Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether both account holders are new customers
Most major banks let you start a joint account entirely online if you meet their requirements. The catch: some banks require at least one account holder to be an existing customer, and a few still require one person to visit a branch in person. The fastest route is to pick a bank that accepts both new customers online, complete the application together (or one person applies and adds the other), and fund the account by transfer or deposit.
The real bottleneck is identity verification. Banks must confirm who you are before opening any account, and they do this through document upload, video call, or in-person visit. Most online banks use automated systems that scan your driver's license or passport and match it to your Social Security number. If the system flags you—because your address changed recently, your name doesn't match records exactly, or your documents look unclear—you may be asked to call or visit a branch to finish the process.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks allow you to open a joint account online if both people have valid ID and Social Security numbers, but some require one account holder to already be a customer.
- Identity verification usually happens through document upload or video call, and the process typically takes a few minutes to a few hours if nothing triggers a manual review.
- You will need to decide upfront who owns the account (joint tenants with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, or another structure) because you cannot change this later without closing and reopening.
- Funding the account online is straightforward through ACH transfer, wire, or deposit, but some banks hold deposits for one to three business days before the money is available.
- If one person cannot complete the online process due to identity verification issues, the other person can usually open the account alone and add them later in person or by mail.
Which banks let both account holders open online
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most regional banks allow both new customers to open a joint account online together. You typically start by going to the bank's website, selecting "open a joint account," and entering both people's names, addresses, and Social Security numbers. One person completes the application, then the other person verifies their identity separately—usually through a link sent by email or text.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also accept joint accounts online from both new customers, and they often have faster verification because they rely entirely on digital ID checks. Credit unions vary widely: some allow full online opening, others require one member to exist already, and a few still require at least one person to visit a branch or mail in a signature card.
Before you start, call or check the bank's website to confirm their current policy. Banks change these rules, and some have different rules for different account types (checking versus savings, for example).
What happens during identity verification
When you apply online, the bank will ask for your driver's license or passport number and will cross-check it against your Social Security number and address. Most banks use automated systems that scan your ID through your phone camera or computer. If the scan is clear and your information matches what the bank finds in its records, you get approved in minutes.
If something does not match—your name on the ID differs slightly from your name on file, your address changed recently, or your ID is expired—the bank flags the application for manual review. A person at the bank then looks at your documents and may call you to confirm details. This step can add a few hours to a few days.
A small number of banks still require a video call with both account holders present. During the call, a bank employee watches you hold up your ID, asks you to confirm your address and Social Security number, and may ask why you are opening a joint account. This is less common but still happens at some regional banks and credit unions.
Deciding on account ownership structure before you apply
When you open a joint account, you must choose how the account is owned. The most common option is joint tenants with rights of survivorship, which means if one person dies, the other automatically owns the entire account. The second option is tenants in common, which means each person owns their share and can pass it to their heirs separately. A few banks offer joint tenants by the entirety, which is only for married couples and offers extra creditor protection in some states.
You cannot change the ownership structure after the account opens without closing it and opening a new one. So decide this before you apply. If you are married and want the account to pass to your spouse automatically if you die, choose joint tenants with rights of survivorship. If you are opening an account with a business partner or adult child and want your share to go to your own heirs, choose tenants in common.
The bank will ask you to select this during the application. If you are unsure, ask the bank's customer service before you start—it takes two minutes and saves you from having to close and reopen the account later.
Funding the account after it opens
Once both people are verified and the account is open, you can fund it immediately through ACH transfer from another bank account, wire transfer, or mobile deposit. ACH transfers usually take one to three business days and are free. Wire transfers arrive the same day but cost $15 to $30. Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check) is free but the bank may hold the funds for one to three business days before you can use them.
Some banks require a minimum deposit to open the account—often $25 to $100 for a checking account. If you do not meet the minimum during opening, the account may be closed automatically after 30 days. Check the bank's requirements before you apply so you know how much to have ready.
Both account holders can deposit money and make withdrawals immediately after the account opens, even if one person's identity verification is still pending. However, if one person's verification is still in progress, the bank may place a temporary hold on large deposits or restrict certain transactions until it is complete.
What to do if one person cannot complete the online process
If one account holder cannot verify their identity online—because their ID is expired, their address does not match records, or they do not have a valid driver's license—the other person can open the account alone and add the second person later. This usually requires the second person to visit a branch in person with their ID, or to mail a signature card and copy of their ID to the bank.
Adding someone to an existing account is simpler than opening a joint account from scratch because the first person is already verified. The second person still needs to provide ID and Social Security number, but the bank does not need to verify the account itself again. This process typically takes one to two weeks by mail or a few minutes in person at a branch.
Some banks also allow you to add an account holder by phone if you can answer security questions and provide your ID number. Call the bank's customer service to ask what options are available.
Holds, delays, and what to expect after opening
Even after the account is open and funded, the bank may place a temporary hold on deposits or restrict certain transactions for the first 30 days. This is a standard fraud prevention measure and does not mean anything is wrong. The hold usually lifts automatically after the waiting period.
If you deposit a check, the bank will hold it for one to three business days before the money is available, even if the account is fully open. This is true for all banks and is required by federal law. Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another bank account are usually available the same day or next business day.
If you need to make a large withdrawal or transfer in the first few days after opening, call the bank first to make sure the funds are available. Some banks flag large transactions as potential fraud and may delay them for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account online if one of us does not have a Social Security number?
No. Banks are required by federal law to collect a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for every account holder. If one person does not have either, they will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before opening the account. This process takes several weeks and requires an application through the IRS website or by mail.
What if we live in different states?
You can open a joint account online even if you live in different states. The bank will use the address of the person who is the primary account holder (usually the first person to apply) for mailing statements and tax documents. Both people can still access and use the account from anywhere.
Can we open a joint account if one person has bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not check credit scores for checking or savings accounts. They may check your banking history through ChexSystems (a database of past banking problems like overdrafts or fraud), but a low credit score will not stop you from opening a joint account online.
How long does it take to open a joint account online?
If both people's identities verify automatically, the account can be open in 15 to 30 minutes. If the bank needs to do a manual review, it may take a few hours to a few days. Once the account is open, you can fund it and start using it immediately, though deposits may be held for one to three business days.
Can we change the account to a single account later if we need to?
No. You cannot convert a joint account to a single account. You would need to close the joint account and open a new single account. Before you close it, make sure to withdraw all the money or transfer it to the new account, because the bank will close it once the balance is zero.