What you need to do to open a joint account at USAA
USAA lets you open a joint checking or savings account by starting online or calling their member service line at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). You and the other account owner both need to be USAA members, or one of you will need to join first. The process takes about 15 minutes online, and the account is usually active within one business day.
Both account holders must provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and consent to a credit check. USAA will verify your identity using information from your credit file. If you're opening the account online, you'll each log into your own USAA account and authorize the joint account creation from there. If you call, a representative will walk you through the same steps over the phone.
Once the account opens, both of you can deposit money, withdraw funds, write checks, and use the debit card. You'll each receive your own debit card and online login access. Either person can close the account or make changes to it without the other's permission, so discuss account rules before you open it.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must be USAA members; if one person is not, they need to join USAA first.
- You can open a joint account online through your USAA login or by calling 1-800-531-USAA, and it typically becomes active within one business day.
- Both people must provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and consent to a credit check for identity verification.
- Either account owner can withdraw money, close the account, or change account settings without permission from the other owner.
- USAA offers joint checking and savings accounts with the same features as individual accounts, including online banking and debit cards for each owner.
Membership requirements before you start
USAA membership is limited to military members, veterans, and their families. If you or the person you want to add to the account is not yet a USAA member, that person must join first. Joining takes about 10 minutes online and requires proof of military affiliation—a military ID, discharge papers, or a military email address.
Once both of you are members, you can proceed with opening the joint account. If only one of you is currently a USAA member, the non-member should join before you attempt to open the joint account together. This prevents delays during the joint account setup process.
Information and documents you'll need
Gather the following details for both account holders before you start:
- Full legal name and date of birth for each person
- Social Security number for each person
- Current mailing address
- Phone number and email address
- Military affiliation information (branch, status, or relationship to service member)
You do not need to bring physical documents to open a joint account at USAA. The credit check and identity verification happen automatically using the information you provide. If USAA cannot verify your identity online, they will contact you by phone or email to confirm details.
Opening the account online versus by phone
Opening online is faster if both account holders have active USAA logins. Log into your account, navigate to the accounts section, and select the option to open a new account. You'll choose the account type (checking or savings), set initial deposit preferences, and authorize the joint ownership. The other account holder then logs into their own account and confirms their part of the authorization. The account typically opens within one business day.
Calling 1-800-531-USAA works if you prefer to speak with someone or if you do not have online access. A representative will verify your identity, collect information from both account holders, and set up the account over the phone. You can complete this call with both people on the line, or one person can call and provide the other person's information—USAA will then contact the second person to confirm. Phone-based accounts also activate within one business day.
Both methods are free and carry no difference in account features or timing. Choose whichever is more convenient for you.
What happens after the account opens
USAA will mail debit cards to each account holder at the address on file. Cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use online banking immediately—both owners can log in, transfer money, pay bills, and check balances right away. Mobile app access is also available from day one.
If you need to deposit money before the debit cards arrive, you can use USAA's mobile check deposit feature or transfer funds from another account. USAA also offers ATM access through their network and partner ATMs, so you can withdraw cash without waiting for the card.
Set up account alerts and notifications together if you want to monitor spending. USAA lets you customize alerts for low balances, large transactions, or card use. Since either owner can access and control the account, clear communication about how you'll use the account prevents surprises.
Ownership and control of the joint account
In a USAA joint account, both owners have equal rights. This means either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, add or remove authorized users, or change account settings. There is no way to restrict one owner's access or require both signatures for transactions. If you want more control over spending or withdrawals, discuss limits and rules with the other owner before opening the account.
If the relationship between account holders changes—divorce, separation, or a falling out—either person can close the account or remove the other owner. USAA does not mediate disputes over joint accounts. If you are concerned about access or control, consider whether a joint account is the right choice, or explore alternatives like a power of attorney or authorized user arrangement.
Closing or changing a joint account
Either account owner can close the joint account at any time by calling USAA or using online banking. USAA will ask for the reason but will not require permission from the other owner. Remaining funds are typically returned to the account holder who initiated the closure, or USAA may require both owners to agree on how to split the balance.
If you want to remove one owner and keep the account open, that is not possible—you would need to close the joint account and open a new individual account. You can add authorized users to the account (people who can use the debit card and access funds but are not legal owners), but removing a legal owner requires closing and reopening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people need to be present to open a joint account at USAA?
No. One person can call or log in and provide the other person's information. USAA will then contact the second person to confirm their identity and consent. Both people must authorize the account, but they do not need to do it at the same time or in the same location.
What if one person is not a USAA member yet?
The non-member must join USAA first. Membership is free and takes about 10 minutes online. They will need proof of military affiliation—a military ID, discharge papers, or military email address. Once they are a member, you can both proceed with opening the joint account.
Can I open a joint account if I have bad credit?
USAA performs a credit check for identity verification, not to determine whether you can open an account. A low credit score will not prevent you from opening a joint checking or savings account. The credit check is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.
What if I want to remove the other person from the account later?
You cannot remove one owner from a joint account without closing it. If you want to separate finances, you would close the joint account and open a new individual account. Discuss this possibility with the other owner before you open the account together.
How long does it take for the account to be active?
The account is usually active within one business day of opening. You can use online banking and mobile app access immediately. Debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to deposit or withdraw money before the card arrives, use mobile check deposit or transfer funds from another account.