Documents and information you'll bring to the bank
To open a joint checking 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 depending on which institution you choose. Bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — something with your photo and signature.
Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document showing your name and current street address. Most banks accept documents dated within the last 60 days. If you've moved recently and don't have a bill in your new name yet, a lease signed by both you and your landlord works, or a piece of mail from a government agency.
You'll also need to decide how much money to deposit to open the account. Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance. Ask about this before you go in — it can save you money upfront.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners must bring a photo ID, proof of current address, and Social Security number or tax ID to open the account.
- Proof of address should be a recent utility bill, lease, or government document dated within the last 60 days.
- Minimum opening deposits vary by bank and account type, ranging from $0 to $300, and some banks waive the minimum for direct deposit.
- You and your co-owner must both be present and sign the account agreement, either in person or electronically depending on the bank's process.
- The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to verify you don't have a history of overdrafts or fraud at other institutions.
What happens during the account opening process
When you and your co-owner arrive at the bank together, a representative will collect your documents and information. They'll ask you to choose the type of account — checking, money market, or a hybrid — and discuss fees, overdraft protection, and online banking features. This is when you should ask about minimum balance requirements and whether the bank charges monthly maintenance fees.
The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history. These checks look for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts due to mismanagement at other banks. If either of you has a negative history, the bank may deny the account or require you to resolve the issue first — for example, paying back an old overdraft.
You'll both sign the account agreement, which spells out the terms: how you can withdraw money, what happens if one owner dies, and whether the account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" or "tenants in common." This matters because it determines who owns the money if one of you passes away. Ask the bank to explain the difference before you sign.
Identification and address verification
The bank must verify that you are who you say you are and that you actually live where you claim to live. This is part of federal anti-money-laundering law. A photo ID alone isn't enough — the bank needs to see that you have a real connection to your stated address.
If you're opening the account online, the bank may use a third-party verification service that checks your information against public records. Some banks will call you or send a verification code to your address to confirm you received mail there. If you're opening in person, the bank representative will examine your documents and may ask follow-up questions if something doesn't match — for example, if your ID shows an old address.
If you can't produce a recent utility bill or lease, other documents work: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, insurance statement, or a letter from your employer showing your address. Government-issued documents like a tax return or voter registration card also count. The key is that the document must show your name and current address and be dated recently enough to prove you live there now.
Social Security numbers and tax identification
The bank will ask for your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for both account owners. This is required by federal law so the bank can report interest earned on the account to the IRS. If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN — issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN — is acceptable at most banks.
If you're a non-citizen without an SSN or ITIN, some banks will still open an account but may require additional documentation or a higher minimum deposit. Call ahead to ask whether the bank you want to use will work with you. A few banks specialize in accounts for people without SSNs, though they may charge higher fees.
The bank will use your SSN to check your credit history and banking history. This doesn't affect your credit score the way a loan application does, but it does create a record that you opened an account. If you've had problems with banks in the past — unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to suspicious activity — the bank may see that and refuse to open the account.
Bringing both owners to the bank
Most banks require both account owners to be present when you open a joint account, either in person or through a video call. This is a verification step: the bank wants to confirm that both of you actually want the account and that neither of you is being forced into it. Some banks will allow one person to open the account and add the second owner later, but this takes extra steps and may require additional documentation.
If you're opening the account online, both of you will need to log in separately and verify your identity. The bank may ask you to take a photo of your ID, answer security questions, or confirm your address through a code sent to your phone or email. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per person.
If one of you can't be present in person and the bank doesn't offer video opening, you have limited options. Some banks will mail documents for the absent owner to sign and return, but this adds time to the process — usually an extra week or two. Ask the bank whether they offer this option before you assume you have to go in together.
Fees and account features to discuss before signing
Before you sign the account agreement, ask the bank about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and whether they charge for things like wire transfers, stop payments, or paper statements. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per month just to keep the account open; others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Ask whether the bank offers overdraft protection — a service that covers overdrafts by transferring money from a linked savings account or credit line. This costs money (usually $1 to $3 per transfer), but it prevents overdraft fees, which can run $25 to $35 per transaction. If you don't want overdraft protection, ask the bank to turn it off so you don't accidentally trigger it.
Discuss online banking and mobile app features: Can you both log in and see the full balance? Can you set up alerts when the balance drops below a certain amount? Can you freeze the card if it's lost? These features don't cost extra but vary by bank, and knowing what's available before you sign means you won't be surprised later.
What happens after you open the account
Once the account is approved, the bank will issue you debit cards, checks, and online login credentials. Debit cards usually arrive within 5 to 10 business days; checks take longer, sometimes 2 to 3 weeks. You can start using the account online immediately, even before the physical cards arrive.
The bank will send you account statements — either by mail or email, depending on what you choose. Review the first statement carefully to make sure the account is set up the way you intended. Check that both owners' names are on the account, that the account type is correct, and that no unexpected fees have been charged.
If you need to change anything after opening — add a third owner, change the account type, or update your address — contact the bank. Some changes can be made online; others require a trip to the branch or a phone call. Keep your account agreement and any documents the bank gave you, because you'll need them if you ever need to prove ownership or dispute a transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we're not married?
Yes. Banks don't require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, business partner, friend, or anyone else. The bank only cares that both of you are present, have valid ID, and agree to the terms.
What if one of us has been denied a bank account before?
A previous denial doesn't automatically block you from opening a new account, but it depends on why you were denied. If you had unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your record, you may need to resolve that first — usually by paying back what you owe. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts and have lower standards. Call ahead and ask whether the bank will work with you.
Do we both need to be present if we're opening the account online?
Most online banks require both owners to verify their identity separately, but you don't have to be in the same room. You can each log in from your own device and complete the process independently. The bank will confirm that both of you have verified before the account is fully activated.
What if we want to add a third owner later?
You can add another owner after the account is open, but the bank will require that person to provide ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number, just like the original owners did. The new owner may need to sign a new agreement or an amendment to the existing one. Contact your bank to ask what documents they need.
Is there a difference between "joint tenants" and "tenants in common"?
Yes. With joint tenants with rights of survivorship, if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns all the money in the account. With tenants in common, the deceased owner's share goes to their estate or heirs, not automatically to the other owner. Ask the bank which option they use by default and whether you can choose.