What to bring when you open a joint account

You and your co-owner 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 in person or online before they create the account. Bring an original document for the address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. A copy is not enough.

Beyond identity documents, have your employer's name and your current job title ready. Banks ask this as part of their standard verification. If you are self-employed or retired, be ready to say that instead. You will also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account — this ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank and account type.

If either of you has had banking problems in the past, the bank will see them. They check ChexSystems, a banking history database, and they may decline the account or require a larger opening deposit if there are unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags on your record. You cannot hide this, so if you know there is a problem, call the bank before you go in and ask whether they will still open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must bring a government photo ID, proof of current address dated within 60 days, and their Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Banks check ChexSystems for your banking history, and past overdrafts or fraud flags may cause them to decline the account or require a higher opening deposit.
  • You will need to decide in advance how you want the account titled — as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, or another form — because this affects what happens to the money if one owner dies.
  • The bank will ask for your employer name and job title, and you should bring documentation if either owner has recently changed jobs or is self-employed.
  • Opening the account takes 15 to 30 minutes in person or one to three business days if you do it online, and you will receive debit cards and account numbers before you leave or within a few days.

How the account title affects your rights and what happens after death

Before you sit down with the bank, decide together how you want the account titled. The most common form is joint tenants with rights of survivorship, which means if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns all the money in the account. The account does not go through probate — the bank simply transfers it based on the account title.

The alternative is tenants in common, which means each owner's share goes to their estate when they die, not automatically to the other owner. This matters if you want your half of the account to go to your children or another beneficiary instead of your spouse or partner. Some states default to one form or the other if you do not specify, so ask the bank which one they will use if you do not choose.

A few banks also offer payable on death (POD) accounts, where you name a beneficiary who receives the money if both owners die. This is less common for joint accounts but worth asking about if you want the account to pass to someone outside the ownership.

Information about each owner's income and employment

The bank will ask each owner separately about their income and employment. Have your most recent pay stub or tax return handy if you work for an employer. If you are self-employed, freelance, or retired, be ready to describe your income source — the bank does not need exact numbers at this stage, just enough to verify you have a way to fund the account.

If either owner is unemployed or has no income, you can still open the account, but the bank may ask follow-up questions about how the account will be funded. Be honest about this. Some banks have no issue with it; others may require the employed owner to be the primary account holder or may ask for a larger opening deposit.

If you have recently changed jobs, bring a letter from your new employer or a signed offer letter. If you are between jobs, say so — banks understand this and do not automatically reject accounts because of it.

Proof of address and what documents the bank will accept

Your proof of address must be an original document dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. A credit card statement or bank statement with your name and address also works at most banks. A driver's license with your current address printed on it counts as both ID and proof of address.

If you have recently moved and your ID does not show your new address yet, bring the ID plus a utility bill or lease in your new name. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, ask the bank whether they will accept it — some will, some will not. A lease in your name is safer because it proves you live there.

If you are opening the account online, you will upload photos of these documents. Make sure the photos are clear, show the full document, and include the date. Blurry or cropped photos often get rejected, and the bank will ask you to resubmit.

Social Security numbers and tax identification

Each owner must provide their Social Security number (SSN) or, if they do not have one, their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to report interest earned on the account to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems. You cannot open a joint account without this information.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have an SSN or ITIN, ask the bank whether they will open an account using your passport number or another form of identification. Some banks will; others will not. This varies by bank and by state, so call ahead if this applies to you.

The bank will ask you to provide this information in writing or online, and they will verify it before the account is created. If the number you provide does not match IRS records, the bank will ask you to correct it before they proceed.

Opening deposits and minimum balance requirements

Most banks require an opening deposit to create the account, though the amount varies. Some require as little as $25; others require $500 or more. A few banks have no minimum opening deposit but require you to maintain a certain balance to avoid monthly fees. Ask the bank what their requirement is before you go in, so you know how much cash or a check to bring.

The opening deposit can come from either owner or from both. If you are opening the account in person, you can deposit cash or a check. If you are opening it online, you will usually link an existing bank account and transfer the money electronically, or you can mail a check to the bank.

After the account is open, the minimum balance requirement (if there is one) applies to the total balance in the account, not to each owner's share. If the balance drops below the minimum, the bank will charge a monthly fee, usually $5 to $15.

Debit cards, PINs, and how you will access the account

When you open the account, the bank will ask how many debit cards you want and whose names should be on them. You can request one card in each owner's name, one card in one owner's name, or no debit cards at all if you plan to use online banking or checks only. Debit cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days if you open the account in person, or within 5 to 7 business days if you open it online.

Each debit card will have its own PIN, which you set up at the time of opening or when the card arrives. Both owners can use the same debit card if you want, but the bank will only issue one physical card, so you would have to share it. Most couples request separate cards so each owner can make purchases independently.

For online and mobile banking, the bank will set up a username and password for the account. Both owners can log in with the same credentials, or you can set up separate logins that both access the same account. Ask the bank how they handle this — policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account online, or do I have to go to the bank in person?

Most banks let you open a joint account online, though some require at least one owner to verify their identity in person or through a video call. The process takes one to three business days online versus 15 to 30 minutes in person. You will still need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and the bank will verify your information before the account is created.

What if one owner has a ChexSystems flag or past banking problems?

The bank will see it and may decline the account, require a higher opening deposit, or place restrictions on the account (like no overdraft protection). You cannot hide this. Call the bank before you apply and ask whether they will open the account given the history. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking problems.

Do both owners have to be present when we open the account?

If you open in person, most banks require both owners to be present and to sign the paperwork. If you open online, some banks let one owner start the process and the other owner complete it remotely, but policies vary. Call the bank and ask what they require before you start.

What happens if one owner does not have a Social Security number?

Some banks will accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a passport number instead. Others will not open an account without an SSN. Call the bank first to ask whether they can work with you, because this varies by bank and by state.

How long does it take to get the debit card after we open the account?

If you open in person, the bank may issue a temporary card on the spot or within one business day. A permanent card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you open online, expect 5 to 7 business days for the card to arrive. You can use online banking and checks before the card arrives.