You can open a joint account with almost anyone, but the bank decides who qualifies based on their own rules
Banks do not require you to be married, related, or in a legal partnership to open a joint account together. You can open one with a friend, business partner, adult child, parent, or anyone else the bank will accept. What matters is not your relationship to the other person—it is whether both of you meet the bank's account requirements and pass their verification process.
The bank will ask for identification from both account holders, proof of address, and a Social Security number or tax ID for each person. They will run background checks and verify that neither of you has a history of fraud or unpaid debts to that institution. Some banks also refuse to open joint accounts for people with certain criminal records or those on fraud watchlists. If either person fails these checks, the bank will deny the account.
Key Takeaways
- Banks set their own rules about who can hold a joint account, and these rules vary by institution—some accept anyone with valid ID, while others have stricter policies.
- Both account holders must provide government-issued ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or tax ID, and both must pass the bank's background check.
- You do not need to be related, married, or in a legal partnership to open a joint account, but you do need to be at least 18 years old.
- If one person has a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or is on a bank's internal watchlist, the bank may refuse to open the account.
- Once the account is open, both holders have equal legal rights to all the money in it, regardless of who deposited it.
Age and identity requirements both account holders must meet
Both people opening the account must be at least 18 years old. The bank will verify this with a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If either person is under 18, you cannot open a standard joint account. Some banks offer custodial accounts for minors, but those require a parent or legal guardian as the account holder, not a peer.
The bank will also verify that the ID is real and matches the person presenting it. They will check the name, date of birth, and address against their database. If the ID is expired, damaged, or does not match the person's appearance, the bank may ask for a second form of ID or refuse to open the account.
What banks check before approving a joint account
Banks run a background check on both account holders through ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that tracks banking history. This check shows whether either person has unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or a history of returned checks. If either person has negative marks on their ChexSystems report, the bank may deny the account or require a deposit to offset the risk.
The bank also checks the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list, which is a government database of people and entities involved in money laundering, terrorism financing, or sanctions violations. If either account holder appears on this list, the bank must refuse the account by law. Banks also run their own internal fraud watchlists—if either person has committed fraud against that bank in the past, they will be denied.
Some banks also check your credit report, though this is less common for checking accounts than for savings or money market accounts. A low credit score alone will not disqualify you, but a history of unpaid debts to that bank may.
Situations where a bank will refuse to open a joint account
A bank can refuse to open a joint account if either person has been convicted of certain crimes, particularly those involving fraud, theft, or money laundering. Banks are required by law to refuse accounts to people on government watchlists, and they have the right to refuse service to anyone they believe poses a financial risk.
If either person has a history of overdrafts, bounced checks, or disputes with that bank, the bank may refuse. Some banks also refuse joint accounts to people with active bankruptcy cases or those who have filed for bankruptcy within the last few years. A few banks have policies against opening joint accounts for people in certain states or with certain visa statuses, though this is less common.
If either person cannot provide valid identification or a Social Security number, the account cannot be opened. Undocumented immigrants may be refused by most banks, though some banks and credit unions do offer accounts to people with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number.
How the bank verifies both people are who they say they are
Both account holders must appear in person at the bank with valid ID. Some banks allow you to open an account online if you have a state-issued ID that can be verified digitally, but at least one person typically needs to verify their identity in real time. The bank will photograph or scan both IDs and cross-reference them against government databases.
The bank will also ask for proof of address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your current address. This must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, depending on the bank's policy. If you do not have a physical address, some banks will accept a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization confirming your residence.
Both people will need to provide their Social Security number or tax ID. The bank will verify this through the Social Security Administration or the IRS. If either person refuses to provide this information, the account cannot be opened.
What happens after both people are verified and the account opens
Once the account is open, both holders have equal legal rights to all the money in it. This means either person can withdraw, transfer, or close the account without the other person's permission. The money is not divided by who deposited it—if one person puts in $5,000 and the other puts in $1,000, both people can access all $6,000.
Both account holders are also equally liable for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, the bank can pursue either person for the debt. If one person writes a bad check or commits fraud using the account, both people may be held responsible.
The bank will issue debit cards and checks to both account holders unless you specifically request otherwise. Both people will receive statements and can set up online access. If either person dies, the surviving account holder typically retains access to the full balance, though this depends on how the account was titled and the state's laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account with someone who has bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not usually check credit scores for checking accounts, and a low credit score alone will not disqualify someone. However, if the person has unpaid debts to that specific bank or a history of overdrafts reported to ChexSystems, the bank may refuse the account.
What if one person has been convicted of a crime?
It depends on the crime and the bank's policy. Convictions for fraud, theft, or money laundering will likely result in denial. Convictions for other crimes may not. The bank will make this decision based on their internal risk assessment and legal requirements.
Can I open a joint account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number, but some credit unions and banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts ITINs before you visit.
Do both people have to go to the bank in person?
Most banks require both people to verify their identity in person or through a digital verification process. Some banks allow online account opening if both people have state-issued IDs that can be verified digitally, but policies vary widely.
What if the bank denies the account?
The bank must tell you why they denied it. If it was due to a ChexSystems report, you have the right to see that report and dispute inaccuracies. You can also try a different bank—each institution has its own policies and may accept you even if another bank refused.