What you need to do to open a joint account at Chase
To open a joint account at Chase, both account holders must visit a Chase branch in person with valid government-issued ID and Social Security numbers. Chase does not allow joint accounts to be opened online or by phone — you and the other account holder must appear together. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you'll leave with a debit card and online access the same day.
You can choose from Chase's checking and savings products, including the Chase Total Checking account (which has no monthly fee if you meet one of several conditions) or the Chase Savings account. Both account holders will have equal access to the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close it without the other person's permission.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must go to a Chase branch together with a valid government-issued ID and Social Security number.
- Chase does not open joint accounts online or by phone — in-person is the only option.
- You can choose from checking or savings products, and both people have full access to deposit, withdraw, and transfer money.
- You'll receive a debit card and online login credentials on the day you open the account.
- Each account holder is responsible for all activity on the account, including overdrafts or fraud.
What documents and information to bring
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each account holder — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will also ask for your Social Security number, which they verify against your credit report. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though some Chase branches may have additional requirements.
Have your current address ready. If you've moved recently and your ID doesn't match your current address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of residence. Chase will also ask how you want to fund the account — you can bring a check, transfer money from another bank, or deposit cash at the branch.
How to find a Chase branch and schedule an appointment
Use the Chase branch locator on Chase.com to find the nearest location. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary. To avoid a wait, call the branch directly or use the Chase mobile app to schedule an appointment — most branches offer same-day or next-day slots.
Some Chase branches are inside grocery stores or other retail locations and have shorter hours than standalone branches. If you live in a rural area without a nearby Chase branch, you may need to travel to the nearest one, as Chase does not open joint accounts remotely.
What happens during the account opening visit
A Chase representative will verify both account holders' identities, pull your credit reports (a soft pull that doesn't affect your credit score), and ask about the account's intended use. They'll explain the account features, fees, and overdraft policies. You'll both sign the account agreement and choose how to receive statements — online, paper, or both.
The representative will issue a debit card on the spot, though it may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail if the branch doesn't have one in your size. You'll receive online banking credentials immediately and can log in to Chase.com or the mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, or check your balance as soon as you leave the branch.
Monthly fees and account requirements
Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or have a Chase credit card with an active balance. If you don't meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Savings has a $5 monthly fee unless you maintain a $300 minimum daily balance.
Both accounts earn interest on your balance, though rates are typically very low. Chase publishes current rates on their website and updates them regularly. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you go negative, and Chase allows up to four overdraft fees per day.
How both account holders access the account
Each account holder receives their own debit card and can set up their own online and mobile banking login. Both people can see all transactions, transfer money, and add or remove authorized users. If one person wants to prevent the other from accessing the account, they would need to close it — there is no way to restrict one joint owner's access without the other person's consent.
If one account holder dies, the surviving account holder retains full access. The account does not automatically pass to beneficiaries, and the bank will not freeze it. If you want the account to go to someone else after death, you need to name them as a payable-on-death (POD) beneficiary when you open the account, or add them later through online banking or at a branch.
What to know about liability and fraud
Both account holders are equally liable for all activity on the account. If one person overdrafts the account, both are responsible for the fee. If one person commits fraud or theft, the other account holder cannot claim they didn't authorize it — the account is jointly owned.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call Chase immediately at the number on the back of your card. Chase will freeze the card within minutes and issue a replacement. If fraudulent charges appear on your account, report them to Chase within 60 days of the statement date. Chase's fraud liability policy limits your responsibility to $50 if you report the fraud promptly, though many cardholders are refunded the full amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account with someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?
Yes, if they have an ITIN. However, some Chase branches may require additional documentation or may not be able to open the account. Call your local branch before visiting to confirm they can process an ITIN.
What if one account holder wants to close the account?
Either account holder can close a joint account without the other person's permission. The remaining balance will be issued as a check or transferred to another account. If you want to prevent this, you would need to use a different account structure, such as a trust account.
Do I need to tell Chase the account is for a business?
If you're using the account for business purposes, tell the Chase representative during account opening. Chase may require you to open a business account instead, which has different features and fees. Personal joint accounts are intended for household or family use.
Can I add a third person to the account later?
No. A joint account at Chase is limited to two owners. If you want to add a third person, you would need to close the account and open a new one with all three people present, or open a separate account for that person.
How long does it take to access the account online after opening?
You can log in to Chase.com or the mobile app immediately after leaving the branch. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though you can request an expedited card at the branch for a fee.