Yes, you can open a joint bank account online, but the process varies by bank and requires both account holders to verify their identity
Most major banks and many online-only banks let you start a joint account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. However, you cannot complete the entire process alone—the second account holder must also verify who they are, usually by providing a Social Security number, date of birth, and a government ID. Some banks require both people to be present during a video call; others send a verification link to the second person's email or phone.
The speed depends on the bank. Some accounts open within minutes once both people have verified. Others take one to three business days for the bank to review the application and run background checks. A few banks still require at least one person to sign documents in person or by wet signature, which slows things down.
Key Takeaways
- Most online banks allow you to open a joint account through their website or app, but both account holders must verify their identity separately.
- The second account holder will receive a verification link or invitation and must complete their own identity check before the account activates.
- Some banks require a video call with both people present; others verify identity through documents or one-time codes sent to a phone or email.
- Account opening typically takes minutes to three business days, depending on the bank's review process and whether they need additional documentation.
- You will need a Social Security number, date of birth, government ID, and initial deposit amount for both account holders.
What information and documents you need from both people
Before either of you starts, gather these items for both account holders: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks photograph or scan the ID during the online process; others ask you to upload an image.
The bank will also ask for an initial deposit amount. This varies widely—some online banks have no minimum, while others require $25 to $500 to open the account. A few banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Have a debit card or bank account information ready if you plan to fund the account immediately.
How the second account holder verifies their identity online
Once you submit the joint account application, the bank sends an invitation to the second person. This usually arrives as an email or text message with a link to a verification portal. The second person clicks the link and enters their own information—name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
The bank then asks for identity verification. The most common methods are uploading a photo of a government ID, answering security questions based on their credit history, or receiving a one-time code via phone or email that they enter to confirm they own that phone number or email address. Some banks use a video call instead, where both account holders appear on camera and show their IDs to a bank representative.
If the second person does not complete their verification within a set time—usually 7 to 14 days—the application expires and you have to start over. Some banks send reminder emails; others do not.
Banks that let you open joint accounts fully online
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover typically allow the entire joint account process to happen online without any branch visit. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank also offer online joint account opening, though some require a video call or in-person verification depending on your state and the type of account.
Credit unions vary. Some credit unions allow online joint account opening if both members are already credit union members; others require at least one person to visit a branch or mail in a signed form. Call your credit union's member services line to ask whether they support fully online joint accounts.
Smaller regional banks are less likely to offer fully online joint account opening. If your bank's website does not show a joint account option during signup, call and ask whether they can process it over the phone or whether you need to visit a branch.
When the bank might ask for additional documents
If the bank cannot verify your identity through the standard methods—ID upload, security questions, or video call—they may ask for additional documents. Common requests include a recent utility bill or mortgage statement showing your current address, a copy of your lease, or a tax return. This usually happens if your credit history is thin, if you recently moved, or if your name on file does not match your ID exactly.
The bank will tell you what they need and how to submit it, usually through the same online portal where you uploaded your ID. Submitting additional documents can add three to five business days to the opening timeline.
What happens after you both verify your identity
Once both account holders have verified their identity and the bank completes its review, the account opens. You will receive confirmation via email, and both people can usually log in immediately to see the account and set up online banking access. Debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days by mail.
Some banks let you use a temporary digital card number right away for online purchases while you wait for the physical card. Others require you to wait for the card to arrive before you can use it for in-person transactions.
Both account holders have equal access to the account and can make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. Either person can also close the account or change account settings, depending on the bank's rules. Check your bank's policy on what actions require both people's approval.
When you might need to open a joint account in person instead
Some situations still require a branch visit. If you do not have a government ID, if you are under 18, or if you are opening an account for a business rather than personal use, most banks require in-person verification. Some states also have rules that require at least one person to sign documents in person for certain account types.
If the bank's online verification system cannot confirm your identity—for example, if your credit history does not exist or if there is a name mismatch—they may ask you to visit a branch with your ID and documents. This is rare but happens occasionally with people who have recently moved, changed their name, or have limited credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person lives in a different state?
Yes. Most banks do not require both people to live in the same state or even the same country. The second person can verify their identity online from anywhere. However, some banks have restrictions on which states they serve, so check whether the bank operates in both states before you start.
What if the second person does not have a Social Security number?
Most U.S. banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If the second person has an ITIN, they can use that instead. If they have neither, they will need to visit a branch in person with a passport or other government ID, and the bank may ask additional questions about their residency status.
How long does it take to open a joint account online?
If both people verify their identity immediately and the bank approves without requesting additional documents, the account can open within minutes to a few hours. More commonly, it takes one to three business days. If the bank asks for additional documents, add three to five more business days.
Can I change the account to a single account later if the other person wants out?
Yes, but the process depends on the bank. Some banks let either person request to remove the other person online. Others require both people to visit a branch or sign a form. Contact your bank's customer service to ask what they require—do not assume you can do it unilaterally.
What if one person's identity verification fails?
If the bank cannot verify the second person's identity online, they will send a message explaining why and asking for additional documents or a branch visit. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on the ID and the name on file, an address that does not match recent records, or a credit history that cannot be verified. The bank will tell you what to do next.