What you need to bring and who can open a joint account

Chase lets you open a joint checking or savings account with another person in one of three ways: in person at a branch, by phone, or online. Both account holders must be present (in person or by phone) to sign the paperwork, and both must be at least 18 years old with a valid government-issued ID. Chase will not open a joint account for someone under 18, even with a parent's permission — they offer custodial accounts for minors instead.

You'll need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each person on the account. Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If either person has unpaid fees or fraud flags from another bank, Chase may deny the account. You can check your own ChexSystems record for free at chexsystems.com before you apply.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you're opening the account in person, bring both IDs to the branch. If you're opening by phone or online, you'll photograph or upload your ID as part of the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present and provide a valid photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN to open a joint account.
  • Chase runs a ChexSystems check on both people, so unpaid banking fees or fraud flags from another bank can block approval.
  • You can open a joint account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, but both people must participate in the process.
  • The account is active immediately after approval, and both holders have equal access to all funds and can make withdrawals or close the account without the other person's permission.

Opening a joint account in person at a branch

Walk into any Chase branch with both account holders and both IDs. Tell the banker you want to open a joint account and say whether you want checking, savings, or both. The banker will ask for your Social Security numbers, current address, phone number, and employment status. They'll also ask how you want to fund the account — you can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank.

The banker will show you the account options available at that moment. Chase's offerings change, but they typically include a basic checking account with no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, and a savings account with a variable interest rate. Ask about any current promotions — Chase sometimes waives the minimum balance requirement for new accounts opened in-branch.

Once you've chosen, both people sign the account agreement on paper or on a tablet. The banker will give you temporary debit cards on the spot or mail them within 3 to 5 business days. Your account number and routing number are available immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.

Opening a joint account by phone or online

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a joint account by phone. Have both people on the call with their IDs ready. The representative will walk through the same questions as an in-branch banker — Social Security numbers, address, employment, and funding method. You'll need to photograph or upload both IDs during the call or immediately after.

Online account opening is faster but requires both people to complete the process separately on their own devices. Go to chase.com, select "Open an Account," and choose "Joint Account." You'll enter your information, upload your ID, and verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming recent transactions. The second account holder then does the same on their own device. Chase will send you a confirmation email once both people have completed their steps.

Online and phone accounts take 1 to 3 business days to activate. You won't receive physical debit cards immediately — they'll arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, or you can use your account number to set up transfers and bill pay before the cards arrive.

What happens after the account opens

Both account holders have full access to the account from day one. That means either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or add or remove authorized users without asking the other person. There is no "primary" and "secondary" holder — the account is legally owned equally. If one person closes the account, the other person loses access immediately.

Chase will issue debit cards to both people unless you request otherwise. Both cards draw from the same pool of money. If one person spends $500, the other person sees the balance drop by $500. There is no separate tracking of who spent what, and Chase does not monitor or flag unusual spending patterns between joint account holders.

For tax purposes, Chase reports interest earned on the account to both Social Security numbers. If the account earns $10 in interest, both people may receive a 1099-INT form, or Chase may split the reporting. Ask Chase which way they'll report it before you open the account if this matters for your taxes.

Fees and minimum balances

Chase's monthly maintenance fee for a joint checking account varies by account type. Their basic checking account typically has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If you fall below the minimum and have no direct deposit, Chase charges $12 per month. Savings accounts have no monthly fee but earn a variable interest rate that changes with the market.

Both account holders are responsible for the account. If the account goes negative and you don't cover the overdraft, Chase can pursue either person for the debt. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you don't have overdraft protection enabled. You can link a savings account or external account to cover overdrafts automatically, which costs nothing but requires setup.

ATM withdrawals at Chase branches and ATMs in the MoneyPass network are free for both account holders. Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost $3.50 per transaction unless you have a Chase Premier Plus account or higher, which waives out-of-network ATM fees.

Removing someone from a joint account

Either account holder can remove the other person without their knowledge or consent. Go to a Chase branch with your ID, call 1-800-935-9935, or log into your online account and request to convert the joint account to a single account in your name. Chase will process the request immediately, and the other person will lose access to the account and the debit card.

The person being removed will not receive advance notice from Chase. If you're concerned about this, have a conversation with the other account holder before opening the account, or consider a different account structure — some couples use separate accounts and a shared savings account instead.

If both people want to close the account, either person can do it. Chase will freeze the account within one business day and mail a check for the remaining balance to the address on file, or you can request a transfer to another account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person lives out of state?

Yes. You can open the account online or by phone with both people in different locations. In-person opening requires both people at the same branch, but phone and online opening work across state lines. Both people just need a valid ID and Social Security number.

What if one person has a ChexSystems flag?

Chase may deny the account if either person has unpaid fees, fraud, or a closed account with negative balance reported to ChexSystems. Check your record at chexsystems.com before you apply. If there's a flag, contact the bank that reported it and ask them to remove it or provide a letter explaining the dispute.

Do I need the same address as the other account holder?

No. Chase will ask for each person's current address separately. You can have different addresses on the same joint account. Mail and statements will go to the address on file, which is usually the primary account holder's address unless you change it.

Can I open a joint account with someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?

Yes, if they have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Chase accepts ITINs in place of Social Security numbers. The person will need to provide their ITIN and a valid government-issued ID.

How long does it take to open a joint account?

In-branch accounts are active the same day. Phone and online accounts take 1 to 3 business days to activate. Debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the account number for transfers and bill pay before the cards arrive.