What you need to do to open a joint account

Opening a joint bank account requires both account holders to visit the bank together or, at some banks, to complete the process online with both people present. You will each need to provide a government-issued ID, proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or tax ID. The bank will run a background check on both of you—usually through ChexSystems, which tracks banking history—and may deny the account if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks.

The process takes between 15 minutes and an hour in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online if your bank supports it. You will choose whether the account is "joint with survivorship" (the surviving owner inherits the balance if one dies) or "tenants in common" (the deceased owner's share goes to their estate). Most couples choose survivorship; most business partners choose tenants in common. You will also decide on withdrawal rules: whether both owners must sign checks, whether either owner can withdraw without the other's permission, or whether there are daily limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must provide government ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or tax ID before the bank will open the account.
  • Most banks require both owners to be present in person or online at the same time, though a few allow one person to open the account and add the other later.
  • You must choose whether the account has survivorship (the other owner inherits if one dies) or tenants in common (the share goes to the estate).
  • The bank will check both owners' banking history through ChexSystems, and may refuse the account if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags.
  • Opening takes 15 minutes to an hour in person, or 10 to 20 minutes online, and the account is usually active within one business day.

What documents to bring to the bank

Bring an original government-issued ID for each owner—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. A photocopy is not enough; the bank must see the original. You will also need proof of current address for each person, dated within the last 60 to 90 days. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from another institution all work. Some banks accept a recent tax return or insurance bill instead.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready for both owners. If either owner does not have a Social Security number, you can still open the account with an ITIN, but the bank may require additional documentation. Bring a checkbook or debit card from another bank if you have one—it speeds up the address verification process, though it is not required.

Banks that let you open online versus in person

Most large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—require at least one owner to visit a branch in person, though some now allow both owners to complete the process online if they have existing accounts at that bank. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely; some require in-person visits, others allow online opening if you video-verify your identity.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically allow joint accounts to be opened entirely online, with both owners present at the same time. The process involves uploading photos of your ID, entering your Social Security number, and confirming your identity through a series of security questions. If the bank cannot verify you online, it will mail you a temporary card and ask you to complete verification by phone or in person within a set timeframe.

What happens after you open the account

The account is usually active within one business day, though some banks take up to three days. You will receive debit cards in the mail within 5 to 10 business days—one for each owner, unless you request otherwise. Checks, if you ordered them, arrive separately within 7 to 14 days. You can start making deposits and transfers immediately, even before the debit cards arrive, by using the account number and routing number the bank provides.

Both owners can log into the account online or through the bank's mobile app using their own login credentials, even if they use different email addresses. Some banks let you set up alerts so both owners are notified when the balance drops below a certain amount or when a large withdrawal occurs. You can change the withdrawal rules or survivorship status later, but doing so usually requires both owners to visit the bank or sign a form together.

Why banks may refuse to open a joint account

A bank will deny a joint account if either owner has unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or an active dispute with that bank. ChexSystems, the banking history database, flags accounts that were closed due to negative balance or suspicious activity. If you are flagged, the bank will tell you which bank reported the issue and may give you a chance to resolve it before reapplying.

Some banks also deny accounts if either owner is on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's list of individuals with unresolved legal judgments against them, or if either owner has an active warrant. If you are denied, ask the bank for the specific reason in writing. You can then contact ChexSystems directly to dispute inaccurate information, or you can try a different bank—not all banks use ChexSystems, and some have lower thresholds for approval.

How to add someone to an existing account instead

If one person already has a bank account and wants to add a co-owner, most banks allow this without closing and reopening. The existing account holder visits the bank with the new owner, both provide ID and proof of address, and the bank updates the account registration. This process takes 15 to 30 minutes and is usually free.

Adding someone to an existing account is simpler than opening a new joint account because the bank already has the first owner's history on file. However, the new owner's banking history is still checked, and the bank may refuse to add them if they have serious flags. Once added, the new owner has the same access and liability as if they had opened the account from the start—they are responsible for overdrafts and can be sued for fraud or theft just as the original owner can.

What to know about liability and access

On a joint account, both owners are liable for all overdrafts, fees, and fraud—even if only one person caused the problem. If one owner writes a bad check or makes an unauthorized transfer, the bank can pursue both owners for repayment. If one owner dies, the surviving owner can usually access the account immediately if it has survivorship, but if it is tenants in common, the bank may freeze the account pending probate.

Both owners can withdraw all the money without the other's permission unless you specifically set up a rule requiring both signatures. Some couples use this flexibility; others find it risky and ask the bank to require both signatures on checks over a certain amount. Be aware that if one owner is sued or has a tax debt, a creditor or the IRS can freeze or levy the joint account, affecting both owners' access to their own money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person does not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The bank will verify the ITIN through the IRS, which takes a few extra days. Some banks require additional documentation, such as a passport or consulate ID, if you do not have a Social Security number.

What if one owner wants to close the account or remove the other owner?

Either owner can usually close a joint account unilaterally, though some banks require both owners to sign a closure form. If one owner wants to remove the other without closing, both owners typically must visit the bank together or sign a form authorizing the change. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the other owner before opening the account.

Do I need to tell the IRS or file taxes differently for a joint account?

No. A joint account is not a separate tax entity. Interest earned on the account is reported on the tax return of whoever earned it, or split between both owners if the bank reports it that way. You do not need to file a partnership return or notify the IRS that the account is joint.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is not a family member?

Yes. Banks do not require joint account owners to be related. Business partners, roommates, and friends can all open joint accounts together. The process is the same, and both owners have equal access and liability regardless of their relationship.

How long does it take to access money after opening a joint account?

You can transfer money into the account and use it immediately, even before debit cards arrive. If you are depositing a check, it typically clears within one to three business days. Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another bank usually post within one business day.