Yes, you can open a joint checking account online at Chase, but you'll need both account holders present and verified

Chase allows you to start a joint checking account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both people on the account must complete the process together in real time — you cannot open it alone and add someone later. Each person needs to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport). The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have that information ready.

The account opens immediately after verification, though it may take one to two business days for the debit card to arrive by mail. You can use the account right away through Chase's app or website, even before the physical card shows up. Both account holders get full access to the account and can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers independently.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present and verified during the online signup process — you cannot open a joint account alone.
  • Each person needs a Social Security number, date of birth, and valid government ID to complete verification.
  • The account is active immediately after signup, though debit cards arrive by mail within one to two business days.
  • Both account holders have equal access and control; either person can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account without the other's permission.
  • Chase charges monthly maintenance fees on most checking accounts unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.

What you need before you start

Gather these items for both people before you begin the online application. Each account holder needs a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Chase will ask you to photograph or upload this during signup. You also need each person's Social Security number and date of birth.

Have your phone or computer camera ready if you're uploading ID photos. Chase may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by confirming recent transactions on existing accounts. This step is automatic and takes a few seconds.

If either person has had fraud or account closure issues with Chase in the past, the application may be declined or flagged for manual review. Chase does not publicly list specific reasons for denial, but common reasons include unpaid overdrafts, repeated fraud claims, or ChexSystems records (a banking history report). You can check your own ChexSystems record for free at chexsystems.com.

The step-by-step process on Chase's website

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or use the Chase mobile app and select "Open a New Account." Choose "Checking" and then select "Joint Account." You'll be asked whether you want a basic checking account or one of Chase's premium options like Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking. The main difference is monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.

Enter the primary account holder's information first: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email, and phone number. Upload or photograph their government ID. Chase will verify this information in real time. Then you'll be asked to add the second account holder. That person enters their own information and ID separately — they do not need to be sitting at the same device, but the application must stay open and both people must complete their portions before you finish.

Once both people are verified, you'll choose how you want the account to be set up. Chase will ask whether you want overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit card, and whether you want to enroll in Chase's paperless statements. Review the account terms and fee schedule, then sign electronically. The account opens immediately.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Chase's basic checking account (Chase Total Checking) charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or maintain a linked savings account with a $500 minimum balance. If you meet any one of these, the fee is waived.

Other Chase checking options have higher fees and higher balance requirements. Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month (waived with a $15,000 minimum balance or $5,000 in linked savings). Chase Sapphire Checking charges $25 per month (waived with a $20,000 minimum balance). For most people opening a joint account, Chase Total Checking is the lowest-cost option.

Both account holders are responsible for the account balance and any fees. If the account goes negative, overdraft fees apply to both of you equally. Overdraft fees are typically $35 per transaction, though Chase may decline transactions instead of charging a fee depending on your account history.

What happens after the account opens

Both account holders can log into the account immediately using the Chase app or website. You'll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. Debit cards arrive by mail within one to two business days and are mailed to the address on file. You can order replacement cards or expedited cards through the app if needed.

Set up online bill pay, transfers, and mobile deposits right away if you need them. Both account holders can do this independently. You can also set up alerts so both people get notified when the balance drops below a certain amount or when large transactions occur.

If you need to add a third person to the account later, you cannot do it online. You'll need to visit a Chase branch in person or call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. The new person will need to be verified with ID and Social Security number before being added.

What to know about joint account liability

In a joint checking account at Chase, both account holders have equal legal rights to the money and the account itself. Either person can withdraw all the money, make transfers, or close the account without permission from the other. There is no way to restrict one person's access through Chase's online tools.

If one account holder passes away, the surviving account holder retains access to the account and the money in it. Chase does not automatically freeze joint accounts. You'll need to contact Chase with a death certificate to update the account status, but the surviving person can continue using it.

If you and the other account holder separate or have a dispute, either person can close the account unilaterally. If money is owed to one person, that becomes a legal matter outside of Chase's control. Chase will not hold funds or mediate disputes between account holders.

Alternatives if you cannot open online

If the online application is declined or if you prefer to open the account in person, visit any Chase branch with both account holders present. Bring government-issued ID for both people and be prepared to provide Social Security numbers. A banker can open the account on the spot, and you'll receive temporary debit cards immediately.

If you have an existing Chase account, you can call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether a joint account can be opened by phone. Chase generally requires at least one person to be an existing customer for phone applications, and they may still require a branch visit for final verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person doesn't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number for both account holders to verify identity and comply with federal banking regulations. If one person has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you may be able to open an account at some Chase branches, but this is not available online. Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch to ask.

What if one account holder lives in a different state?

You can still open the account online. Chase does not require both people to live in the same state. The account is opened under the address of the primary account holder, but both people can access it from anywhere. Debit cards are mailed to the address on file.

Can I make one person the primary account holder and limit the other person's access?

No. In a joint account, both people have equal access and control. Chase does not offer tiered permissions or restrictions on joint accounts through their online platform. If you need different access levels, you would need a separate account structure, which a banker at a Chase branch can discuss with you.

How long does it take to open a joint account online?

The application takes 10 to 15 minutes once both people have their information and ID ready. The account is active immediately after verification. Debit cards arrive by mail within one to two business days, but you can use the account through the app or website right away.

What if Chase declines the application?

Chase does not always explain the reason for denial online. Common reasons include ChexSystems records, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or previous fraud claims. You can check your ChexSystems record for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If declined, visit a Chase branch to ask whether a banker can open the account in person or explain the specific reason.