What you need to do to open a joint account

To open a joint checking account, both account holders must visit the bank together or one person can start the process and the other can sign the paperwork later — it depends on the bank's rules. You'll need to choose a bank or credit union, bring identification and proof of address for both people, decide who owns what percentage of the account, and sign the account agreement. Most banks let you open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, though joint accounts sometimes require at least one person to be present in person.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you're both there, or a few days if one person opens it and mails documents to the other to sign. You'll receive debit cards, online access, and a routing number within one to two weeks. Some banks charge a monthly fee for joint accounts; others don't. Check the fee schedule before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must provide a government-issued ID and proof of address, though not always at the same time or in the same location.
  • You'll decide upfront whether the account is owned equally, what happens to the money if one person dies, and who can close the account.
  • Most banks offer joint accounts online, by mail, or in person, and the account is usually ready to use within one to two weeks.
  • Joint accounts have no federal limit on how much money you can deposit or hold, but banks may flag large deposits for reporting purposes.
  • Either account holder can withdraw all the money or close the account without the other person's permission unless you set restrictions with the bank.

Documents and information you'll need from both people

Each person opening the account needs a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a government document with your address on it instead.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security numbers so the bank can run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks for fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts due to mismanagement — it does not affect your credit score. If either person has a history of banking problems, the bank may deny the account or require a deposit.

Bring the original documents or be ready to upload photos of them if you're opening the account online. Some banks will not accept screenshots or copies; they want the actual document or a certified copy.

Choosing between in-person, online, and mail options

Opening in person at a branch is the fastest route if both of you can go together. You'll walk out with temporary debit cards or a card number you can use immediately, and the account is active the same day. The banker can also answer questions about how the account works and what happens if one person dies.

Opening online works if the bank allows it for joint accounts — not all do. You'll enter both people's information, upload ID and address proof, and sign electronically. The account is usually ready within one to three business days. Some banks require one person to verify their identity in person at a branch or through a video call before the account is fully active.

Opening by mail is slower but possible at some banks and credit unions. One person opens the account, receives the paperwork, and mails it to the other person to sign and return. This can take two to three weeks total. Ask the bank whether they'll accept a notarized signature or if both people must sign in front of a bank employee.

Ownership and what happens to the money if someone dies

When you open the account, you'll choose how the account is owned. The two most common options are joint tenants with rights of survivorship and tenants in common. With survivorship, if one person dies, the surviving person automatically owns all the money in the account — it does not go through their will or probate. With tenants in common, each person's share goes to their estate when they die, which can delay access to the money and create legal complications.

Most couples and family members choose survivorship because it's simpler and faster. If you're opening an account with someone who is not a spouse or close relative, discuss this choice carefully — it has real legal consequences. Some banks default to survivorship; others ask you to choose. If the bank does not ask, you can usually change it later by visiting a branch or calling customer service.

Write down which option you chose and keep that information somewhere safe. If the bank's records don't match what you intended, the wrong person's heirs could end up with the money.

What happens after the account opens

You'll receive a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and temporary debit card information within three to five business days. Permanent debit cards arrive within one to two weeks. You can set up online banking and mobile app access immediately using the account number and a temporary password the bank provides.

Before you start using the account, log in together and confirm that both names appear on the account and that you can both see the transaction history. Set up alerts for large withdrawals or low balances if the bank offers them — this helps catch fraud or mistakes early. Decide together whether you'll use the same login credentials or separate ones, and whether one person will manage the account day-to-day or you'll both have equal control.

If either person has overdraft protection turned on from a previous account, make sure it's set up correctly on the new account or turned off if you don't want it. Overdraft fees can add up quickly on a joint account if both people are spending without checking the balance.

Fees, minimum balances, and account restrictions

Joint checking accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee, a minimum balance requirement, or both. Fees range from zero to $15 per month depending on the bank and the account type. Some banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account.

Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account — it's usually on their website or available from a banker. Ask specifically about overdraft fees, ATM fees outside the bank's network, and fees for closing the account early. Some banks charge a fee to close an account within the first 90 days.

There is no federal limit on how much money you can keep in a checking account, but the FDIC insures up to $250,000 per person per bank. On a joint account, each person's share is insured separately, so $250,000 in your name and $250,000 in the other person's name are both covered — total of $500,000. If you have more than that, ask the bank how they structure the insurance.

What you should know about control and access

On a joint account, either person can withdraw all the money, make transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission — unless you set up restrictions with the bank. Some banks offer dual control or dual signature options, which require both people to approve large transactions or account changes. This is less common for checking accounts and more common for business accounts, but it's worth asking about if you want that level of protection.

If you're concerned about one person spending without permission, a joint account may not be the right choice. Consider a separate account for shared expenses instead, where one person controls the money but both can see the balance and recent transactions. Or open a joint account with a low balance and keep most of your money in separate accounts.

If one person dies, the surviving person can usually access the account immediately if it's set up with survivorship. If it's set up as tenants in common, the bank may freeze the account until the estate is settled, which can take weeks or months.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Banks do not require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, business partner, or anyone else. Both people must provide ID and proof of address, and both must agree to the account terms. Make sure you discuss what happens to the money if one person dies, since that's a legal question separate from the bank's rules.

What if one person has bad credit or a ChexSystems record?

A joint account does not require a credit check, so bad credit will not stop you from opening one. However, if either person has unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or a closed account due to mismanagement, ChexSystems will flag it and the bank may deny the account or require a deposit. Ask the bank what their policy is before you apply — some banks have second-chance accounts for people with banking history problems.

Can we open a joint account online if we live in different states?

It depends on the bank. Some banks allow both people to open an account online from different locations; others require at least one person to be present in a branch or to verify their identity by video. Call the bank or check their website before you start. If the bank requires in-person verification, you may be able to do it at a branch in either state.

How do we close a joint account?

Either person can close the account by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using online banking — you do not need the other person's permission. Withdraw or transfer any remaining balance first, then request closure. The bank will send a confirmation and may charge a fee if you close within a certain timeframe (usually 90 days). If you want to prevent the other person from closing it, you'll need to set up dual control, which most banks do not offer for checking accounts.

What if we want to remove one person from the account later?

You can convert a joint account to a single-name account by visiting a branch or calling the bank. The person staying on the account keeps the account number and routing number; the other person's name is removed. Any money in the account stays with the account, so decide beforehand how to split it. The bank will not split the balance automatically — you'll need to withdraw or transfer money before the change takes effect.