How to open a joint checking account online
You can open a joint checking account online with most banks in 15 to 30 minutes if both account holders have their Social Security numbers, government-issued IDs, and proof of address ready. The process is nearly identical to opening a single account: you choose a bank, fill out an application together or separately depending on the bank's system, verify your identities, and fund the account. The main difference is that both people must consent to the account and both names appear on the account from the start.
Not all banks let you complete the entire process online—some require one person to start the application and the second person to finish it, or they may require a video call with both account holders present. A few banks still require at least one person to visit a branch in person, though this is becoming rare. Before you start, check the bank's website to confirm their specific online process for joint accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders need a Social Security number, government-issued photo ID, and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to open an account online.
- Most banks let you start the application on their website or mobile app and complete identity verification through a photo upload or video call within minutes.
- The second account holder usually receives an email or text with a link to consent to the account and verify their identity separately.
- Funding the account typically happens immediately through a linked bank transfer, debit card, or check deposit, though some banks hold new accounts for a few days before releasing funds.
- Joint account rules—who can withdraw, whether both signatures are required, and what happens if one person dies—vary by bank and state, so read the account agreement before signing.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents for both account holders before opening the account online. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a Social Security number, and proof of current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days—the exact timeframe varies by bank.
Have your phone or computer camera ready if the bank requires photo uploads or a video call to verify your identity. Some banks use automated systems that scan your ID and take a photo of your face; others connect you with a person. Both methods usually take fewer than five minutes per person.
Decide in advance how much money you will deposit to open the account. Most banks require a minimum opening deposit of $0 to $300, though some waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Check the specific bank's requirements on their website before you start the application.
Choosing a bank and starting the application
Search for "joint checking account online" or visit the websites of banks where you already have accounts or that operate near you. Look at each bank's fee structure, minimum balance requirements, and whether they charge monthly maintenance fees. Many online banks have lower fees than traditional banks, but they may not have physical branches if you need to deposit cash or get a cashier's check.
Once you have chosen a bank, go to their website or open their mobile app and look for a button labeled "Open an Account," "New Account," or "get your free guide." Select "Joint Account" or "Two Owners" from the account type menu. Some banks let both people start the application together on the same device; others require the first person to begin and send an invitation to the second person via email or text.
Fill in the personal information for the first account holder: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. You will also enter your address and employment status. Answer any questions about your banking history or the reason you are opening the account—banks ask these for fraud prevention and regulatory reasons.
Verifying identity and adding the second account holder
After you submit the first person's information, the bank will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means uploading a photo of your government-issued ID (both front and back) and sometimes a photo of your proof of address. Some banks use optical scanning technology to read your ID automatically; others have a person review your documents.
If the bank requires a video call, you will receive a link to schedule it or join immediately. During the call, a bank representative will ask you to show your ID and proof of address to the camera, and may ask a few questions about your identity or the account. This process typically takes three to five minutes.
Once the first person's identity is verified, the bank will send an email or text message to the second account holder with a link to join the account. The second person clicks the link, enters their own personal information (name, date of birth, Social Security number, address), and completes the same identity verification process. Both people must consent to the account terms and conditions before the account is created.
Funding your new joint account
After both identities are verified and both people have consented, the bank will ask how you want to fund the account. Most banks offer three options: transfer money from another bank account you own, deposit a check by photographing it with your phone, or provide a debit card number to fund the account.
A transfer from another bank account usually takes one to three business days to appear in your new joint account, depending on whether you use your bank's internal transfer system or an external ACH transfer. Some banks let you fund the account immediately with a debit card, though they may hold the funds for a few days before you can withdraw them. Check deposit by phone camera is usually available within 24 hours.
You do not have to fund the account on the day you open it. Many banks let you complete the application and identity verification, then fund the account later when you are ready. However, some banks close applications that remain unfunded for 30 days, so if you are not ready to deposit money immediately, confirm the bank's policy first.
What happens after the account is open
Once the account is funded, both account holders can log into the bank's website or app using their own login credentials and see the same account balance and transaction history. Most banks issue debit cards to both people within five to ten business days; some let you order a card immediately after opening the account and pick it up at a branch or have it mailed to you.
Check your account agreement to understand the bank's rules for joint accounts. Some banks require both signatures on large withdrawals or transfers; most do not. Some banks allow either person to close the account without the other person's consent; others require both signatures. If one account holder dies, the account may pass to the surviving holder, or it may be frozen pending probate—this depends on your state's law and how the account is titled (joint tenants with rights of survivorship versus tenants in common).
Set up online bill pay, automatic transfers, or direct deposit if you plan to use the account for regular expenses. Most banks let you do this immediately after opening the account through their website or app.
Common delays and what to do about them
Identity verification usually completes within minutes, but can take up to 24 hours if the bank needs to review your documents manually or if there is a mismatch between your ID and the information you entered. If verification is delayed, the bank will email you to ask for additional information or a new photo of your documents.
The second account holder's invitation email sometimes goes to spam or takes several hours to arrive. If the second person does not receive the invitation within two hours, ask them to check their spam folder or contact the bank's customer service to resend the link.
Funding delays are usually caused by the bank holding new accounts for fraud review, which can take two to five business days. During this hold, you can see your balance and use your debit card, but large transfers or withdrawals may be blocked. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we live in different states?
Yes. Most banks do not restrict joint accounts based on where the account holders live. Both people need to provide their current address and verify their identity, but those addresses can be in different states. Some banks may have restrictions based on state banking laws, so check the bank's website or call customer service if you are unsure.
What if one person does not have a Social Security number?
You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Banks are required to collect this information for tax reporting purposes. If the second person does not have an ITIN, they can apply for one through the IRS before opening the account, though this can take several weeks.
Can we open a joint account if one person has bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not typically run credit checks for checking accounts, only for credit products like loans or credit cards. A joint checking account does not depend on either person's credit score. However, some banks may check ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if either person has had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts.
How long does it take to open a joint account online?
The application and identity verification usually take 15 to 30 minutes if both people have their documents ready and the bank's system works smoothly. Funding the account can happen immediately or take one to three business days depending on your funding method. The entire process from application to usable account is usually complete within one to five business days.
Can we change the account to a single account later?
Most banks allow you to remove one person from a joint account, though the process and requirements vary. Some banks require both people to consent; others let one person remove the other. Contact your bank's customer service to learn their specific policy, as this is not something you can usually do online.