What you need to do to open a joint account

To open a joint bank account, you and the other account holder visit a bank or credit union together, bring identification and proof of address for both people, and sign the account agreement. The bank will run a background check on both of you—usually through ChexSystems, which tracks banking history—and you'll choose whether the account requires both signatures to withdraw money or just one. Most joint accounts are set up to allow either person to withdraw or transfer funds without permission from the other.

The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in person at a branch. Some banks also allow you to start the application online, but you'll still need to visit a branch or video call to verify your identity and sign the final paperwork. You'll leave with a debit card for each account holder and online access set up immediately, though the card itself may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present or complete a video verification call, and both must provide a government ID and proof of current address.
  • The bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems; a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks can result in denial.
  • You decide upfront whether the account requires both signatures for withdrawals or allows either person to move money alone—this choice is permanent and affects how you manage shared funds.
  • Debit cards are issued to each holder, and both people have full access to the account balance and transaction history online.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees for joint accounts; compare fee structures before opening, because fees vary widely between institutions.

Documents and ID you'll need to bring

Each account holder must bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will also ask for proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and don't have a document with your new address yet, some banks will accept a lease or rental agreement even if it's not yet dated.

If either person has a name that differs from their ID—because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the name mismatch will delay or block the account opening. Some banks also ask for a Social Security number for both account holders; have that ready, though you don't need to bring a card.

How banks check your background and history

When you apply, the bank runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems, a database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud, and accounts closed due to misuse. If you have unpaid overdrafts from a previous bank or a history of writing bad checks, ChexSystems will flag it. Banks use this report to decide whether to open the account, and some will deny you outright if the report shows recent fraud or repeated overdraft abuse.

If you're denied, ChexSystems will tell the bank why, and the bank should tell you the reason. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file. If there's an error—a closed account listed as fraud when it wasn't—you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Disputes usually resolve within 30 days. Some banks also use a second system called Early Warning Services (EWS) to check for fraud; if you're flagged there, ask the bank what the issue is and whether you can provide documentation to clear it.

Choosing between single-signature and dual-signature accounts

When you open the account, the bank will ask whether you want single-signature access (either person can withdraw or transfer money without the other's permission) or dual-signature access (both people must sign off on withdrawals). Most couples and business partners choose single-signature because it's simpler for everyday use. Dual-signature is rare and mainly used when two people want to protect shared funds from one person acting alone—for example, a business account where both partners must approve large transfers.

This choice is set when you open the account and usually cannot be changed later without closing and reopening the account. If you're unsure, ask the bank whether you can change it down the road; some institutions will modify it, but others won't. Think about your actual use: if you're pooling money for household bills and either person should be able to pay them, single-signature makes sense. If you're saving for a specific goal and want both people to agree before touching the money, dual-signature protects that intention—but it also means one person can't move money in an emergency without the other's signature.

What happens after you open the account

You'll receive a debit card for each account holder within 5 to 10 business days. Both cards draw from the same account balance, so if one person spends $500, the balance drops by $500 for both of you. Online banking is usually active the same day you open the account; you can log in, see the balance, and set up bill pay or transfers immediately. The bank will also assign you a routing number and account number, which you'll need if you want to set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments.

Each account holder can see the full transaction history and account balance online. If you want to limit what one person can see—for example, hiding certain transactions—that's not possible with a standard joint account. Both people have equal access to all information. If privacy is important to you, talk to the bank about whether they offer linked accounts instead, where each person has their own account but they're connected for transfers. Not all banks offer this, but some do.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

Joint account fees vary widely. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per month for a joint account, while others charge the same fee as a single account or no fee at all. Many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance—often $500 to $1,500—or if you set up direct deposit. A few banks charge extra for each debit card issued, so if you're opening an account for two people, ask whether that adds to the cost.

Before you open the account, compare the fee structure at three or four banks. The difference between a bank that charges $12 per month and one that charges nothing adds up to $144 per year. Some credit unions have lower fees than banks, and some online banks have no monthly fees at all. Ask whether the fee applies to both account holders or just the primary account holder, and whether it's waived if you meet certain conditions like maintaining a balance or receiving direct deposit.

What to do if one person has a ChexSystems problem

If the bank denies your joint account application because one person has a negative ChexSystems report, you have a few options. First, request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. If the report is accurate but old—for example, an overdraft from five years ago—some banks will still open the account if you explain the situation and show you've been banking responsibly since then. Call the bank's customer service line and ask to speak with a manager; they sometimes have discretion to override a ChexSystems denial.

If the denial stands, you can open the account with only the person who has a clean history, and the other person can be added later as an authorized user. An authorized user can use the debit card and access the account online but isn't legally responsible for overdrafts or fees. This isn't a true joint account—only one person owns it—but it lets you share access to the money. Another option is to try a credit union instead of a bank; credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies about ChexSystems issues, especially if you're a member or can become one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we open a joint account if we're not married?

Yes. Banks don't require marriage to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, business partner, friend, or anyone else. You both just need to be present with ID and proof of address. The bank doesn't ask about your relationship.

What if one person lives in a different state?

You can still open a joint account, but you'll likely need to do it by video call rather than in person. Many banks now offer video verification, where you both show your ID to a bank representative on camera and sign electronically. Call the bank first to confirm they offer this option, because not all branches do.

Can we remove someone from a joint account later?

Not easily. Most banks require both account holders to agree to remove someone, or they require the account to be closed and reopened with only one person. If the relationship ends badly and one person won't cooperate, you may need to close the account and open a new one. Ask the bank about their specific policy before you open the account.

Does opening a joint account affect my credit score?

No. Opening a bank account—joint or single—does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. The bank checks ChexSystems, not your credit history. However, if you overdraft the account and the bank sends it to collections, that can hurt your credit.

What if we want to keep our money separate but share one account for bills?

You can open a joint account just for shared expenses and keep separate individual accounts for personal money. Many couples do this: they each deposit a set amount into the joint account each month to cover rent, utilities, and groceries, and keep the rest in their own accounts. This gives you the benefit of a shared account without mixing all your money.