Documents and identification you'll bring to the bank

You and your co-owner both need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will verify both identities before opening the account. Bring the originals, not copies; most banks will not accept photocopies or digital images for the initial visit.

You'll also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Either you or your co-owner can provide a single address document if you live together, but if you maintain separate addresses, bring proof for both.

Some banks ask for a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each account holder at the time you open the account. Have these ready before you arrive. If either person does not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN or passport number instead — policies vary by institution.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must present a government-issued photo ID and proof of current address in person; most banks do not open joint accounts online or by mail.
  • You will need a Social Security number or ITIN for each person, and the bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or a similar verification service.
  • Bring the minimum opening deposit amount required by your bank, which ranges from zero to several hundred dollars depending on the institution and account type.
  • Both people must sign the account agreement and any related documents; one person cannot open a joint account on behalf of the other.
  • The bank will ask how you want the account titled — whether both names appear as owners with equal rights, or whether one person is the primary account holder.

The minimum deposit and account setup fees

Most banks require a minimum opening deposit to activate the account. This amount varies widely: some banks have no minimum, while others require $25, $100, or more. Check the bank's website or call ahead to confirm the requirement for the specific account type you want.

The opening deposit counts as money in the account — it is not a separate fee. If the minimum is $100, you deposit $100 and the account opens with that $100 available to use. Some banks waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or maintain a certain balance.

Ask about monthly maintenance fees before you open the account. Many banks charge $10 to $15 per month for a basic checking account, though some offer free checking if you meet conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or receiving direct deposit. These fees are separate from the opening deposit.

How the bank verifies your identity and history

The bank will run a background check on both account holders through ChexSystems, a verification service that tracks banking history. ChexSystems reports closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud flags. If either person has a record of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, the bank may deny the account or require additional steps.

You can request your own ChexSystems report before you apply by visiting chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Correcting a mistake before you apply can speed up the process.

The bank will also verify your identity by checking your ID against government databases and confirming your address. This usually takes a few minutes during your visit. If the verification fails, the bank will ask follow-up questions or request additional documents.

Decisions you'll make during the application

You and your co-owner must decide how the account will be titled. The most common structure is a joint account with rights of survivorship, which means both people own the account equally and either person can withdraw money. If one person dies, the surviving owner automatically inherits the full balance.

An alternative is a joint account without survivorship rights, where both people own the account equally during their lifetimes, but if one dies, their share goes to their estate rather than automatically to the surviving owner. This is less common and requires specific language in the account agreement.

You will also choose whether to receive paper statements, online statements, or both. Most banks default to online statements and charge a fee for paper statements mailed to your address. You can change this preference later.

Decide whether you want a debit card for the account. Most banks issue one card per account holder at no extra cost, though some charge for a second card. You can request the cards during the application or add them later.

What happens after you sign the agreement

Once both people sign the account agreement and deposit the opening funds, the account is active immediately. You can begin using the debit card and writing checks the same day if the bank issues them on-site, though this is rare. Most banks mail checks and debit cards within 7 to 10 business days.

The bank will provide you with temporary checks or a temporary debit card number if you need to make a payment before the permanent card arrives. Ask for these at the time you open the account if you know you will need them.

You can set up online banking access during your visit or shortly after. The bank will send login credentials by mail or email. Both account holders can set up separate online access using the same account number, so you can each monitor the balance and transactions independently.

What to do if the bank denies the account

If the bank denies your application, they must provide a reason in writing. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or a fraud flag. Ask the bank for specifics and request a copy of the ChexSystems report if that is the reason.

If the denial is based on a ChexSystems error, dispute it with ChexSystems directly before you apply elsewhere. If the denial is based on a legitimate banking history issue, you may need to wait a certain period or pay outstanding overdrafts before reapplying. Some banks have second-chance checking accounts with higher fees but fewer restrictions.

You can also try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions often have more flexible policies for people with banking history issues, and membership requirements are usually based on geography or employment rather than credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person open a joint account without the other person present?

No. Both account holders must be present in person and sign the account agreement. The bank needs to verify both identities and confirm that both people consent to the joint ownership. You cannot open a joint account on someone else's behalf.

What if one person does not have a Social Security number?

Ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or a passport number instead. Policies vary by bank. Some banks require a Social Security number and will not open the account without one; others accept alternative forms of identification. Call ahead to confirm.

Do both people need to have the same address?

No. You can open a joint account even if you live at different addresses. Bring proof of address for each person. The bank will ask which address to use for statements and correspondence; you can usually choose one or request that statements be sent to both addresses.

Can we change who owns the account after we open it?

You can remove a co-owner or add a new one, but the process varies by bank. Contact your bank's customer service to learn the steps. Some banks require both current owners to sign a form; others allow one owner to remove the other. The rules depend on how the account is titled.

What if we want to close the account later?

Either account holder can close a joint account by contacting the bank. You will need to withdraw or transfer the remaining balance. Some banks charge a fee for early closure if you close within a certain period (often 90 days), so check the account agreement for details.