Not everyone can open a joint account, and banks have different rules about who they will allow

Most banks will let you open a joint account with another adult, but they set their own requirements about age, citizenship, and relationship. The person you want to add must be at least 18 years old in most cases, though some banks allow minors as joint owners if a parent or guardian co-signs. You do not need to be married or related — banks allow joint accounts between friends, business partners, and family members. What matters to the bank is that both people can sign documents, provide identification, and agree to the account terms.

The catch is that banks can refuse to open a joint account for reasons that have nothing to do with your relationship to the other person. If either of you has a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other banking violations, the bank may deny the account. Some banks also have policies about opening accounts for people outside the United States or without a Social Security number, though options exist for non-citizens.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must be at least 18 years old, and both must provide government-issued ID and a Social Security number or tax ID.
  • Banks can refuse a joint account if either person has a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or appears on ChexSystems, a banking history report.
  • You do not need to be married or related to open a joint account, but both people must agree to the terms and sign the paperwork.
  • Non-citizens can open joint accounts at many banks, but they may need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number.
  • Once the account is open, both owners have equal access and equal responsibility for overdrafts and fees, regardless of who deposited the money.

Age and identification requirements both owners must meet

You must be at least 18 years old to be a joint account owner at nearly every bank. The other person on the account must also be 18. If you want to add a minor to your account, most banks will not make them a joint owner; instead, they create a custodial account where you are the owner and the minor is an authorized user. The minor can withdraw money and make deposits, but you remain legally responsible.

Both owners must provide a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will also ask for a Social Security number from each person, or an ITIN if either of you does not have a Social Security number. Some banks require additional proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement. Bring originals or certified copies; banks do not accept photos of documents.

What banks check before approving a joint account

Banks run a background check on both people before opening the account. They use ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history — overdrafts, fraud, unpaid fees, and closed accounts due to misconduct. If either of you appears in ChexSystems with negative marks, the bank may deny the account. Some banks are stricter than others; a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts may approve you despite a ChexSystems record, while a large national bank may not.

The bank also checks whether either person is on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's list of individuals barred from banking due to fraud or criminal activity. If you have been convicted of money laundering, terrorist financing, or certain other crimes, you may be unable to open any bank account, joint or otherwise. This is a federal restriction, not a bank policy.

Some banks also run a credit check, though this is less common for checking accounts than for savings accounts or credit products. A low credit score will not usually disqualify you, but a pattern of unpaid debts or collections activity might raise red flags.

Non-citizens and people without a Social Security number

Non-citizens can open joint accounts at most banks, but the process is more complicated. You will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS if you do not have a Social Security number. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9. You can apply for an ITIN by mail through the IRS or in person at an IRS office; the process takes several weeks.

Some banks accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number; others require both. A few large banks have policies against opening accounts for people without a U.S. address or without a visa, so call ahead before you visit. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are often more flexible. You will still need a government-issued ID from your country of origin and proof of address.

Joint accounts with people you are not married to

Banks do not require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a friend, business partner, adult child, sibling, or anyone else 18 or older. The bank does not ask about your relationship or why you want to share an account. Both people simply need to show up together, provide ID, and sign the paperwork.

What matters legally is that both owners have equal rights to the money and equal responsibility for the account. If one person overdrafts the account, the bank can pursue both of you for the debt. If one person commits fraud using the account, both of you could face legal consequences. Make sure you trust the person you are adding before you sign.

What happens if the bank says no

If a bank denies your joint account application, ask why. The bank must tell you if the denial was based on ChexSystems or another banking history report. You have the right to dispute errors in your ChexSystems record; you can request a copy and file a dispute with ChexSystems directly if information is wrong.

If the denial is because of a previous fraud conviction or other legal bar, you may not be able to open an account at any bank. If it is because of overdrafts or unpaid fees at a previous bank, you can try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts. These institutions often approve people who have been denied elsewhere, though they may charge higher fees or require a larger opening deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if the other person has bad credit?

Bad credit alone will not disqualify either of you. Banks care more about banking history — overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid fees — than about credit scores. However, if the other person has unpaid debts that led to collections or a judgment, the bank may see that as a risk and deny the account.

What if one person on the joint account is undocumented?

An undocumented person can open a joint account if they have an ITIN and a government-issued ID from their country of origin. Some banks accept these documents; others do not. Credit unions are often more willing to work with undocumented immigrants than large national banks. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before you visit.

Can I add someone to my existing account without going to the bank in person?

Most banks require both people to sign paperwork in person or through a notarized document. Some banks now allow remote account opening through video verification, but the other person still has to complete their own identity verification. Call your bank to ask whether they offer remote options.

What if one owner wants to close the joint account and the other does not?

Either owner can close a joint account unilaterally at most banks. The bank will freeze the account and distribute the balance according to the account agreement or state law. This is why it is important to trust the person you share an account with — they have the power to close it without your permission.

Do both people need to be present to open the account?

Most banks require both owners to be present and sign the paperwork together. Some banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later, but the second person will still need to verify their identity and sign an authorization form. Check with your bank about their specific process.