What you need to do to open a joint account

Opening a joint checking account requires both account holders to visit the bank in person or complete an online application together, depending on the bank's rules. You will each need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works). The bank will run a background check on both of you through ChexSystems, a checking account history database, and may decline the account if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags on record.

One person typically initiates the account, but most banks require the second person to sign documents or verify their identity before the account becomes active. Some banks allow this online; others require both of you to be present. Ask the bank upfront whether you can do this remotely or if you must both appear in a branch.

The account will be registered in both names, and both of you will receive a debit card and online access. You can set up the account to require both signatures on checks (rare and slow) or allow either person to withdraw or spend without the other's permission (standard). Most couples choose the standard setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must provide a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address; the bank will check both people's ChexSystems history.
  • One person can start the application, but the second person must verify their identity before the account opens, either online or in a branch depending on the bank.
  • Both of you will have full access to the account and can withdraw, spend, or transfer money without the other's permission unless you specifically request dual-signature requirements.
  • Banks typically charge no fee to add a second person to an existing account, but opening a new joint account may have the same monthly or minimum-balance requirements as a single account.

Where to open a joint account

You can open a joint checking account at any bank, credit union, or online bank that offers checking. Traditional banks (Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase) have branches where you can walk in and complete the process the same day. Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on checking balances, but you must be a member first—membership is usually free if you work in a certain industry, live in a certain area, or have a family member who is already a member.

Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) have no branches but allow you to open an account entirely online if both of you have the required documents and can verify your identities through video or photo upload. Online banks often have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, which makes them cheaper than traditional banks if you do not need in-person service.

If you already have an account at a bank, you can ask whether the bank allows you to add a second person to that account instead of opening a new one. This is usually faster and simpler than starting fresh, and you keep your existing account number and routing number.

Documents and information you will need

Gather these items before you start the application:

  • Government-issued photo ID for each person (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Social Security number for each person
  • Proof of current address for each person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days)
  • Initial deposit amount (most banks require $25 to $100 to open, though some online banks have no minimum)
  • Employment information (optional, but some banks ask for it)

If either person has had problems with a previous bank account—overdrafts that went unpaid, fraud, or closure due to suspicious activity—the bank may see this in ChexSystems and deny the application. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what the bank will see before you apply.

How long it takes to open the account

If you apply in person at a branch, the account usually opens the same day. You will receive a temporary debit card immediately or within a few business days, and checks can be ordered during the application. Online applications typically take one to three business days for the bank to verify both identities and activate the account.

The second person's identity verification is the step that takes the longest. If you apply online and the bank cannot verify the second person's identity automatically, it may ask for a video call or additional documents, which can add another day or two. Once both people are verified, the account is active and you can begin using it.

Checks usually arrive within five to ten business days. If you need checks sooner, you can order them from a third-party printer (Deluxe, Costco) for faster delivery, though this costs more than ordering through the bank.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Most banks charge a monthly maintenance fee for checking accounts, ranging from $0 to $15, though many waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Some banks charge the same fee whether the account is single or joint; others do not charge extra for adding a second person.

Overdraft fees apply to both account holders equally—if either person overdrafts the account, the bank charges the fee to the joint account, not to the individual who caused it. This is one reason couples should discuss spending limits and check the balance regularly.

Online banks typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, which makes them the cheapest option if you do not need a physical branch. Traditional banks and credit unions may offer lower fees if you maintain a higher balance or set up automatic bill payments.

What happens if one person wants to close the account

Either account holder can close a joint checking account without the other person's permission. The bank will freeze the account and issue a check for the remaining balance to the address on file, or you can request the funds be transferred to another account. This can create conflict if one person closes the account without warning, leaving the other person unable to access money or make payments.

To protect yourself, discuss with your co-account holder what will happen if either of you wants to close the account. Some couples set a rule that both people must agree before closing, though the bank cannot enforce this—it is a personal agreement between you. If you are concerned about access, consider keeping a separate individual account as backup.

If the account is closed and checks are still outstanding, those checks may bounce. The bank will not honor them once the account is closed, and you will face overdraft fees and potential legal liability to whoever you wrote the check to.

Adding or removing a person from an existing joint account

To add a second person to an account that is currently in one name, contact the bank and ask to add an authorized user or convert the account to joint ownership. Adding an authorized user gives that person access to the account but keeps it legally in the original person's name; converting to joint ownership puts both names on the account equally. The process usually takes one to three business days and requires the new person to provide ID and Social Security number.

Removing a person from a joint account is more complicated. The bank typically requires the person being removed to sign a form, or it may require both people to visit a branch together. Some banks will not remove someone without that person's consent, which can trap you if the relationship ends. Check your bank's policy before opening a joint account.

If you cannot reach the other person or they refuse to sign removal paperwork, you may need to close the account entirely and open a new one in your name alone. This is why it is important to choose a bank with clear policies on removal before you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, most online banks allow both people to complete the application remotely as long as you both have the required documents and can verify your identities. Traditional banks may require at least one person to visit a branch in person, depending on their policy. Call the bank before you start the application to confirm.

What if one person has a ChexSystems flag or bad banking history?

The bank may deny the application if either person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud on their record. You can request your ChexSystems report for free and dispute any errors before you apply. Some banks are more lenient than others; credit unions and online banks sometimes have lower standards than large traditional banks.

Do both people have to be present to open the account?

Not always. One person can start the application, but the second person must verify their identity before the account opens. Many online banks allow this through photo upload or video call. Traditional banks may require both people to visit a branch, so ask your specific bank.

Can I set up the account so both people have to sign off on withdrawals?

Yes, you can request dual-signature requirements on checks, but this is rare and slow. Most banks do not offer it for everyday debit card transactions. If you want to limit spending, discuss spending rules with your co-account holder instead of relying on the bank to enforce them.

What happens to the account if one person dies?

The surviving account holder retains access to the account and the money in it. The account does not automatically close or transfer to an estate. If the account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (the standard setup), the surviving person owns the full balance. Confirm this is how your bank sets up joint accounts when you open it.