What you need to bring and who can open an account together
Chase lets two people open a joint checking account in person at a branch or online. Both account holders must be present (in person) or provide consent (online), and each needs a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN. You'll also need to decide on account access: whether both people can withdraw and make decisions, or one person has limited rights.
The person opening the account online must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a U.S. address. If you're opening in a branch, a banker will walk you through the choices and answer questions about overdraft protection, debit card options, and monthly fees. Chase offers several joint checking products—the most common are Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking—and the features and fees differ between them.
You do not need to be married or related to open a joint account. Chase will not ask about your relationship to the other person. Both account holders are equally responsible for any overdrafts or fees, and both have full access to the money unless you specifically request otherwise during setup.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must provide a photo ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN, whether opening online or in a branch.
- Opening online requires both people to consent; opening in person requires both to be present at the same time.
- You can set account access so one person has limited rights, but Chase will explain those limits during the opening process.
- Monthly fees and overdraft policies vary by account type, so compare Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking before you decide.
- Both account holders are legally responsible for overdrafts and fees, even if only one person made the transaction.
Opening a joint account online through Chase.com
Start at chase.com and select "Open an Account." Choose the joint checking product you want, then enter the primary account holder's information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will verify your identity using questions about your credit history or by checking your bank records.
Once the primary holder is verified, Chase will send a secure link to the second account holder's email. That person logs in, provides their own information, and confirms they consent to the account. Both people must complete this step—Chase will not open the account if only one person finishes. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per person.
After both people have verified, Chase will ask you to choose a debit card design, set up online banking access, and decide whether to link an external bank account for transfers. Your account number and routing number appear immediately, and you can start using the account within one business day. A physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening a joint account in person at a Chase branch
Both account holders must visit the same branch at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation.
A Chase banker will review the account options with you, explain the monthly fee structure, and ask how you want to handle access and overdrafts. They'll also ask whether you want to set up online banking and order debit cards. The banker will prepare the paperwork, both of you will sign, and the account opens that day. You can receive a temporary debit card on the spot or wait for the permanent card to arrive by mail.
Bring a checkbook or deposit slip if you want to make an initial deposit, though it's not required. The banker can also link an external account for transfers if you want to move money from another bank. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Choosing account access and overdraft settings
During setup, Chase will ask whether both account holders have equal access or whether one person has limited rights. Equal access means both people can withdraw money, write checks, use the debit card, and make changes to the account. Limited access (sometimes called "authorized user" status) means one person can use the account but cannot close it, change the account holder, or remove the other person.
You'll also decide on overdraft protection. Chase offers overdraft protection that transfers money from a linked savings account or credit line if the checking account balance drops below zero. Without it, transactions may be declined or you'll pay an overdraft fee (currently $35 per transaction at most Chase branches, though this varies). Both account holders are responsible for overdraft fees regardless of who made the transaction.
If you're unsure about these settings, you can change them later through online banking or by visiting a branch. However, removing someone from a joint account requires that person's consent or a court order, so choose your account holder carefully.
What happens after the account opens
Both account holders receive login credentials for online banking and the Chase mobile app. You can check the balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone or mobile app immediately. Debit cards arrive separately by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you'll need to activate them before use.
Chase sends statements to both account holders' email addresses (or to one address if you choose). Both people can see all transactions, balances, and account history. If one person closes the account or removes the other, Chase will notify both account holders by mail.
Monthly fees post on the same day each month. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee (waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit), while Premier Plus Checking has a higher fee and higher balance requirement. Review your account type and fee structure in the account settings to confirm which one you opened.
Removing someone from a joint account
To remove an account holder, both people must go to a Chase branch together and sign paperwork authorizing the change. Chase will not remove someone without that person's consent. If the other account holder refuses or is unreachable, you'll need a court order to remove them.
Alternatively, you can close the joint account entirely and open a new individual account. Chase will transfer any remaining balance to the new account or issue a check. Closing the account does not affect the other person's credit, but it does end their access to the money.
If you suspect fraud or unauthorized access, contact Chase immediately at the number on the back of your debit card or through online banking. Chase can freeze the account, investigate transactions, and issue a new debit card to the authorized holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person doesn't have a Social Security number?
Yes. The person without a Social Security number can provide an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. Chase will accept either a Social Security number or ITIN from each account holder.
What if one account holder wants to close the account but the other doesn't?
Chase requires both account holders to consent to close a joint account. If you disagree, one option is to remove yourself from the account (with the other person's consent) or to close it and split the balance. If the other person refuses both, you may need a court order or legal counsel to resolve the dispute.
Do both people need to be present to open the account online?
No. The primary account holder starts the process, then Chase sends a secure link to the second account holder's email. That person completes their part separately. Both must finish for the account to open, but you don't need to be in the same place at the same time.
What if I want to change the account type after opening?
You can convert to a different Chase checking account by visiting a branch or calling Chase customer service. The banker will explain any fee changes and update your account. Some conversions take effect immediately; others take one business day.
Are both account holders responsible for overdraft fees?
Yes. Both account holders are legally responsible for any overdrafts, fees, or negative balances, even if only one person made the transaction that caused it. This is why it's important to discuss spending and account management with the other person before opening a joint account.