Yes, but the bank sets the rules, not you
Any two people can open a joint bank account together as long as both meet the bank's requirements. Most banks require both account holders to be at least 18 years old, provide a valid government-issued ID, and have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Beyond that, the relationship between the two people does not matter — you do not have to be married, related, or in a business partnership.
What matters is that both people show up (or both sign documents if opening remotely), verify their identity, and agree to the account terms. The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which flags accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid overdrafts. If either person has a history that triggers a flag, the bank may deny the account or require additional steps.
Some banks have stricter rules. Credit unions often limit joint accounts to spouses or immediate family. Online banks may require both account holders to be U.S. residents or have a U.S. address. A few banks will not open a joint account if one person is under 18, even with a parent's consent — they require both signers to be adults. Call the specific bank before you go in or start an online application.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid ID and Social Security number or ITIN at most banks.
- The bank does not care about your relationship to each other — marriage, family ties, and business partnerships are all treated the same way.
- Both people must sign the account agreement, either in person or by remote signature, depending on how the bank handles new accounts.
- Some credit unions and smaller banks restrict joint accounts to spouses or family members, so confirm the bank's policy before applying.
- A ChexSystems report showing fraud or unpaid overdrafts on either person's history may cause the bank to deny the account.
What happens when you open the account together
When both people are present, the process is straightforward. You each bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), provide your Social Security number, and sign the account agreement. The bank will ask how you want the account titled — this is the legal ownership structure, and it determines what happens to the money if one person dies.
Most joint accounts are opened as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," which means if one person dies, the surviving person automatically owns all the money in the account. Some people choose "tenants in common," which means each person's share goes to their estate (and their heirs) when they die, not to the surviving account holder. Ask the bank which option is the default and whether you can choose.
If one person cannot be present, many banks now allow remote account opening. One person starts the application online, and the other person completes their portion separately using a video call with a bank representative or by uploading ID and signing electronically. The timeline varies — some banks complete this in minutes, others take a few business days. Ask whether both people need to be present or whether remote signing is an option.
What the bank checks before saying yes
The bank will pull a ChexSystems report on both people. This report shows whether either of you has closed accounts due to fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other issues. If the report is clean, the account usually opens the same day or within one business day. If there is a flag, the bank may ask for an explanation, require a larger opening deposit, or deny the account outright.
The bank will also verify your identity by checking your ID against your Social Security number. If your name, date of birth, or address does not match the records, the bank may ask for additional documents — a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return — to confirm you are who you say you are. This is standard anti-fraud procedure and does not mean you have done anything wrong.
Some banks run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. A few banks run a hard credit check, which does show up on your credit report. Ask the bank whether they pull credit before you start the application. If credit is pulled, both account holders' reports will be checked.
When a bank can refuse to open a joint account
A bank can refuse to open a joint account if either person does not meet the basic requirements: being 18 or older, having a valid ID, and having a Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks also refuse if either person is on the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions list, which is rare but does happen if someone shares a name with a sanctioned individual.
If either person has a history of fraud or serious banking violations, the bank may refuse. This includes writing bad checks, opening accounts under false pretenses, or being flagged for money laundering activity. The bank does not have to tell you the specific reason — they can simply say the account cannot be opened. If this happens, you can ask whether the issue is with one person or both, and whether waiting a certain amount of time might change the decision.
Credit unions are more restrictive. Many will only open joint accounts between spouses or between a parent and a minor child. Some require both people to be members of the credit union first. A few credit unions will not open a joint account at all — they only offer individual accounts. Check the credit union's policy before you visit.
Opening a joint account when one person cannot show up
If one person is out of state, out of the country, or simply cannot make it to the bank, remote account opening is your option. Most large banks and many online banks support this. One person starts the application on the bank's website or app, enters both people's information, and the other person receives a link or invitation to complete their portion.
The second person will need to verify their identity, usually by uploading a photo of their ID and taking a selfie, or by having a video call with a bank representative. Some banks require both people to be on a video call together at the end to confirm they both want the account. The entire process typically takes 24 to 48 hours, though some banks are faster.
If the bank does not offer remote account opening, one person can sometimes sign a power of attorney allowing the other person to open the account on their behalf. This is less common and requires the bank to accept the power of attorney document. Call the bank first to ask whether this is an option — do not assume it is.
What you need to bring or provide
| Item | Why the bank needs it | Acceptable forms |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued ID | To verify you are who you say you are | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID |
| Social Security number or ITIN | To report interest and verify identity | Your SSN or ITIN (required for both account holders) |
| Proof of address (sometimes) | If your ID address does not match current address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, recent tax return |
| Opening deposit | To fund the account | Varies by bank; some require $0, others require $25–$500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. citizen and a non-citizen open a joint account?
Yes, if the non-citizen has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a valid visa and Social Security number. Some banks are stricter and require both people to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy on non-citizens.
What if one person has a criminal record or is on a fraud list?
The bank may refuse to open the account if one person is flagged in ChexSystems or on the OFAC sanctions list. The bank does not have to explain why, but you can ask whether the issue is temporary or permanent, and whether reapplying later might work.
Can we open a joint account if we are not married?
Yes. Banks do not require marriage. You can open a joint account with a friend, business partner, family member, or anyone else who meets the age and ID requirements. The bank treats all joint accounts the same way regardless of your relationship.
What if one person is under 18?
Most banks will not open a joint account if either person is under 18. Some banks offer joint accounts between a parent and a minor child, but the parent is usually the primary account holder. Ask the bank whether they have accounts for minors and what the rules are.
Do we both have to sign the account agreement?
Yes. Both people must sign the agreement, either in person or electronically. The bank needs both signatures to confirm that both people understand the account terms and agree to them.