What you need to do to open a joint account at Discover
Opening a joint checking account at Discover requires both account holders to provide personal information and verify their identity online. You'll need a Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and a current mailing address for each person on the account. Discover handles the entire process through their website or mobile app — there are no branch visits required.
One person starts the application and adds the second account holder partway through. Both of you will receive verification steps, usually a code sent to your phone or email. The account typically opens within one business day once both people complete their parts of the process.
Discover does not charge a monthly fee for their checking account, and there is no minimum balance requirement. You'll have access to a debit card, online bill pay, and mobile check deposit from day one.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must provide a Social Security number, valid ID, and current address during the online application.
- The primary applicant starts the process and invites the second person to complete their own verification steps.
- Account opening usually takes one business day after both people finish their identity verification.
- Discover's checking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, and includes a debit card and mobile check deposit.
- Each person on the joint account can make withdrawals, transfers, and deposits without permission from the other.
What documents and information to gather before you start
Have both Social Security numbers ready before either person begins the application. Discover will ask for the full nine-digit number for each account holder. If either person does not have a Social Security number, they cannot open a Discover checking account — Discover does not offer accounts for non-citizens without an SSN.
You'll also need a valid government-issued ID for each person. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired, and the name on the ID must match the name you enter in the application. Discover may ask you to photograph your ID during the process.
Have a current mailing address for both account holders. This is where Discover will send your debit cards and any account statements if you choose paper statements. If you're moving soon, use the address where you'll receive mail, not a temporary one.
The step-by-step process for both account holders
The primary account holder goes to Discover's website or opens the mobile app and selects "Open a Checking Account." They enter their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mailing address. Discover will ask security questions based on your credit history to verify your identity.
Once the primary holder completes their section, they receive a screen asking them to add a joint account holder. They enter the second person's name and email address. Discover sends an email to that person with a link to complete their own application.
The second account holder clicks the link and enters their own Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. They also answer security questions. Once both people finish, Discover reviews the application, which usually takes a few hours to one business day.
You'll receive confirmation when the account is open. Debit cards ship to the mailing addresses you provided, typically arriving within 5 to 7 business days. You can use the account immediately for transfers and bill pay while you wait for the physical cards.
How joint account ownership works at Discover
A joint checking account at Discover means both people own the account equally and have full access to all funds. Either person can withdraw money, make transfers, pay bills, or deposit checks without asking the other person's permission. Both names appear on the debit cards and statements.
If one account holder passes away, the surviving account holder retains full access to the account and all funds in it. Discover does not freeze joint accounts when one owner dies, though you should notify Discover of the death so they can update their records.
If the account holders separate or disagree about account use, either person can close the account or remove the other person. Discover will not mediate disputes between joint owners — that is a matter between the account holders themselves.
Fees, limits, and what happens after the account opens
Discover charges no monthly maintenance fee for checking accounts. There are no overdraft fees, no NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees, and no minimum balance. If you overdraw your account, Discover will decline the transaction rather than charging you a fee.
ATM withdrawals are free at any Discover ATM. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Discover does not charge you, but the ATM operator may charge their own fee. Discover reimburses out-of-network ATM fees if you use their Cashback Checking product, though the standard checking account does not include this feature.
Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and bill payments are all free. You can set up automatic payments to pay bills on a schedule, and you can transfer money between your Discover accounts or to accounts at other banks at no charge.
Discover's debit card includes fraud protection. If someone uses your card without permission, you are liable for no more than $50 if you report it within two business days. Report fraud by calling Discover's customer service number on the back of your card or through your online account.
What to do if you need to add or remove an account holder later
If you want to add a third person to the account after it opens, you cannot do this through the online application. You'll need to call Discover's customer service to request a third-party addition, and that person will need to complete their own verification. Discover may or may not allow a third person on a checking account — policies vary, so ask when you call.
To remove an account holder, either person can call Discover and request that the other person be removed. Discover will remove the person's access, though the account itself remains open in the name of whoever stays on it. The removed person will no longer be able to access the account or use the debit card.
If both account holders want to close the account, either person can request closure through the app or by calling Discover. Make sure any pending transactions have cleared first. Discover will mail a check for any remaining balance to the mailing address on file, or you can transfer the funds to another account before closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person has bad credit?
Discover does not run a hard credit check for checking accounts, so bad credit will not prevent either person from opening an account. Discover will verify your identity using security questions, but they do not deny accounts based on credit score or credit history.
What if the second account holder doesn't complete their part of the application?
If the second person does not click the email link or complete their verification within a certain time frame, the application will expire. The primary account holder can start over and send a new invitation. Contact Discover's customer service if you need help resending the invitation link.
Can I open a joint account with someone who lives in a different state?
Yes. Discover is a national bank, so both account holders can live anywhere in the United States. Each person provides their own mailing address during the application, and Discover will send debit cards to both addresses.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?
No. Discover's checking account has no minimum balance requirement. You can keep any amount in the account, including zero, without being charged a fee.
What happens if one account holder wants to close the account but the other doesn't?
Either account holder can close a joint account unilaterally by calling Discover. The account will close even if the other person objects. If you are concerned about this, discuss account access and closure with the other person before opening the account.