What you need to do to open a joint account at Chase

You and the other account owner can open a joint account at Chase in person at a branch, online through Chase.com, or by phone. Both of you will need to provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Chase offers joint checking and savings accounts, and both account holders have full access to the money and can make decisions about the account—including closing it or removing the other person.

The fastest route is usually online if you already have a Chase account; if neither of you does, going to a branch lets you complete everything in one visit and start using the account the same day. Phone applications take longer because Chase needs to verify both people's identities by mail before the account is fully active.

Joint accounts at Chase are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per depositor per account type, which means if Chase fails, each account owner's share is protected separately up to that limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners need a government ID, Social Security number, and to be present (in person or verified online) to open the account.
  • Online opening is fastest if at least one person already has a Chase account; branch opening takes one visit and the account works immediately.
  • Each account owner has full legal access to all the money and can withdraw, transfer, or close the account without permission from the other person.
  • Chase joint accounts are FDIC insured to $250,000 per person, so each owner's share is protected separately if the bank fails.
  • You can add or remove account owners later, but both people must agree to remove someone, and Chase requires written authorization.

Opening online if you already have a Chase account

Log into your Chase account on Chase.com or the mobile app and look for "Open an Account" or "Add Account." Select "Joint Checking" or "Joint Savings" depending on what you need. Chase will ask you for the other person's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. You will not need them present at this step.

Chase will then send an invitation to the other person's email. They click the link, verify their identity online (usually by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID), and agree to the account terms. Once both of you have completed your parts, the account opens and you can both start using it immediately through the app or online banking.

This process usually takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly the second person responds to the email invitation.

Opening in person at a Chase branch

Both account owners should go to the branch together with a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and Social Security number for each person. Tell the banker you want to open a joint account and whether you want checking or savings. The banker will explain the account features, confirm how you want the account titled (usually "Person A and Person B" or "Person A or Person B"—this matters for what happens if one person dies), and ask about your initial deposit.

Bring a debit card, check, or cash for the opening deposit. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type—typically $25 for some checking accounts and $0 for others, though this changes. Ask the banker what the current minimum is for the account you want.

The account is active immediately. You will both receive debit cards in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use the account online or at ATMs right away with temporary card numbers or mobile wallet access.

Opening by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 (the number for new accounts) and tell them you want to open a joint account. A representative will take both people's information—name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and ID details—over the phone. You do not both need to be on the call, but Chase will verify both people's identities before the account is fully active.

Chase will mail verification documents to both account owners' addresses on file. Each person must sign and return the documents within a set timeframe (usually 30 days). Once Chase receives both signed documents, the account is fully active. This process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the phone call to full activation.

You can use the account online before the documents arrive, but some features may be limited until verification is complete.

What "and" versus "or" means on your account title

When you open the account, Chase asks whether you want it titled as "Person A and Person B" or "Person A or Person B." This determines what happens to the money if one owner dies.

With "and," the account is a joint tenancy with survivorship. If one person dies, the surviving account owner automatically owns all the money in the account. The money does not go through that person's will or estate.

With "or," the account is a tenancy in common. If one person dies, their share of the account goes into their estate and is distributed according to their will or state law. The surviving account owner does not automatically get all the money. Most couples choose "and," but the right choice depends on your situation and what you want to happen to the money.

What each account owner can do without permission

Both account owners have equal legal rights to the account. Either person can withdraw money, make transfers, set up bill pay, change the mailing address, add or remove authorized users (non-owners who can use the account), or close the account entirely—without telling the other person first. Chase does not require both signatures or both people's permission for any of these actions.

This is important to understand before you open the account. If you are opening a joint account with someone you do not fully trust, or if you are concerned about one person taking all the money, a joint account may not be the right choice. A power of attorney or a payable-on-death account might work better for your situation.

The only action that requires both people's agreement is removing an account owner. If you want to remove someone from the account, Chase requires written authorization from both of you.

Fees and account features to compare

Chase offers several joint checking and savings options, and the fees and features vary. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings has a monthly fee waived if you keep a minimum balance. Chase Money Market Account offers higher interest rates but requires a larger minimum balance.

Compare the minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, interest rates (for savings accounts), ATM access, and overdraft protection options before you choose. You can open one type of joint account and switch to another later if your needs change, though closing and reopening may affect your account history.

Adding or removing account owners later

You can add another person to an existing joint account by going to a Chase branch with both the current account owner and the new person, or by calling Chase and requesting an ownership change. The new person will need to provide their ID and Social Security number. Chase will send verification documents to the new person's address, and the account ownership changes once those are signed and returned.

Removing an account owner is more restrictive. Both the account owner being removed and at least one remaining owner must authorize the removal in writing. You can do this at a branch or by mailing a signed letter to Chase. Chase will not remove someone based on a phone call or email alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if the other person is not a Chase customer?

Yes. If neither of you has a Chase account, opening in person at a branch is easiest—you both go together, provide ID and Social Security numbers, and the account opens the same day. Online opening requires at least one person to already have a Chase account. Phone opening works for anyone but takes longer because Chase mails verification documents.

What happens if one account owner wants to close the account?

Either account owner can close a joint account without permission from the other person. Chase will ask where to send the remaining balance (to one person's account, a check, or split between both). If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the other person before opening the account, or consider a different account structure.

Do I need to be present in person to open a joint account?

For online opening, you need to be verified but do not need to be physically present—Chase does this through the app or website. For branch opening, both people should go together. For phone opening, you do not both need to be on the call, but Chase will contact both people to verify their identities before the account is fully active.

What is the minimum opening deposit for a Chase joint account?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and changes over time. Some Chase checking accounts require $25; others require $0. Savings accounts typically require $0. Call Chase or ask at a branch for the current minimum for the specific account you want to open.

Is a joint account the same as adding someone as an authorized user?

No. An authorized user can use the account and the debit card but does not own it—only the account owner can make major decisions like closing the account or removing the authorized user. A joint account owner has full legal ownership and equal rights. Choose based on whether you want the other person to have equal control or just access to spend money.