What banks require to open a joint account

Most banks will let you open a joint savings account if you and the other account holder are both at least 18 years old, have valid government-issued photo ID, and provide a Social Security number or tax ID. The exact documents vary by bank, but the core requirement is the same: the bank needs to verify who you both are and run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database.

You will need to bring or provide your ID in person or online, depending on the bank's process. Some banks require both account holders to be present at the branch; others let one person open the account and add the second person later. A few banks now let you complete the entire process online with video verification, though this is still less common than in-person or hybrid options.

The second account holder does not need to be a U.S. citizen, but they do need a valid ID and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If the second person does not have either, some banks will not open the account; others will work with a passport and additional documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be at least 18 years old and provide a government-issued photo ID and Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Many banks require both people to be present in person, though some now offer online account opening with video verification.
  • The bank will run a ChexSystems check on both account holders, which looks at past banking problems like unpaid overdrafts or fraud.
  • If either person has a history of banking issues, the bank may deny the account or require a higher opening deposit.
  • You can usually add a second account holder after opening, though some banks charge a fee or require both signatures on the account agreement.

Documents to bring or upload

Have these items ready before you go to the bank or start an online application. If you are missing any of them, call the bank first—do not assume they will turn you away, because some banks have workarounds, but do not waste a trip.

For each account holder: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID); a Social Security number or ITIN; and proof of current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some banks will accept a recent tax return or government mail instead of a utility bill.

For the account itself: the initial deposit amount (usually $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum). You can bring a check, use a debit card, or transfer money from another account, depending on the bank's options.

If you are opening the account online, you will upload photos of your ID and proof of address. The bank will ask you to verify your identity through a video call or by answering security questions based on your credit history. This process usually takes a few minutes, though the bank may take 1 to 3 business days to review and approve the account.

What happens if you have banking problems on your record

ChexSystems keeps a record of overdrafts you did not pay, accounts you closed with a negative balance, fraud claims, and repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If either account holder has these issues, the bank may still open the account but might require a higher opening deposit, place limits on how many transactions you can make per month, or deny the account outright.

You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report—for example, an overdraft you already paid or a closed account listed as still open—you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Disputes usually take 30 to 45 days to resolve.

If the bank denies your application because of ChexSystems, ask the bank for the specific reason. Some banks have second-chance accounts designed for people with banking history issues; these accounts often come with higher fees or lower transaction limits, but they are a way to rebuild your banking relationship.

Age and residency rules

Both account holders must be at least 18 years old. If one person is under 18, you will need to open a custodial account instead, which is a different product with different rules—the adult is the custodian and has control over the account until the minor reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state).

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to open a joint account, but you do need a valid ID and a tax ID number. If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, bring documentation showing your ITIN (a tax return or ITIN letter from the IRS) along with your ID.

Residency requirements vary by bank. Some banks require at least one account holder to live in a state where they have branches. Others serve customers nationwide and have no residency requirement. Online-only banks typically have no residency requirement at all.

How the account agreement works

When you open a joint account, the bank will give you an account agreement that spells out the rights and responsibilities of both account holders. Read this carefully, because it determines what happens if one person wants to close the account, withdraw all the money, or die.

Most joint accounts are set up as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, which means if one account holder dies, the surviving account holder automatically owns the entire account. Some banks offer tenants in common instead, which means each person's share goes to their estate when they die, not automatically to the other person. Ask the bank which option they use by default and whether you can choose.

The account agreement also states whether both people have to sign to close the account or withdraw large amounts, or whether either person can do these things alone. Most banks let either account holder withdraw or close the account without the other person's permission, which is important to know if you are opening an account with someone you do not fully trust.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Joint savings accounts have the same fee structure as individual accounts at the same bank. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees (usually $0 to $15), overdraft fees if you withdraw more than you have (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft), and ATM fees if you use an out-of-network ATM (usually $2 to $3).

Some banks waive the monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit. Others charge the fee no matter what. Check the bank's fee schedule before you open the account—you can usually find it on their website under "Pricing" or "Fees and Charges."

The minimum opening deposit is separate from the minimum balance requirement. You might need $50 to open the account but have to keep $500 in it to avoid a monthly fee. If your balance drops below the minimum, the bank will charge you a fee each month until you bring it back up.

Online versus in-person account opening

Most large banks now let you start the process online, but they may still require one or both account holders to visit a branch to finish it. Some banks will complete the entire process online with video verification, where you show your ID to a camera and answer security questions. A few banks still require both people to be present in person.

Online opening is faster—usually 5 to 10 minutes—but the bank may take 1 to 3 business days to review and approve the account. In-person opening takes longer at the branch (20 to 30 minutes) but the account is usually active the same day or the next business day.

If you are opening the account online and the second account holder lives far away, check whether the bank lets you add them remotely or whether they have to visit a branch. Some banks require the second person to come in person even if the first person opened the account online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS or a recent tax return showing your ITIN, along with your valid ID. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not, so call ahead to confirm.

What if one account holder has been denied a bank account before?

The bank will still run a ChexSystems check and may deny the joint account if that person's record shows fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or repeated NSF fees. Ask the bank for the specific reason and whether they offer a second-chance account. You could also try a different bank, as policies vary.

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

Most banks require both people to be present in person, but some now let you open online with video verification. A few banks let one person open the account and add the second person later. Call your bank to ask about their specific process before you go in.

What happens if one person wants to close the account?

At most banks, either account holder can close a joint account without the other person's permission. Check your account agreement to see whether both signatures are required or just one. If you are concerned about this, ask the bank whether they offer accounts that require both signatures to close.

How long does it take to open a joint account?

In person, expect 20 to 30 minutes at the branch, with the account active the same day or next business day. Online, the application takes 5 to 10 minutes, but the bank may take 1 to 3 business days to review and approve it before you can use the account.