Yes, you can open a joint bank account online with most banks, but both account holders must be present and verified
Most major banks and many credit unions let you start a joint account application online, but the process stops short of completion until both people verify their identity. You'll typically begin on the bank's website, enter both Social Security numbers, choose the account type, and agree to the terms. Then the bank sends a verification link or code to each account holder separately—usually via email or text—and you both have to confirm your identity before the account activates. Some banks require a video call with both of you together; others let you verify separately at your own pace.
The timeline varies. If both of you verify immediately, the account can be live within hours. If one person delays, the application sits in a pending state—some banks hold it for 30 days before canceling it. A few banks still require at least one person to visit a branch in person, so check your bank's specific policy before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must verify their identity separately, usually through email, text, or video call, before the account opens.
- You can start the application online at most banks, but completion timelines depend on how quickly both people respond to verification requests.
- Some banks require an in-person visit at a branch for at least one account holder, so confirm the bank's requirements before applying.
- You'll need both Social Security numbers, valid ID, and proof of address for at least one person on the account.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items for both account holders before you open the application: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and proof of current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement—usually dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a government document like a tax return or voter registration card instead.
If either person has moved recently or has a name mismatch between documents, have an explanation ready. Banks flag these situations and may ask for additional paperwork like a marriage certificate or court order. If one account holder is not a U.S. citizen, the bank will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, and the process may take longer because the bank has to verify it separately.
How the online verification process actually works
After you submit the initial application with both names and Social Security numbers, the bank runs a background check and sends verification requests to each person. The method depends on the bank: some send a secure link you click to upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie; others send a code via text that you enter on the bank's website; a few conduct a live video call where you show your ID to a representative.
Each person usually has 24 to 48 hours to complete their verification, though some banks extend this to 7 days. If one person doesn't verify in time, the application expires and you have to start over. Once both people verify, the bank reviews the information again and either approves the account or asks for more documents—this second review typically takes 1 to 3 business days.
A few banks use a different approach: they let you open the account online immediately with just one person's verification, then add the second person later. This is less common but worth asking about if you're in a hurry and the other person can't verify right away.
Banks that let you complete the entire process online
Most online banks and large national banks now support fully online joint account opening. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Ally all let you start and finish online without visiting a branch, though the exact verification method varies. Credit unions often have stricter requirements—many require at least one person to visit a branch or complete a video call with a representative, even if you start the application online.
Smaller regional banks and some community banks still require an in-person visit for joint accounts, so call ahead or check their website before you start. If you're opening with a bank that has branches near both of you, it's sometimes faster to go in person together and finish the same day rather than wait for online verification links to arrive and be processed.
What happens if one person can't verify right now
If the second account holder is out of the country, doesn't have a valid ID, or simply isn't ready to open the account yet, you have a few options. Some banks let you open a single account now and convert it to a joint account later once the second person is ready—you'll need to go back to the bank with both people present to add them. This works at most major banks but may involve a small fee or a trip to the branch.
Another option is to delay the application until both of you can verify at the same time. If the other person is traveling, ask them to complete their verification on their phone using the bank's app or website from wherever they are—most banks accept this as long as they have internet access and can receive a text or email. If they don't have a valid ID yet, they'll need to get one before the account can open; there's no workaround for this requirement.
Fees and account types available online
Most banks offer their basic checking and savings accounts online for joint opening at no cost. Some charge a small fee to add a second person to an existing account, but opening a joint account from scratch is usually free. A few banks waive monthly maintenance fees if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance—these terms apply to joint accounts the same way they do to individual accounts.
Specialty accounts like money market accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs) may have different rules. Some banks let you open a joint CD online, but others require a phone call or branch visit. Check the specific account type you want before you start the application, because the bank's website usually shows which products are available for online joint opening.
What to do if the application gets stuck or rejected
If your application is pending after a week, contact the bank directly—don't assume it's still processing. Call the number on the back of your debit card or the customer service line on the bank's website. Ask whether both people's verifications went through and whether the bank is waiting for additional documents. Sometimes verification emails land in spam folders, so check there first.
If the bank rejects the application, they'll usually tell you why: a mismatch between your ID and the name on file, an address that couldn't be verified, or a Social Security number that didn't match their records. Ask the bank exactly what didn't match and whether you can reapply with corrected information. If there's a fraud alert on either person's credit report, that can also block the application—you may need to contact the credit bureaus to clear it before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people have to be present at the same time to open a joint account online?
No. Both people need to verify their identity, but most banks let you do this separately and at different times. Each person receives their own verification link or code and can complete it on their phone whenever they're ready. A few banks require a video call with both of you together, so check your bank's process before you start.
What if one person doesn't have a Social Security number?
They can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The bank will ask for it during the application and will verify it separately. The process takes longer because the bank has to confirm the ITIN with the IRS, but it doesn't prevent you from opening the account.
Can I open a joint account online if one person is not in the United States?
Most banks won't let you open a joint account if one person is outside the U.S., because they can't verify their identity in person and the bank can't confirm their address. Some banks with international services may have exceptions—call and ask. Otherwise, wait until both people are in the country, or open a single account now and add the second person later.
How long does it take to open a joint account online?
If both people verify their identity immediately, the account can be active within hours. If verification takes a few days and the bank needs to review additional documents, expect 3 to 5 business days total. If either person delays verifying, the application may expire after 30 days and you'll have to start over.
What if I already have an account at the bank—can I convert it to a joint account online?
Most banks let you add a second person to an existing account online, though some require a phone call or branch visit. Log into your account, look for an option to manage account holders or add an authorized user, and follow the prompts. The second person will still need to verify their identity, and the process takes 1 to 3 business days.