How to open a joint bank account

To open a joint bank account, both account holders must visit a bank or credit union together, bring government-issued ID and proof of address, and decide what type of account you want. The bank will run a background check on both of you (usually through ChexSystems, which tracks banking history), verify your Social Security numbers, and ask how you want the account structured—whether both of you can withdraw and spend freely, or whether one person controls spending. You'll sign the paperwork together, fund the account with an opening deposit, and receive debit cards and online access within a few business days.

Some banks let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, while others require you to do everything in person. A few banks (mainly online-only) may let you open a joint account entirely remotely using video verification, but this is less common. Call ahead to ask what your bank requires, because showing up without the right documents wastes a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present (in person or via video) with government ID and proof of address to open a joint account.
  • The bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems and verify your Social Security number before approving the account.
  • You decide upfront whether both people can spend freely or whether one person controls withdrawals—this choice affects how the account works if one person dies or the relationship ends.
  • Opening deposits range from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the bank; some accounts have monthly fees if you don't keep a minimum balance.
  • The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in the branch, and you'll have access to the account within one to three business days.

What documents you need to bring

Both account holders must bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will not accept expired IDs, so check yours before you go. You'll also need proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your new address yet, some banks accept a lease or a letter from your landlord.

Bring your Social Security card or know your Social Security number by heart. Some banks ask for it verbally during the appointment; others require you to show the card. If you don't have a Social Security number (for example, if you're a non-citizen), ask the bank whether it offers accounts for people without SSNs—some do, but not all.

If either account holder has had banking problems in the past (overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank), ChexSystems may flag it. This doesn't automatically disqualify you, but the bank may ask about it or deny the account. Knowing this in advance lets you explain the situation when you apply.

Choosing between joint account structures

Banks typically offer two ways to set up a joint account: joint tenants with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) and tenants in common. With JTWROS, if one account holder dies, the surviving account holder automatically owns the entire account and all the money in it—the account bypasses probate and goes directly to the survivor. With tenants in common, if one person dies, their share of the account goes into their estate and is divided according to their will, not automatically to the other account holder.

Most couples and family members choose JTWROS because it's simpler and faster when someone dies. Business partners or people who want to keep their shares separate often choose tenants in common. Ask the bank which structure it uses by default—many assume JTWROS unless you say otherwise.

Separately, you'll decide whether both account holders have equal spending power or whether one person controls withdrawals. Some banks call this "either/or" (both can spend) versus "and" (both must approve). If you choose "and," both people must sign checks or approve transfers, which slows things down but gives both people veto power. Most couples choose "either/or" for everyday accounts.

What happens during the appointment

When you arrive at the bank, a representative will ask both of you for ID and proof of address, then run a background check. This check looks at your banking history through ChexSystems—whether you've had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or other problems. The bank will also verify your Social Security numbers and ask basic questions about the account's purpose (everyday spending, savings, business, etc.).

You'll then review and sign the account agreement, which spells out the account type, fees, minimum balance requirements, and what happens if one person wants to close the account. Read this carefully—it's a legal document that binds both of you. If something doesn't match what you discussed, ask the representative to explain it before you sign.

Next, you'll fund the account with an opening deposit. This can be as little as zero dollars at some banks or as much as several hundred at others—check the bank's website or call ahead to know the requirement. You can deposit cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. The bank will issue debit cards and set up online access before you leave or within a few business days.

Timeline and when you can use the account

The entire in-branch process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll walk out with temporary debit cards or a receipt that lets you access the account online immediately. Permanent debit cards arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. If you funded the account with a check, that check clears within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the bank and the check's origin.

You can start using the account online or at an ATM as soon as you leave the branch. If you need to write checks, ask whether the bank issues them immediately or if you have to order them—some banks print checks on-site, while others mail them to you.

If the bank denies your application (usually because of ChexSystems issues or fraud concerns), it will tell you the reason and give you contact information for ChexSystems so you can dispute any errors on your record. This process can take 30 to 60 days, after which you can reapply.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Joint accounts are subject to the same fees as individual accounts at the same bank. Common fees include monthly maintenance fees (ranging from zero to $15 depending on the bank and account type), overdraft fees (typically $25 to $35 per overdraft), and ATM fees if you use an out-of-network machine. Some banks waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit.

Before you open the account, ask the bank for a fee schedule and ask specifically whether the minimum balance requirement applies to the joint account. Some banks count the combined balance of all your accounts toward the minimum; others count only the joint account itself. Knowing this upfront prevents surprise fees later.

If either account holder is under 18, some banks charge higher fees or don't allow joint accounts at all. Ask whether the bank has age restrictions before you apply.

What to do if one account holder wants to close the account

Either account holder can usually close a joint account unilaterally—meaning one person can close it without the other's permission. The bank will freeze the account and issue a check or transfer for the remaining balance to the address on file. This can create conflict if the other account holder wasn't expecting it, so many couples set a rule that both people must agree before closing.

If you're concerned about this, ask the bank whether it offers accounts that require both signatures to close. Some banks do, though this is less common. Alternatively, you can keep a joint account for shared expenses and maintain separate accounts for personal money, which gives you more control.

If the account is overdrawn when one person tries to close it, the bank will not close it until the overdraft is paid. Both account holders remain liable for the overdraft, even if only one person caused it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person has bad credit?

Yes. Banks don't check credit scores for checking or savings accounts—they only check ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit. Bad credit won't disqualify you, but a history of overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts might. Call the bank and ask whether ChexSystems issues will be a problem before you apply.

What if one account holder is not a U.S. citizen?

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks accept an ITIN in place of an SSN; others don't. Call ahead and ask. A few banks specialize in accounts for non-citizens and may have fewer restrictions. Bring your passport and any immigration documents the bank requests.

Do both people have to be present when opening the account?

In most cases, yes—both account holders must be present in person or via video. A few online banks let you open a joint account with one person present and the other verifying remotely, but this is uncommon. Call your bank to ask whether it offers remote options before you schedule an appointment.

What happens to the joint account if we break up or divorce?

The account remains joint unless one person closes it or a court order changes it. During divorce, a judge may order the account frozen or split. If you're separating, contact the bank and ask about your options—some banks can restrict access or require both signatures on withdrawals while the account is being divided.

Can I remove someone from a joint account without closing it?

No. You can't convert a joint account to an individual account without closing it and opening a new one. If you want to remove someone, you'll need to close the joint account, divide the money, and open a new account in your name alone. The other person will be notified of the closure.