You can open a joint account with almost anyone, but the bank decides who qualifies
A joint bank account requires two or more people to own it together. The bank, not the law, sets the rules about who can be a co-owner. Most banks allow you to open a joint account with a spouse, adult child, parent, sibling, business partner, or friend — but each bank has its own requirements, and some will refuse certain combinations.
The person you want to add must be able to sign documents and provide identification. Banks typically require all account owners to be present at opening, though some allow you to add someone later. If someone cannot sign their own name or provide ID — because they are a minor, lack legal capacity, or are not a U.S. citizen with an ID the bank accepts — you may not be able to add them as a full co-owner on a standard joint account.
Key Takeaways
- Banks set their own rules about who can be a joint account owner, and these rules vary widely between institutions.
- All account owners must usually provide government-issued ID and sign the account agreement themselves.
- Minors cannot be joint owners on most accounts, but many banks offer custodial or teen accounts as alternatives.
- Non-citizens may open joint accounts if they have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or valid visa documentation, depending on the bank.
- Adding someone as a joint owner gives them full access to all money in the account and equal legal claim to it.
What banks require before adding a co-owner
Every bank asks for the same basic information from each person on the account: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and a government-issued photo ID. The person must be present to sign the account agreement, or the bank must allow remote signing through their online platform or a notarized document.
Some banks require both owners to visit a branch in person. Others allow one owner to open the account and add the second owner later through the online portal or by mail. A few banks will not add a co-owner after the account is open — you must both be present at the start. Call the bank before you plan your visit to confirm their process.
The bank will also run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking history and fraud. If either person has unpaid overdrafts, fraud flags, or other banking problems, the bank may deny the account or require the flagged person to resolve the issue first.
Who cannot be a joint account owner
Minors cannot be joint owners on a standard checking or savings account. If you want to give a child access to money or teach them to bank, you need a custodial account (also called a minor account or youth account). The parent or guardian is the legal owner, and the child is an authorized user. The child can deposit and withdraw money, but the parent retains control and can close the account or freeze it.
Non-citizens without ID face the biggest barrier. Banks must verify identity, and most accept only a U.S. passport, state driver's license, or state ID card. If someone has a valid visa but no U.S. ID, some banks will accept a passport plus visa documentation. Others will not. A few large banks (like Bank of America and Wells Fargo) have programs for people with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, but these are less common and may not allow joint ownership.
People without legal capacity — those under court guardianship or with a legal incapacity ruling — cannot sign their own account agreement. A guardian or conservator can open an account in the incapacitated person's name, but that is not a joint account; it is a guardianship account with different rules and oversight.
Non-citizens and ITIN holders
A non-citizen with a valid visa and passport can open a joint account at many banks, but you must call ahead. The bank needs to verify the visa is current and the person's identity through the passport. Some banks will not do this; others require the non-citizen to be physically present with the passport.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. If your co-owner has an ITIN, mention it when you call the bank. Some banks accept it in place of a Social Security number; others do not. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have stated they accept ITINs, but policies change and vary by branch, so confirm before you visit.
If the bank refuses to open a joint account, you can try a credit union instead. Credit unions often have more flexible rules for non-citizens and ITIN holders, though you must be a member to open an account.
What happens when you add someone as a joint owner
Once someone is a joint owner, they have full legal access to all the money in the account. They can withdraw funds, transfer money, close the account, or change the account settings without your permission. There is no way to restrict a joint owner's access to part of the money or require their approval for transactions.
If you want to give someone access to money but keep control, do not make them a joint owner. Instead, add them as an authorized user. An authorized user can use a debit card and make withdrawals, but the account owner retains legal control and can remove them at any time. Not all banks offer this option, so ask when you call.
Both owners are equally liable for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, the bank can pursue either owner for the debt. Both owners' credit reports are linked to the account, so missed payments or overdrafts affect both people's credit.
Domestic partners and unmarried couples
Banks do not require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a domestic partner, long-term partner, or anyone else. The bank does not ask about your relationship — they only verify that both people are who they say they are and that both agree to the account.
However, unmarried joint owners should understand the legal consequences. If one owner dies, the account usually passes to the surviving owner automatically (this is called joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, and it is the default at most banks). The money does not go through the deceased person's will or estate. If you want the money to go to someone else, you need to name them as a beneficiary on the account instead of making them a joint owner, or you need to change the account title to specify a different ownership structure.
Business partners and co-signers
You can open a joint business account with a business partner using the same process as a personal joint account. Both owners must provide ID and sign the agreement. Some banks require a business license or EIN (Employer Identification Number), but many allow sole proprietors to use personal Social Security numbers.
A co-signer is different from a joint owner. A co-signer signs a loan or credit agreement to may provide payment if the primary borrower defaults, but they do not own the account. Co-signers are used for loans, credit cards, and lines of credit — not for checking or savings accounts. If you are trying to help someone get a loan and you are asked to be a co-signer, understand that you are legally responsible for the full debt if they do not pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account with someone who lives in another state?
Yes. Most banks allow joint owners to live anywhere in the U.S. Some banks require both owners to be present at opening, but many allow remote account opening through their website or mobile app. You may need to mail signed documents or use a notary. Call the bank to ask whether they can open the account online or if you must visit a branch.
What if the other person has bad credit or owes money?
Bad credit does not prevent someone from being a joint owner. Banks check banking history (ChexSystems), not credit scores. However, if the person has unpaid overdrafts, fraud flags, or is on the ChexSystems list, the bank may deny the account. If they owe money to creditors, those creditors can potentially pursue the joint account if they win a judgment, so discuss this risk before opening the account together.
Can I remove someone from a joint account without their permission?
No. Both owners must agree to remove someone from a joint account. If you want to end the joint ownership, you must either close the account entirely or convert it to a single-owner account with the other person's written consent. Some banks allow you to remove a co-owner if they are deceased or if you have a court order, but otherwise both people must sign.
What if I want to add someone to my account later, after it is already open?
Most banks allow you to add a co-owner after the account is open, but the process varies. Some require both people to visit a branch; others allow you to add someone online or by mail. Call your bank and ask for their process. You will need the new owner's ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and their signature on the account agreement.
Can I open a joint account with someone I just met?
Yes, legally you can. The bank does not care about your relationship to the other person. However, opening a joint account with someone you do not know well is risky because they have full access to all the money. Only open a joint account with someone you trust completely.