Yes, you can open a joint Chase account online, but both account holders must be present and verified
Chase allows you to open a joint checking or savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both people on the account must be at least 18 years old, have a valid government-issued ID, and complete the verification process together. You cannot open a joint account by yourself and add someone later — both account holders must participate from the start.
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Chase will ask for Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and employment information for both people. You'll also need to verify your identity in real time, which usually means answering security questions or uploading a photo of your ID.
Once approved, your account opens immediately and you can use it the same day. Both account holders receive debit cards, online access, and the ability to make transactions independently. There are no joint account fees at Chase beyond the standard monthly maintenance fee (which varies by account type and can be waived with direct deposit or a minimum balance).
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must be present online and complete identity verification together; you cannot open a joint account alone and add someone later.
- You'll need a valid government ID, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address for both people.
- The account opens the same day if approved, and both people can use the debit card and online banking immediately.
- Chase charges no fee specifically for joint accounts, but standard monthly maintenance fees apply depending on the account type.
- If you cannot complete the process online together, you can visit a Chase branch in person instead.
What documents and information you need before starting
Gather these items for both account holders before you begin the online application. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and a phone number. Chase will also ask about employment status and income, though this is not required to open the account.
If either person has moved recently, have the new address ready. Chase uses address verification as part of their identity check, so mismatches between your ID and your current address can slow things down. If you've changed your name, bring documentation of that change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) so your name matches your ID.
Make sure both people have access to a phone or email during the application. Chase will send a verification code to confirm your identity, and you may need to answer security questions or upload a photo of your ID in real time.
Step-by-step process for opening the account online
Start at chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. Select "Open an account" and choose the account type you want (checking, savings, or money market). The site will ask whether you want to open an individual or joint account — select joint.
Enter the primary account holder's information first: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting a photo of your ID. This step usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.
Once the first person is verified, the application will prompt you to add the second account holder. Enter their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. They will also need to verify their identity using the same method. Both people must complete this step — the second person cannot skip verification or have the first person do it for them.
Review the account terms and disclosures together, then submit the application. Chase will display a confirmation number immediately. Both account holders should receive an email confirmation within a few minutes, and the account will be ready to use right away.
How long it takes and when you can start using the account
If both people complete verification successfully, the account opens instantly and you can use it the same day. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks using mobile deposit immediately. Debit cards are ordered automatically and typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If Chase cannot verify your identity online, they may place a temporary hold on the account and ask you to visit a branch in person or call to complete verification by phone. This can add 1 to 3 business days. If either person has a history of fraud or identity theft, Chase may require additional documentation before opening the account.
Money transferred from another bank account takes 1 to 3 business days to appear in your new Chase account, depending on the sending bank. Checks deposited through mobile deposit are usually available within 1 business day.
What happens if one person cannot complete the process online
If you and the other account holder cannot both be online at the same time, you have two options: complete the application together at a later time when you're both available, or visit a Chase branch in person. At a branch, a banker can open the joint account with both people present, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
You cannot open a joint account with one person online and the other person in a branch — both people must use the same method. If one person is out of state or cannot travel to a branch, you'll need to wait until you can both complete the online process together.
If one person is unable to provide a government ID or Social Security number, Chase cannot open a joint account. Both account holders must meet Chase's identity verification requirements.
Monthly fees and account types available
Chase offers several account types for joint accounts: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and various savings accounts. Each has a different monthly maintenance fee, ranging from $0 to $25 per month depending on the account.
You can waive most monthly fees by setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $1,500 to $15,000 depending on the account type), or maintaining a minimum combined balance across multiple Chase accounts. If neither condition is met, the monthly fee applies to the joint account.
Both account holders have equal access to the account and can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission. There is no separate fee for having two people on the account.
What to do if your application is denied or delayed
Chase may deny your joint account application if either person has unpaid debts reported to ChexSystems (a banking history database), a history of fraud, or an active dispute with another bank. If your application is denied, Chase will send a letter explaining the reason. You can contact Chase to dispute inaccurate information in your ChexSystems report.
If your application is delayed, it's usually because Chase cannot verify your identity online. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to complete verification over the phone, or visit a branch in person. Have your government ID and Social Security number ready.
If one person has a ChexSystems issue, that person alone may be denied, which means the joint account cannot open. In that case, the other person can open an individual account instead, or wait until the ChexSystems issue is resolved (typically 5 years from the date of the incident).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person lives in a different state?
Yes, as long as both people can complete the online verification process together at the same time. Chase does not require both account holders to live in the same state. If you cannot both be online together, you can visit a Chase branch in person, though both people would need to travel to the same branch location.
What if one person does not have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for both account holders. If someone does not have either, they cannot be added to a joint account. They would need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS first, which takes several weeks.
Can I change a joint account to an individual account later?
Yes. Either account holder can visit a Chase branch or call to remove the other person from the account. The account will then become an individual account in the name of the remaining person. The person being removed will no longer have access to the account or the debit card.
Do both people need to sign documents to open a joint account online?
No. Chase does not require physical signatures for online account opening. Both people must verify their identity and agree to the account terms electronically, but there are no documents to print or sign by hand.
What if one person's identity verification fails?
If Chase cannot verify either person's identity online, the application will not complete. You'll need to visit a Chase branch in person with both government IDs, or call Chase to verify over the phone. Have your ID number and Social Security number ready when you call.