What you need to bring and who can open an account with you
Chase allows two people to open a joint checking or savings account together. Both account holders must be present at a Chase branch in person, or you can start the process online and finish it in the branch. Each person needs a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a Social Security number, and proof of current address—usually a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
You do not have to be married or related to open a joint account at Chase. The bank allows any two people to hold the account together, though some account types have restrictions. For example, if one account holder is under 18, Chase may limit which account products are available. Both people must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid Social Security number.
If you cannot both visit a branch on the same day, one person can start the account online through Chase.com, but the second account holder must complete their part in person at a branch within a set timeframe. Chase does not allow one person to add a second owner after the account is already open—both owners must be named when the account is created.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must visit a Chase branch in person with photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to open a joint account.
- You can start the process online, but at least one person must complete it at a branch; Chase does not allow adding a second owner to an existing account.
- Joint account holders have equal access to all funds and equal legal responsibility for overdrafts or fees.
- Chase offers joint checking and savings accounts, but some account types may have age or other restrictions.
- You should discuss account access, spending limits, and what happens if one person dies before opening the account.
What happens at the branch: the step-by-step process
When you arrive at a Chase branch with both account holders present, tell the banker you want to open a joint account. The banker will ask for ID and proof of address from both people, verify your Social Security numbers, and run a ChexSystems check—a banking history report that shows whether either of you has had problems with previous accounts. This check does not affect your credit score.
Next, the banker will ask which type of account you want: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, or a savings account. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and perks. The banker will explain the terms, including overdraft fees (currently $35 per overdraft at Chase, though this can change), monthly maintenance fees, and how to waive them. Ask specifically about the overdraft policy: Chase allows overdrafts up to a certain amount, and both account holders are responsible for any overdraft fees.
You will then sign account documents together. These documents explain that both of you own the account equally, both can withdraw all the money, and both are liable for any negative balance. Read the section on what happens if one account holder dies—Chase accounts are typically held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," meaning the surviving account holder automatically owns all remaining funds. If you want different terms, tell the banker before signing.
Once signed, Chase will issue debit cards to both account holders, usually on the spot or within 3 to 5 business days. You can set up online banking and mobile app access during your visit or do it at home later using Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app.
Online account opening: when you cannot both visit the branch
If you want to start online, one account holder goes to Chase.com, selects "Open an Account," and chooses the account type. Chase will ask for that person's ID, Social Security number, and address. You will take a photo of your ID with your phone or upload a file. Chase verifies this information, usually within minutes.
At the end of the online process, Chase will tell you that the second account holder must complete their part in person at a branch. The second person has a limited window—usually 30 days—to visit a Chase branch with their photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. A banker will verify their information and have them sign the joint account agreement. Only after both people have completed their steps does the account become active.
This hybrid approach works if one person travels or cannot make it to the branch on the same day as the other. However, you cannot fully open and fund the account online; someone must go to the branch to finish it.
Fees, minimum balances, and account features
Chase joint accounts have the same fee structure as individual accounts. Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $12 to $25, but you can waive it by maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with a certain balance. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee but pay a small amount of interest—the rate varies and is usually less than 1 percent.
Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction at Chase, and both account holders are responsible for paying them. Chase also offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line; if you overdraw, Chase transfers money automatically to cover it, usually for a small fee ($12 to $15) instead of the full overdraft fee. You can set this up during account opening or later through online banking.
Both account holders get a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to set up bill pay, transfers, and mobile deposits. There are no separate fees for these services. If one account holder wants to limit the other's spending, Chase does not offer built-in controls for joint accounts—you would need to discuss spending rules between yourselves or consider a different account structure.
What to know about joint account liability and access
In a joint account at Chase, both people own all the money equally and can withdraw it all without permission from the other person. This means either account holder can empty the account, and the other has no legal recourse through Chase. Both account holders are also equally responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any negative balance. If the account goes into overdraft, both people's credit reports can be affected if Chase reports it to credit bureaus.
If one account holder dies, the surviving account holder automatically owns the entire balance (assuming the account is set up as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," which is Chase's default). The account does not go through probate, and the surviving person can continue using it immediately. However, if the deceased person's estate has debts, creditors may be able to claim the account balance in some states—this depends on state law, not Chase policy.
Before opening a joint account, discuss with the other person what happens if you separate, divorce, or have a disagreement about money. Chase will not close the account or freeze it based on a dispute between the two owners; you would need a court order to do that. If you want to remove someone from the account later, you cannot do it through Chase—you would need to close the account and open a new one with only one owner.
Alternatives if a joint account does not fit your situation
If you want to share money but keep some control over spending, consider a linked savings account instead. One person opens a checking account, and the other opens a separate savings account. Both can transfer money between them, but each person controls their own account. This works well for couples who want to share some expenses but keep separate finances.
Another option is a "power of attorney" arrangement, where one person opens an account in their name and gives the other person legal authority to manage it. This is less common for everyday banking but can work if one person wants to maintain ownership while letting the other handle transactions. You would need to set this up outside of Chase, with a lawyer.
If you are opening an account for a business partnership, Chase also offers business accounts with multiple authorized users. These have different rules and fees than personal joint accounts, so ask a banker if a business account might work better for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person does not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires both account holders to have a valid Social Security number. If one person is a permanent resident without an SSN yet, they can apply for one through the Social Security Administration before opening the account. If someone is not may be able to access for an SSN, Chase cannot open a joint account for them.
What if one account holder wants to close the account without the other person's permission?
Either account holder can close a joint account at any time without the other person's permission. If this happens, Chase will freeze the account and send both owners a check for their share of the balance, or you can arrange to split the funds in person at a branch. To avoid this, discuss account closure rules with the other person before opening the account.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a joint account at Chase?
Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking or savings accounts. However, some account types (like Chase Sapphire) may have higher minimum balance requirements to waive monthly fees. Ask the banker about the specific account you want before you open it.
How long does it take to open a joint account at Chase?
If both people visit the branch together, the account opens the same day. If you start online and finish in the branch, the account becomes active once the second person completes their part at the branch, usually within a few days. Debit cards may take 3 to 5 business days to arrive by mail.
Can I change a single account to a joint account later?
No. Chase does not allow you to add a second owner to an existing account. If you want to convert a single account to a joint account, you must close the existing account and open a new joint account with both owners present.