What you need to do to open a joint savings account at Chase
You and the other account owner can open a Chase joint savings account in person at a branch, online through Chase.com, or by phone at 1-800-935-9935. Both of you will need to provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (usually $25 minimum for most Chase savings accounts, though this varies by account type). Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, which looks at your banking history—not your credit score.
The person who starts the account online or by phone becomes the primary account holder, and the second person is added as a joint owner during the same process or afterward. Both of you have equal rights to the account: you can both deposit, withdraw, and manage the money, and both names appear on statements and the debit card (if you order one).
If you're opening in person, bring both IDs and Social Security numbers to any Chase branch. If you're opening online, you'll complete the application together or one of you can start it and add the other person's information before submitting. Chase typically confirms the account within one business day.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of at least $25 to open a joint savings account at Chase.
- You can open the account in person at a branch, online at Chase.com, or by phone; both methods take about one business day to confirm.
- Both owners have full access to deposit, withdraw, and manage all money in the account—there is no separate "permission" system.
- Chase runs a ChexSystems background check on banking history, not credit, so a low credit score will not prevent you from opening the account.
- You can add the second person during the initial application or afterward by visiting a branch with both IDs and Social Security numbers.
What happens during the online application
Start at Chase.com and select "Open an Account." Choose "Savings" and then the specific savings product (Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, or Chase Sapphire Savings—rates and minimums differ). The application asks for the primary account holder's name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment status, and initial funding method (debit card, bank transfer, or check deposit).
After you complete your information, Chase asks whether you want to add a joint owner. If yes, enter the second person's name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Both of you do not need to be present, but Chase will verify both Social Security numbers and run the ChexSystems check on both people. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation email within minutes and the account opens within one business day.
If you want to add a joint owner after opening the account, you can do so by visiting a Chase branch with both IDs and Social Security numbers, or by calling 1-800-935-9935 with both people on the line. The branch method is faster and creates a paper record.
What to bring if you open in person
Bring a government-issued photo ID for each account owner—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring both Social Security numbers (you can write them on a piece of paper if you don't have the cards). Bring the initial deposit: a debit card, a check, or cash. Chase does not charge a fee to open the account.
If one person cannot attend, the person who is present can start the account and add the second owner later. However, the second person will need to visit a branch or call to be added, and Chase will still need to verify their Social Security number and run the ChexSystems check.
How joint ownership works and what each person can do
In a joint savings account at Chase, both owners have equal legal rights. Either person can deposit money, withdraw money, close the account, or change account settings without permission from the other. If one owner withdraws all the money, the other owner cannot reverse it. There is no "approval" step or notification system between owners—Chase does not alert one owner when the other makes a withdrawal.
Both names appear on the account, on statements, and on any debit card issued. Both owners receive statements (either by mail or email, depending on your preference). Both owners can call Chase customer service and access the account online using their own login credentials.
If the account is linked to a Chase checking account for overdraft protection, either owner can trigger an overdraft transfer. If one owner closes the account, it closes for both. If one owner dies, the surviving owner retains full access to the account and the money in it—the account does not freeze or require probate.
Minimum deposit and account fees
Most Chase savings accounts require a $25 minimum deposit to open. Chase Sapphire Savings requires $500. Some promotions waive the minimum for a limited time. You do not need to maintain a minimum balance after opening, though some account types offer higher interest rates if you do.
Chase does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on most savings accounts. However, Chase charges $35 per overdraft if the account is linked to a checking account and you overdraw. Chase also charges $3 per withdrawal after six per month (this is a federal rule, not a Chase rule, though Chase enforces it). If you exceed six withdrawals in a month, you'll see a $3 fee on your statement for each withdrawal over six.
Interest rates on Chase savings accounts are low compared to online banks. As of now, Chase Savings earns around 0.01% APY, Chase Premier Savings earns around 0.04% to 0.05% APY depending on balance, and Chase Sapphire Savings earns around 0.04% APY. These rates change frequently and vary by region.
Adding or removing a joint owner after the account is open
To add a joint owner after opening, visit a Chase branch with both IDs and Social Security numbers. The branch will verify both people, run a ChexSystems check on the new owner, and update the account. This usually takes one business day. You can also call 1-800-935-9935 with both people on the line, though the branch method is faster and creates a clear record.
To remove a joint owner, you must visit a branch in person. Chase requires the account holder who is staying to sign a form authorizing the removal. The person being removed does not need to be present. After removal, that person loses all access to the account. The account remains open under the remaining owner's name.
If both owners want to close the account, either person can do so online, by phone, or in person. If only one owner wants to close it, they can close it unilaterally—the other owner will lose access when the account closes.
What happens if the ChexSystems check fails
Chase uses ChexSystems to check your banking history for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If you appear on the ChexSystems list, Chase may deny the account. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
If Chase denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. You can reapply after 12 months, or sooner if you resolve the issue (for example, by paying off an overdraft). Some people denied at Chase open accounts at banks that do not use ChexSystems, such as Chime or LendingClub, though these are not traditional banks and have different features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person has bad credit?
Yes. Chase does not check credit scores for savings accounts. Chase only checks ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit. A low credit score will not prevent you from opening the account. However, if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud on their ChexSystems record, Chase may deny the application.
What if one owner wants to close the account but the other doesn't?
Either owner can close the account unilaterally. Chase does not require permission from both owners. If one owner closes it, the account closes for both and all money must be withdrawn. The other owner will lose access immediately.
Do both owners need to be present to open the account?
No. One person can open the account online or in person and add the second owner's information during the application. Chase will verify both Social Security numbers and run the ChexSystems check on both people even if only one person is present. The second owner can be added later by visiting a branch or calling with both people on the line.
Can I open a joint account online if we live in different states?
Yes. Chase allows online applications for joint accounts regardless of where each person lives. Both people provide their own address during the application. Chase will mail statements and debit cards to the addresses you provide.
What is the difference between a joint account and an authorized user?
A joint owner has equal legal rights and both names appear on the account. An authorized user can access the account but is not a legal owner and their name does not appear on statements or the debit card. Chase savings accounts do not have an "authorized user" option—you can only add a joint owner. If you want someone to have limited access, you would need to use a different bank or account type.