Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the bank will require both account holders to verify their identity in real time

Most major banks let you start a joint account through their website or app, but you cannot complete it entirely without the second person present or on a video call. The account holder who initiates the application can fill out the form alone, but the bank will require the co-owner to verify their identity—usually through a video call, in-person visit, or a combination of both—before the account becomes active. Some banks allow you to schedule this verification step for later the same day; others require it within 48 hours.

The reason for this requirement is federal law. Banks must verify the identity of every person with signing authority on the account under the Customer Identification Program (CIP). This is not optional, and no bank can bypass it, even if both people are existing customers of that bank.

The timeline from application to usable account is usually one to three business days once both people have completed their identity verification. Some banks offer same-day activation if you verify in person at a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start the application online alone, but the co-owner must verify their identity before the account opens, either by video call or in person.
  • Both people need a government-issued ID, proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or lease), and their Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Video verification is fastest if both people are available at the same time; in-person verification at a branch guarantees same-day activation.
  • Joint accounts opened online are fully functional once activated—you can deposit, withdraw, and transfer money immediately.
  • If the co-owner cannot verify their identity within the bank's window (usually 48 hours), the application expires and you must start over.

What documents you need before you start

Gather these items for both account holders before either person begins the online application. Having them ready prevents delays and reduces the chance the application will time out or expire.

Each person needs a current government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The name on the ID must match the name you enter in the application. If either person has changed their name recently and the ID does not reflect that change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

You will also need proof of current address for each person. This is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license counts as both ID and proof of address if the address on it is current.

Each person must provide their Social Security number or ITIN. If either person does not have a Social Security number, some banks will open the account using an ITIN, but this varies by bank. Call ahead if this applies to you.

How the online application and verification process works

The person opening the account logs into the bank's website or app and selects "open a joint account" or "add an account holder." They enter their own information first—name, address, date of birth, Social Security number—and answer questions about their employment and income. This part takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require the co-owner to be present.

Next, the applicant enters the co-owner's name, date of birth, and contact information. At this point, the bank sends the co-owner an email or text with a link or code to complete their portion of the application. The co-owner clicks the link, verifies their own information, and then both people move to the identity verification step.

Identity verification happens one of three ways: video call with a bank representative, in-person at a branch, or through an automated video system. Video calls with a representative are the most common route for online applications. The bank schedules a time, and both account holders join the call together. Each person holds up their ID to the camera, answers questions to confirm their identity, and may be asked to show proof of address. The call usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes per person.

Automated video verification is faster—it takes 2 to 3 minutes—but not all banks offer it. You answer prompts, show your ID to the camera, and the system compares your face to the ID photo. If the system approves you, you move forward immediately. If it flags you for manual review, a representative will contact you within a few hours.

Timing: how long from application to active account

If both people complete the application and verification on the same day, the account is usually active by the next business day. Some banks activate it the same day if verification happens before 5 p.m. Eastern time.

If the co-owner does not complete their portion within 48 hours, the application expires. You will have to start over. This is a common reason for delays, so make sure both people know they need to act quickly once the invitation arrives.

In-person verification at a branch is the fastest route if you live near one. You both go to the branch together, show your IDs, and the account is active within hours—sometimes immediately. This is useful if you need the account to be ready the same day.

After the account is active, it may take one to two business days for the routing number and account number to appear in your online banking portal. You can usually start using the account before this information is visible—the bank will provide it by email or in the app.

What happens if one person cannot verify their identity

If the co-owner fails the automated video verification or cannot complete it, the bank will contact them to schedule a manual review with a representative. This usually happens within 24 hours. The representative will ask additional questions to confirm identity—where you worked, what your address was five years ago, details from your credit report.

If the co-owner still cannot verify, the account application is denied. This can happen if the person has no credit history, has recently moved and proof of address is outdated, or if there is a mismatch between their ID and other records. In this case, you have two options: open a single account in your name only, or try again with updated documents.

Some banks allow you to resubmit an application immediately; others require you to wait 30 days. Check with your bank's customer service before you try again.

Banks that make joint account opening easiest online

Large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—all allow you to open joint accounts online with video verification. The process is similar across all of them: apply online, schedule a video call, verify within 48 hours, account active by next business day.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover also offer joint accounts online, and many have faster verification because they do not have branches. Ally and Discover use automated video verification, which takes minutes. Charles Schwab requires a video call with a representative.

Credit unions vary widely. Some allow full online joint account opening; others require at least one person to visit a branch. If you bank with a credit union, check their website or call before you start the application.

Regional banks often have stricter requirements. Some require both people to visit a branch in person, even if you are existing customers. If you are considering a regional bank, ask whether they offer online joint account opening before you apply.

What to do if the online application is not working

If the application times out, closes unexpectedly, or will not accept your information, try these steps in order: clear your browser cache and cookies, try a different browser, try the mobile app instead of the website, or wait a few hours and try again. Technical glitches are common during peak hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays).

If the problem persists, call the bank's customer service line. They can tell you whether there is a known issue, restart your application, or offer to help you open the account over the phone instead. Some banks allow phone applications for joint accounts, though this is slower than online.

If the bank's system rejects your information—for example, your name does not match their records—ask customer service what the mismatch is. Common issues include a middle initial you did not include, a suffix (Jr., Sr.) that is or is not in the system, or a hyphenated last name that was entered differently. Customer service can usually fix these issues and let you resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account online if the other person is out of the country?

Yes, as long as they can complete video verification. They need a stable internet connection, a government-issued ID, and proof of address. The video call can happen at any time that works for both of you, including outside U.S. business hours. Some banks may flag international addresses during verification, so be prepared to answer additional questions about why you are opening the account.

What if one person already has an account at the bank and the other does not?

The person without an account will go through the full verification process. The person with an existing account may be able to skip some steps, but most banks still require both people to verify their identity on the video call. This does not speed up the process much, but it can reduce the number of documents you need to provide.

Do both people have to be present for the video verification call?

Yes. The bank needs to see both people on camera and confirm their identities in real time. If one person cannot make the call, you can reschedule, but the application will expire if you do not complete verification within 48 hours. Some banks allow you to do separate video calls, but this is rare—ask before you assume.

Can I add someone to my existing account online instead of opening a new joint account?

Most banks allow you to add an authorized user online, but this is different from a joint account. An authorized user can use the account but does not own it and cannot close it. If you want true joint ownership—where both people have equal rights—you need to open a new joint account. Adding a co-owner to an existing account usually requires a visit to the branch or a phone call.

What if the online application asks for information I do not have?

Call the bank before you start. If you do not have a middle name, previous address, or employment history, the bank may still let you open the account, but you need to know this before you begin. Do not guess or leave fields blank—this will cause the application to be rejected or flagged for manual review.