the joint account entirely, you can close it online or at a branch. Chase will freeze the account and issue a check for the remaining balance to the address on file, or you can transfer the money to another account before closing.

If there is a dispute over who owns the money in the account, Chase will not take sides. Both people are legal owners, and Chase will not release funds until both agree or a court order is presented. If you are concerned about this, consult a lawyer before opening the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, not online. Chase requires a Social Security number for identity verification during the online process. You can visit a Chase branch in person with a passport or federal ID, and the banker may be able to open the account using an ITIN or other federal identification, but this varies by branch and location.

What if one person's identity verification fails but the other person's succeeds?

Chase will not open the account. Both people must pass verification for the account to be created. You can try again later or visit a branch in person with both people and valid IDs to complete the process with a banker.

Do both people need to be in the same location to open the account online?

No. Each person can log in from a different location, but both must complete the verification process at the same time. You cannot open the account alone and add the second person later.

Can I set up the account so that both people have to approve large withdrawals?

No. Chase does not offer this feature for joint checking accounts. Both people have equal, unrestricted access to all funds. If you want to require mutual approval for withdrawals, you would need to use a separate savings account and transfer money only when both agree.

What if one person wants to close the account or remove the other person?

Either person can do this without the other's permission. The account will be closed or the other person will be removed immediately. If there is money in the account, Chase will issue a check or allow a transfer to another account before the closure is final.