Documents and information you'll need to bring
To open a joint checking account, you and your co-owner will each need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The photo ID is almost always a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement—something dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address.
Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or additional verification, especially if you're opening the account online or by phone. Call your bank ahead of time to confirm what they accept. If you don't have a Social Security number, some banks will work with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by institution.
Both account owners must be present or participate in the opening process, either in person at a branch or through the bank's online or phone verification system. The bank needs to confirm the identity of both people and ensure both consent to the account terms.
Key Takeaways
- Each account owner needs a government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address dated within the last 60 days.
- Both owners must participate in opening the account—either in person, online, or by phone—and confirm they agree to the account terms.
- You'll choose how the account is owned: as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (surviving owner inherits the balance) or "tenants in common" (your share goes to your estate).
- Bring your initial deposit amount in cash, check, or transfer from another account, though some banks waive the minimum for direct deposit setup.
- The account can be opened at any bank or credit union, and online banks typically have the same document requirements as brick-and-mortar branches.
Ownership structure: survivorship versus tenants in common
When you open a joint account, the bank will ask you to choose an ownership structure. The most common choice is joint tenants with rights of survivorship. This means that if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically inherits the full account balance without going through probate. The account passes directly to the survivor.
The alternative is tenants in common, where each owner has a separate legal claim to their share of the account. If one owner dies, their share goes to their estate and is distributed according to their will, not automatically to the surviving owner. Tenants in common is less common for checking accounts but may be chosen by business partners, adult siblings, or others who want their share to pass to their own heirs.
You must decide this before the account opens. You cannot change it later without closing the account and opening a new one. If you're unsure which structure fits your situation, ask the bank representative to explain both options, or consult a lawyer if the account involves significant money or complex family circumstances.
Initial deposit requirements
Most banks require an opening deposit to activate a joint checking account, though the amount varies. Common minimums range from $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum at all. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck.
You can make the opening deposit by bringing cash or a check to a branch, transferring money from another account you own, or having one of the co-owners transfer funds. If you're opening the account online or by phone, you'll typically transfer the deposit from an existing bank account rather than depositing cash or a check in person.
The deposit does not need to come from both owners—one person can fund the account entirely. However, both owners must still be present or verified during the opening process itself.
Age and residency requirements
Both account owners must be at least 18 years old. If one owner is under 18, you'll need to open a custodial or minor account instead, which has different rules and typically requires a parent or legal guardian to co-own it.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open a joint checking account, but you do need a valid Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks have additional requirements for non-citizens, such as proof of legal residency status, so call ahead if this applies to you.
Most banks require at least one account owner to be a resident of the state where you're opening the account, though this rule is becoming less strict as online banking grows. Online banks typically have no state residency requirement at all.
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is open, the bank will issue debit cards for each owner, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Both owners can use the card independently, and both have full access to the account balance and transaction history. There is no limit on how many times each owner can withdraw or transfer money.
The bank will send account statements to both owners, either by mail or email depending on your preference. Both owners can set up online banking access and receive alerts for transactions. If one owner closes the account or removes themselves, the account closes entirely—you cannot unilaterally remove a co-owner.
If one owner dies, the surviving owner should notify the bank immediately with a death certificate. If the account is set up as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner retains full access and the account remains open. If it's tenants in common, the bank will freeze the account pending instructions from the deceased owner's estate.
Where to open a joint account
You can open a joint checking account at any bank, credit union, or online bank. Traditional banks and credit unions require at least one in-person visit to a branch, though some now offer hybrid options where you verify your identity online and then visit a branch to complete the process. Online banks allow you to open the account entirely online, with identity verification done through document upload or video call.
Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on checking accounts than traditional banks, but you must be a member to open an account. Membership is usually free and based on where you work, live, or go to school, or through membership in certain organizations.
Online banks typically have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, making them a low-cost option if both owners are comfortable managing the account digitally. However, they have no physical branches, so deposits must be made by check or transfer.
Fees and account features to compare
Joint checking accounts have the same fee structures as individual accounts at the same bank. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees (ranging from $0 to $15), overdraft fees (typically $25 to $35 per transaction), and fees for using out-of-network ATMs. Some banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Compare accounts based on the features that matter to both owners: whether the bank offers free ATM access through a large network, whether it reimburses out-of-network ATM fees, whether it offers online bill pay, and whether it provides alerts for low balances or large transactions. If one owner travels frequently or lives in a different state, confirm that the bank has branches or ATMs where they need them.
Interest rates on checking accounts are typically very low (often under 0.01%), but some online banks and credit unions offer higher rates if you meet certain conditions like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance. These rates change frequently, so check the bank's current rates before opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one owner has bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not run credit checks to open checking accounts, and bad credit does not disqualify you. The bank will check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if either owner has had accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid overdrafts, but a poor credit score alone will not prevent you from opening a joint account.
What if the two owners live in different states?
You can still open a joint account. Online banks have no state residency requirement, so both owners can live anywhere. Traditional banks and credit unions may require at least one owner to live in their service area, but many now allow out-of-state co-owners. Call the bank to confirm their policy before visiting a branch.
Can I add a third person to a joint checking account?
No. Checking accounts are limited to two owners. If you need a third person to have access, you would need to open a separate account or add them as an authorized user on a credit card linked to the account, though this is not the same as joint ownership.
What if one owner wants to close the account?
Either owner can close the account unilaterally without the other owner's permission. When one owner closes it, the entire account closes—the other owner loses access. If you want to prevent this, you would need to use a different account structure, such as separate individual accounts or a business account with specific authorization rules.
Do both owners need to be present to make large withdrawals?
No. Either owner can withdraw any amount at any time without the other owner's knowledge or permission. Joint accounts give both owners equal, unrestricted access to all funds. If you want to restrict withdrawals or require both signatures, you would need a different type of account, such as a business account with dual authorization.