Documents and information you'll bring to the bank
To open a joint account, you and the other account holder will each need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID. The bank will ask for these at the appointment or when you submit your application online. Bring originals, not copies—most banks will not accept photocopies for identity verification.
Proof of address typically means a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks accept a recent bank statement or insurance document instead. Call ahead to ask what your specific bank takes, since requirements vary by institution.
If you're opening the account online rather than in person, you may need to upload photos of your ID and address proof. Some banks also require a video call where you hold your ID up to the camera so an employee can verify it matches your face.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must bring a government photo ID, proof of current address, and their Social Security number or tax ID.
- The bank will verify your identity in person, by video call, or through uploaded documents depending on whether you visit a branch or open the account online.
- You and the other account holder will both sign documents that specify how the account operates—who can withdraw money, what happens if one person dies, and whether both signatures are required for large transactions.
- Initial deposit amounts vary by bank and account type; some require $25 to $100 to open, while others have no minimum.
- The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or one to three business days if done online.
Decisions you'll make during account setup
When you sit down with the bank representative, you'll choose what type of joint account you want. The most common choice is a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, which means either person can withdraw money and if one dies, the surviving account holder automatically owns the full balance. The alternative is tenancy in common, where each person owns a specific percentage and their share goes to their estate (not automatically to the other person) if they die.
You'll also decide whether both people must sign off on withdrawals above a certain amount, or whether either person can withdraw anything at any time. Most couples choose the second option for everyday accounts. Some banks offer a third choice: one person is the primary account holder and the other is an authorized user who can withdraw but didn't sign the original paperwork—this is simpler to set up but gives less legal equality.
The bank will explain overdraft protection and whether you want it. This means the bank can cover a withdrawal that exceeds your balance, charging you a fee. You can turn this off if you prefer transactions to simply be declined when the account runs dry.
What happens after you sign
Once you've signed the account agreement, the bank will issue debit cards, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks can issue a temporary card on the spot or let you use your phone to make payments immediately while the physical card is in the mail. You'll receive online banking login credentials right away, often before you leave the branch.
Both account holders can log in to the same account and see all transactions, balances, and transfers. Some banks let you set up separate login credentials for each person; others use one login that both people share. Ask the bank which system they use if privacy between the two of you matters.
If you opened the account online, the debit cards will arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days. You'll need to activate them by calling the number on the back of the card or using the bank's app before you can use them.
Initial deposit and minimum balance requirements
Most banks require an opening deposit to activate the account, though the amount varies widely. Some require as little as $25; others ask for $100 or more. A few banks have no minimum deposit at all. Check the bank's website or call before you go in, because if you don't bring enough cash or have enough in another account to transfer, you may not be able to open the account that day.
After the account is open, some banks require you to maintain a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees. This might be $500, $1,000, or higher depending on the account type. If your balance drops below the minimum, you'll typically pay a fee of $10 to $15 per month. Other banks have no minimum balance requirement at all. Read the fee schedule carefully before you commit.
Timeline from start to usable account
If you open the account in person at a branch, you can usually start using it the same day. You'll have online access immediately and can transfer money from another account or set up direct deposit right away. Debit cards arrive by mail within a week or two, but you don't need the physical card to spend money—you can use your phone or computer to pay bills and transfer funds.
If you open online, the account is typically active within one to three business days. The bank will send you login credentials by email, and you can transfer money and set up payments as soon as you can log in. Debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 14 days after that.
Situations that complicate the process
If either account holder has a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts due to negative balances, the bank may deny the joint account or require additional verification. Some banks use ChexSystems, a reporting system that tracks banking history. If you're flagged in ChexSystems, the bank will tell you and may ask for an explanation before proceeding.
If one person does not have a Social Security number—for example, if they are a non-citizen without a tax ID—some banks will not open a joint account. Others will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank ahead of time to ask whether they accept ITINs, because policies vary by institution and sometimes by branch.
If you're opening an account for a minor (someone under 18), the adult must be a joint owner and both names go on the account. The minor cannot open an account alone, and the adult has full access to the money. Some banks have separate teen accounts with parental controls instead.
What to ask the bank before you commit
Ask whether the account has a monthly maintenance fee and what you need to do to waive it. Common waivers include maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or using the debit card a certain number of times per month. Ask what happens if one account holder dies—will the surviving person automatically own the full balance, or will the bank freeze the account while the estate is settled?
Ask whether both people can close the account, or whether only the primary account holder can. Ask what the bank's policy is if the two of you later disagree about who should have access. Ask whether you can add or remove the other person later without closing and reopening the account.
Ask about overdraft fees, wire transfer fees, and whether the bank charges to send money to other banks. Ask whether you can set up alerts when the balance drops below a certain amount, or when a large withdrawal happens. These details matter less on day one but prevent surprises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we're not married?
Yes. Banks do not require marriage or any legal relationship. Unmarried couples, siblings, parents and adult children, and friends can all open joint accounts together. The bank will ask for both people's identification and Social Security numbers, but will not ask about your relationship to each other.
What if one person has bad credit?
A joint bank account is not a loan, so credit score does not matter. The bank may check your banking history using ChexSystems, but they do not pull a credit report. Bad credit will not prevent you from opening a joint account, though a history of overdrafts or fraud might.
Can we open a joint account online without going to the bank?
Yes, most large banks and many smaller ones let you open a joint account entirely online. You'll upload photos of both IDs and proof of address, and some banks require a video call where you show your ID to a representative. The process takes one to three business days, and you can start using the account as soon as it's active.
What if we want to close the account later?
Either account holder can usually close a joint account by visiting the bank, calling, or using the online portal. The bank will ask what you want to do with the remaining balance—transfer it to another account, receive a check, or split it between two accounts. Some banks require both people to sign off on closure; ask your bank's specific policy when you open the account.
Do we both get debit cards, or just one?
Most banks issue a debit card to each account holder automatically. Both cards draw from the same account balance, and both people can see all transactions. If you prefer only one card, ask the bank whether you can decline the second card or have it issued to only one person.