You can open a joint Chase savings account online, but both account holders must be present and verified during the process

Chase allows you to start a joint savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both people on the account need to be there at the same time, provide their Social Security numbers, and verify their identity. The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the required documents ready.

The account opens immediately after verification, and you can deposit money and start using it the same day. However, there are a few requirements that can block the process: Chase will not open a joint account if either person has an existing Chase account with a negative balance, or if either person is listed in ChexSystems (a banking history database) with an unresolved issue.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present online at the same time, with valid government ID and Social Security number, to open a joint savings account through Chase's website or app.
  • Chase will reject the application if either person has an outstanding negative balance on another Chase account or an unresolved ChexSystems record.
  • The account is active immediately after identity verification, and you can deposit and withdraw money the same day.
  • Joint account holders have equal access and legal responsibility for the account, including overdrafts and fees.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before opening the account: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for each person, the Social Security number for each person, and a way to verify your identity online (Chase will ask you security questions or send a code to your phone or email). You will also need a funding source—a bank account to transfer money from, or a debit card.

Make sure neither of you has an existing Chase account with a negative balance. If you do, Chase will not let you open a new joint account until that balance is paid off. You can check this by logging into any existing Chase account or calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935.

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

Go to chase.com and click "Open an account" or "Open a savings account." Select "Joint account" when prompted. Enter the primary account holder's information first: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask security questions to verify identity—answer based on your credit history and past financial activity.

Once the primary holder is verified, Chase will prompt you to add the second account holder. The second person must be physically present and will need to enter their own information and answer their own security questions. After both people are verified, you will choose a savings product (Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, or Chase Sapphire Savings, depending on what is available in your state), set a PIN, and fund the account with an initial deposit.

The account number and routing number appear on screen immediately. You can set up direct deposit, link external accounts, or transfer money from another Chase account right away. Debit cards are not issued for savings accounts, so you will transfer money to a checking account if you need to withdraw cash at an ATM.

Identity verification and what can go wrong

Chase uses automated verification for most applicants—they check your answers against credit bureau records and public databases. If your information does not match (name spelled differently, address outdated, or recent move), the system may ask for additional proof. Have a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement ready in case you need to upload it.

If Chase cannot verify you online, they will ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID. This adds several days to the process. If either account holder is flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, Chase will deny the application outright—you cannot override this online.

Joint account rules and what both holders are responsible for

A joint account means both people have full access and equal legal responsibility. Either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or take out a line of credit against it without the other's permission. Both people are liable for overdrafts and fees—if the account goes negative, both account holders are responsible for paying it back.

If one account holder dies, the account does not automatically close. The surviving account holder retains access, but the deceased's estate may have a claim on the funds depending on state law and whether the account is set up as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (the default for most Chase joint accounts). Consult an attorney if this is a concern.

Minimum balance and fees

Chase Savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but some savings products (like Chase Premier Savings) require a higher balance to avoid monthly fees. Check the current terms on chase.com before you open, because these change. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the product and your balance.

You earn interest on the balance, but rates vary and are typically low—Chase publishes current rates on their website. Withdrawals are limited to six per month under federal rules (though this rule has been relaxed in recent years, Chase may still enforce it). Transfers between your own Chase accounts do not count against this limit.

What to do if the online process fails

If Chase denies the application online, they will tell you why in most cases. Common reasons: negative balance on another account, ChexSystems issue, or identity verification failure. If it is a verification problem, you can visit a Chase branch with both people present and photo ID to open the account in person—this usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

If the denial is due to ChexSystems, you can dispute it by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com. If it is a negative balance, pay it off and wait a few days before trying again online. Chase's system does not always update immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person open a joint account without the other person present?

No. Chase requires both account holders to be present online at the same time, with their own ID and Social Security number. You cannot add someone to an account after it is opened online—you would have to visit a branch and have both people present with ID.

What if one person does not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each account holder. If someone does not have either, you will need to visit a branch in person to discuss options, though Chase's policy on this varies by location.

Can I open a joint account with someone who does not live in the same state?

Yes. Chase's online process does not restrict accounts based on where each person lives. Both people just need to be online at the same time with valid ID and a Social Security number. The account is tied to the primary holder's address for mailing statements.

What happens if one account holder wants to close the account?

Either account holder can close a joint account without the other's permission. If one person closes it, the remaining balance is typically mailed to the primary account holder's address on file. The other person loses access immediately.

Do both people get debit cards for a joint savings account?

No. Chase does not issue debit cards for savings accounts. To access the money, you transfer it to a linked checking account (which can have its own debit card) or withdraw it at a Chase ATM or branch. Both account holders can make transfers and withdrawals online or through the app.