Yes, you can open a shared bank account online, but the process depends on whether both account holders are present and which bank you choose

Most major banks and many online-only banks let you open a joint account entirely through their website or app. Both account holders typically need to verify their identity during the process — usually through a video call, uploading documents, or answering security questions — but neither of you has to visit a branch. The timeline is usually one to three business days from approval to account opening.

The catch: some banks require at least one account holder to be an existing customer, and a few still require in-person verification for joint accounts even if you can open individual accounts online. Before you start, check whether your chosen bank allows joint account opening online and whether both of you meet their identity verification requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Most online banks and major national banks allow you to open a joint account entirely online, with both account holders verifying their identity remotely.
  • You will need both account holders' Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and government-issued ID to complete the process.
  • Some banks require one account holder to already be a customer, and a few still require at least one person to visit a branch in person.
  • The account is usually active within one to three business days, though some banks take longer to mail debit cards or activate online access.
  • Both account holders have equal access and responsibility for the account unless you specifically set up a custodial or power-of-attorney arrangement.

What information you need from both account holders

Before either of you starts the application, gather these documents and details for both people: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — for identity verification.

Some banks ask for employment information, annual income, or the reason you want a joint account, though these questions are optional in most cases. If either account holder has had fraud or banking issues in the past, the bank may ask about those during verification. Have this information ready before you start the application to avoid delays.

How the online verification process works

Most banks use one of three methods to verify both account holders' identities online. The first is a video call with a bank representative, where you show your ID and answer questions to confirm you are who you say you are. The second is document upload, where you photograph or scan your ID and sometimes a recent utility bill or other proof of address. The third is knowledge-based verification, where the system asks you questions only you should know the answers to — usually based on your credit history or public records.

Video verification is usually the fastest and most reliable method, though it requires both account holders to be available at the same time. Document upload can take longer because a human reviewer has to check your images. Knowledge-based verification is instant but may fail if either of you has limited credit history or has moved recently.

During verification, the bank will also run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking history and fraud. If either account holder has a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud, the bank may deny the application or require additional steps.

Banks that allow joint account opening online

Major national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all allow joint checking and savings account opening online, though some require one account holder to already be a customer. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also offer joint accounts with fully remote opening.

Credit unions vary widely — some allow online joint account opening, while others require at least one member to visit a branch or already be a member. If you bank with a credit union, call or check their website to confirm their process before you start.

A few regional banks and some credit unions still require in-person verification for joint accounts even if they allow it for individual accounts. If your preferred bank is not listed on their website as offering online joint account opening, contact them directly to ask whether they have made changes to their policy.

What happens after you submit your application

Once both account holders complete verification, the bank usually approves or denies the application within one business day. If approved, the account opens immediately and you can log in to the online portal right away. However, the debit card typically takes five to ten business days to arrive by mail, and some banks delay full access to certain features until the card arrives.

You can usually start making transfers and setting up direct deposit as soon as the account opens, even if the debit card has not arrived yet. Some banks let you request a temporary digital card or virtual card number through their app while you wait for the physical card. If the application is denied, the bank will send a letter explaining why — usually due to ChexSystems history, identity verification failure, or an existing account in one of your names.

How ownership and access work on a joint account

On a standard joint account, both account holders have equal legal ownership and full access to all funds. Either person can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account without the other's permission. Both account holders are also equally responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any debt the bank tries to collect.

If you want different access levels — for example, if one person is managing money for a minor or an elderly relative — you need to set up a different account type. A custodial account puts one person in control with the other as a beneficiary. A power-of-attorney arrangement gives one person authority over the account while the other retains ownership. These arrangements usually require in-person paperwork or a notarized document, so they cannot be completed entirely online at most banks.

What to do if one account holder cannot verify their identity online

If one account holder does not have a government-issued ID, cannot complete a video call, or fails knowledge-based verification, most banks will not open the account online. Your options are to visit a branch in person with both account holders and valid ID, or to open an individual account first and add the second person later.

Some banks allow you to add an authorized user or co-owner to an existing account after it opens, though this usually requires paperwork and may take longer than opening a joint account from the start. If the second account holder has no credit history or ID, ask the bank whether they accept alternative forms of identification — some accept passport cards, tribal IDs, or military IDs in addition to driver's licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person lives in a different state?

Yes. Online banks and most national banks do not require both account holders to live in the same state or even the same country. As long as both people can verify their identity and provide valid information, the account can open regardless of location. Some regional banks limit joint accounts to people within their service area, so check your bank's policy first.

What if we want to add a third person to the account later?

Most banks allow you to add a third account holder after the account opens, but the process varies. Some require in-person verification, while others let you add someone online. Contact your bank to ask whether the third person can be added remotely and what documents they will need to provide.

Do both people need to have good credit to open a joint account?

No. Banks do not check credit scores for joint account opening — they check ChexSystems and Early Warning Services, which track banking history and fraud, not credit. However, if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud on record, the bank may deny the application.

Can I open a joint account if one person is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, but the non-citizen will need a valid government-issued ID and may need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Some banks accept this; others do not. Call your bank before applying to confirm they can open an account for a non-citizen.

What if the application is denied?

The bank will send a letter explaining why within a few business days. Common reasons are ChexSystems history, identity verification failure, or an existing account in one of your names. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting the agency directly, or you can try applying at a different bank that has different approval standards.