Yes, you can open a joint savings account online at Chase, but you'll need both account holders present and verified
Chase allows you to open a joint savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both people on the account must be present during the process—you cannot complete it for someone else. Each account holder will need to verify their identity using a government-issued ID, provide a Social Security number, and confirm their current address. The account can be funded immediately after opening, and you'll have access to it the same day.
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have all required information ready. You do not need to visit a branch, though you can if you prefer. Chase offers several joint savings products online, including their basic savings account and higher-yield options like Chase Savings or Chase Premier Savings, depending on your balance and account type.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must be present and complete identity verification separately during the online application.
- You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and current address for each person on the account.
- The account opens and becomes usable the same day you complete the application online.
- Chase offers joint savings accounts with varying interest rates; the rate you receive depends on your account type and balance.
- You can fund the account immediately after opening using a linked bank account, debit card, or wire transfer.
What you need before you start
Gather these items for both account holders before opening the account online. Each person will need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will scan or photograph the ID as part of the verification process.
You will also need the Social Security number for each account holder and a current mailing address. If either person has moved recently, use the address where they currently receive mail. Chase may ask for a phone number and email address for each account holder as well. Have a funding source ready—either a linked bank account from another institution, a debit card, or information for a wire transfer if you plan to fund the account right away.
Steps to open the account online
Start at Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. Select "Open an account" and choose "Savings" as the account type. You will be asked whether you want an individual or joint account; select joint. Enter the primary account holder's information first, including name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
Chase will then ask you to verify the primary account holder's identity. You can do this by photographing or uploading a government-issued ID. The system will compare the ID to the information you entered. Once the primary holder is verified, the second account holder must complete the same process—entering their information and verifying their identity with their own ID. Both people do not need to be at the same device, but both must complete their portion before the account opens.
After both account holders are verified, you will choose which type of joint savings account you want. Chase displays the current interest rate for each option. Review the account terms, including any monthly fees (most Chase savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee) and minimum balance requirements. Confirm the account ownership structure—Chase will ask whether the account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" or "tenants in common." This determines what happens to the account if one owner dies. Most joint accounts default to joint tenants with rights of survivorship, meaning the surviving owner automatically owns the full account.
Sign the account agreement electronically and fund the account if you want to use it immediately. You can link an external bank account, use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. The account will be active within minutes.
Identity verification and what Chase checks
Chase uses a third-party verification service to confirm your identity during the online application. The system will photograph your government-issued ID and compare it to your face using facial recognition technology. This process typically takes a few seconds. If the system cannot verify you automatically, Chase may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history or contact you by phone.
Chase also checks your Social Security number against government records and screens both account holders against fraud and sanctions databases. If either person has a history of fraud with Chase or other banks, the application may be denied. If you are denied, Chase will send you a notice explaining the reason. You can contact Chase to discuss the decision, though the bank is not required to reverse it.
Funding options and timing
You can fund your new joint savings account using several methods. A linked bank account transfer typically takes one to three business days to appear in your Chase account. Debit card funding is usually instant, though some cards may take up to 24 hours. Wire transfers from another bank arrive the same day if sent before the wire cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. Eastern Time on business days).
You do not have to fund the account immediately. The account will remain open and active even if you leave it unfunded for several days. However, if you do not deposit money within a certain period (Chase's policy varies), the bank may close the account for inactivity. Funding the account right away ensures it stays active.
Joint account ownership and access
Both account holders have equal access to the joint savings account. Either person can deposit money, withdraw funds, or close the account without the other person's permission. Chase does not require both signatures for transactions. This means either account holder can empty the account unilaterally. If you want to restrict access or require both people to approve withdrawals, a joint savings account is not the right tool—you would need to explore other options like a trust or a custodial account, which Chase can discuss with you in a branch.
Both account holders will receive statements and can set up online access using their own login credentials. Each person can see the full account balance and transaction history. If you want to monitor the account together, you can both log in to the same account using different usernames and passwords.
Fees, interest rates, and account features
Chase's basic savings account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum opening deposit. The interest rate varies based on the account type and current market conditions. Chase Savings and Chase Premier Savings offer higher rates but may require a larger balance to earn the top rate. Check Chase.com for current rates before opening, as they change frequently.
Most Chase savings accounts allow unlimited deposits and up to six withdrawals per month without penalty. Withdrawals beyond six per month may result in a fee or account closure. This limit applies to the account as a whole, not per person, so if one account holder makes four withdrawals and the other makes three, you have reached the limit.
You can link your joint savings account to a Chase checking account for easy transfers. You can also set up automatic transfers to move money into savings on a schedule. Chase does not charge for these transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person is not available right now?
No. Both account holders must complete their portion of the application and verify their identity before the account opens. The other person does not need to be at the same location or use the same device, but they must actively participate in the verification process. You cannot complete the application for them.
What happens if one account holder wants to close the account?
Either account holder can close a joint savings account without permission from the other. If the account has a balance, the closing account holder can request that the funds be transferred to their individual account or another bank. The account will then be closed for both owners. If you want to prevent this, you need a different account structure, which you should discuss with Chase in person.
Do I need a Chase checking account to open a joint savings account?
No. You can open a joint savings account at Chase without having a checking account. However, linking a Chase checking account makes transfers between accounts faster and easier. If you do not have a Chase checking account, you can still fund the savings account using an external bank account, debit card, or wire transfer.
What if Chase denies my application?
Chase may deny a joint account application if either account holder has a history of fraud, an outstanding debt to Chase, or appears on a government sanctions list. If denied, Chase will send a notice explaining the reason. You can contact Chase to ask about the decision, but the bank is not required to reverse it. You may be able to open an individual account instead.
Can I change the account from joint to individual later?
No. You cannot convert a joint account to an individual account. If you want an individual account, you would need to close the joint account and open a new one. Any funds in the joint account would need to be withdrawn or transferred first. Contact Chase for guidance on the best way to handle this.