Documents and identification you'll bring to the bank

To open a joint account, you and your co-owner both need to show up at the bank with a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. The bank will scan or photocopy it, so bring the original.

You'll also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a cell phone bill; others don't. Call ahead and ask what your bank takes, because showing up with the wrong document wastes a trip.

If either of you has changed your name recently, bring the document that proves it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The bank needs to match your ID to your legal name on file.

Information you need to know before you arrive

Decide together what type of account you want. Most joint accounts are checking accounts, but some couples open joint savings accounts or money market accounts instead. The bank will ask which one, so talk about it first.

You'll need to choose how the account is titled. The two most common ways are "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (JTWROS) and "tenants in common." With JTWROS, if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns the full balance. With tenants in common, the deceased owner's share goes to their estate instead. This matters for inheritance, so decide which one fits your situation.

Bring a starting deposit if the bank requires one. Minimum deposits vary widely — some banks have no minimum, others require $25, and some require $300 or more. Check the bank's website or call to find out what they need from you.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must show up in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of current address.
  • You'll decide together whether the account is JTWROS (surviving owner inherits the balance) or tenants in common (balance goes to the deceased owner's estate).
  • Call your bank before you go to confirm the minimum deposit required and what documents they accept for address proof.
  • If either of you changed your name recently, bring the legal document that proves it.

What happens during the account opening appointment

The bank representative will ask both of you to sign signature cards and other account documents. Read these carefully — they spell out the account type, how disputes are handled, and what happens if one owner wants to close the account without the other's permission. Some banks let either owner close a joint account alone; others require both signatures. This is in the paperwork, so don't skip it.

The bank will also ask about your Social Security numbers. Both owners' SSNs go on file so the bank can report interest earned and check for fraud. You'll provide these during the appointment.

You'll choose how to access the account: debit card, checks, online banking, or all three. Most banks issue a debit card to each owner, but confirm this. Some couples prefer one card; others want separate cards so they can track spending individually.

Fees and ongoing costs

Joint accounts charge the same fees as individual accounts at the same bank. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15, depending on the bank and account type. Some banks waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and wire transfer fees apply to joint accounts the same way they do to single accounts. If the account goes negative, both owners are responsible for the overdraft fee — it doesn't matter who made the withdrawal.

Ask the bank for a fee schedule in writing before you open the account. This document lists every charge and when it applies, so you know exactly what to expect each month.

Age and citizenship requirements

Both account owners must be at least 18 years old. Some banks require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but not all. If you're not a citizen, call ahead — some banks will open an account for you with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN, and others won't.

If one owner is under 18, you'll need to open a custodial account instead, which has different rules and requires a parent or guardian to co-sign. That's a separate process from a standard joint account.

What the bank checks before opening your account

The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you've had accounts closed for fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other problems, the bank may deny your application or require you to pay outstanding balances first.

The bank will also check your name against government watchlists for money laundering and terrorist financing. This is federal law, not the bank's choice. It usually takes a few minutes and doesn't affect your credit score.

If either of you has a history of fraud or unpaid bank fees, tell the bank upfront. Some banks have second-chance programs for people with banking problems in their past.

After the account opens

The bank will give you a temporary debit card or tell you when your permanent card will arrive. You can usually start using online banking the same day, even if your physical card hasn't arrived yet.

Checks take 7 to 10 business days to print and arrive. If you need checks sooner, ask if the bank can issue temporary checks or if you can order them from a third-party printer.

Set up online banking and mobile app access right away. Both owners should log in separately so you each have your own login and can see the full balance and transaction history. Decide together whether you want to set up alerts for large withdrawals or low balances — this helps catch fraud or mistakes quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both owners have to be present to open the account?

Yes, nearly all banks require both owners to show up in person with ID. Some banks may allow one owner to open the account and add the second owner later, but this is rare and usually requires the second owner to visit the bank within a set timeframe to sign documents.

Can I open a joint account online?

Most online banks do not allow joint account openings online. You'll need to visit a branch or mail in signed documents. A few online banks have started offering remote joint account openings, but you'll still need to verify your identity through video call or other means. Check your bank's website for their specific process.

What if one owner has bad credit?

A joint bank account is not a credit product, so bad credit won't stop you from opening one. The bank checks ChexSystems (banking history) and fraud watchlists, not your credit score. However, if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your banking record, the bank may deny the application.

Can I add a third person to the account later?

Most banks allow you to add a third owner after the account opens, but both original owners usually have to request it together. Some banks have limits on how many owners one account can have. Call your bank to ask about their policy before you open the account if you think you might add someone later.

What if one owner wants to close the account?

This depends on the account agreement you signed. Some banks let either owner close the account alone; others require both owners to agree. The paperwork you sign at opening will say which rule applies. If you're unsure, ask the bank representative to explain it before you sign.