Not everyone can open a joint account, and the rules vary by bank and account type

You cannot straightforward walk into a bank with another person and open a joint account. Banks have specific requirements about who can hold the account together, and those requirements depend on your relationship to the other person, your age, your citizenship or residency status, and sometimes your credit or banking history. A parent and adult child can open one together. Two unrelated adults can open one together. But a parent cannot open a joint account on behalf of a minor child without that child being present (in most cases), and some banks will not open joint accounts for people who are not in a committed relationship or family unit.

The account type also matters. A basic checking account has fewer restrictions than a business account or an investment account. And some banks have their own policies that go beyond what law requires—meaning one bank might accept a joint account you cannot open at another.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present at the bank, provide government-issued ID, and meet the bank's minimum age requirement, which is usually 18 but sometimes higher for certain account types.
  • Banks verify identity and may check your banking history through ChexSystems or similar systems, so a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts can disqualify you even if you meet other requirements.
  • Joint accounts require both people to agree to the terms, and both names go on the account—the bank will not hide one person's ownership from the other.
  • Some banks restrict joint accounts to spouses, domestic partners, or family members, while others allow any two adults to open one together; you must ask your specific bank about their policy.
  • If you cannot meet in person, some banks offer remote account opening, but both people still need to verify their identity and sign documents, usually through video or digital signature.

Age requirements and who counts as an adult

You must be at least 18 years old to hold a joint account in your own name at most banks. Some banks set the minimum at 21 for certain products like investment or business accounts. If you are under 18, you cannot be a joint account holder—you can only be added to a parent's or guardian's account as an authorized user, which is different from being a joint owner.

The other person on the account must also meet the bank's age requirement. If one person is 18 and the other is 17, that account cannot open. Both people need to be able to sign binding contracts, which is why age 18 is the standard threshold.

Identity verification and what documents you need

Both account holders must bring government-issued photo ID to the bank. This is typically a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or similar document. The bank will verify that the ID is real, that it matches the person presenting it, and that it has not expired. If you do not have a current government ID, most banks will not open the account.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to verify your identity through databases like ChexSystems, which tracks banking history across institutions. If you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other banking violations, the bank may deny the account even if you meet every other requirement.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. Requirements vary by bank and by the type of account you are opening.

Banking history and ChexSystems checks

When you explore for a joint account, the bank runs a background check through ChexSystems or a similar banking verification system. This report shows whether you have had accounts closed due to fraud, unpaid fees, or other violations. It also shows whether you have outstanding disputes with other banks.

If either person on the joint account has a negative ChexSystems report, the bank can deny the account. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute inaccuracies, but this takes time. If you know you have a negative report, some banks that specialize in second-chance banking may still open an account for you, though they may charge higher fees or require a larger deposit.

Relationship requirements and bank policies

Some banks have explicit policies about who can open a joint account together. Many banks allow spouses and domestic partners to open joint accounts without question. Some also allow family members—parents and adult children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. But policies differ.

A smaller number of banks restrict joint accounts only to people in a legal or committed relationship. If you want to open a joint account with a friend, business partner, or other non-family member, you may need to shop around. Call the bank's customer service line and ask directly: "Can two unrelated adults open a joint checking account together?" The answer will tell you whether that bank will work for you.

Banks have these policies because joint accounts create legal obligations and shared liability. If one person overdrafts the account or commits fraud, both people are responsible. Banks want to reduce disputes and make sure both people understand what they are signing up for.

Citizenship and residency status

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open a joint account, but you do need to be a resident or have a valid reason to be in the country. Banks will ask for proof of residency—usually a utility bill, lease, or government document with your address on it.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not authorized to work in the U.S. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. If you are in this situation, call ahead and ask whether the bank accepts ITIN holders before you go in.

If you are not a resident of the state where the bank is located, most banks will still open an account for you, but some regional banks may have restrictions. Online banks typically have no residency requirement.

What happens if one person does not show up or refuses to sign

Both people must be present and must sign the account agreement. The bank will not open a joint account if only one person shows up, and it will not open an account in one person's name and secretly add another person later. This is a legal protection: both account holders have the right to know they are on the account and to understand the terms.

If one person changes their mind or refuses to sign, the account does not open. There is no workaround. If you need an account that only one person controls but you want another person to have access, you can open a single account and add the other person as an authorized user instead, but that is a different product with different rules.

Remote account opening and digital verification

Some banks now allow remote account opening through their website or app. If the bank offers this, both people can verify their identity online using a video call or by uploading photos of their ID. Digital signatures replace in-person signatures.

However, both people still need to complete the process. The bank will not let one person open the account on behalf of the other. If you are considering remote opening, check the bank's website or call to confirm that joint accounts can be opened remotely—not all banks offer this option for joint products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if I have bad credit?

Credit score does not usually affect whether you can open a checking account. Banks check ChexSystems (banking history), not credit bureaus. However, if your banking history shows fraud or unpaid overdrafts, the bank can deny the account. Bad credit alone is not a reason to deny a checking account.

What if one person on the joint account has a warrant or legal hold?

If there is a court order against one person—such as a child support garnishment or tax levy—the bank may freeze or restrict the account. The bank is required to comply with legal holds. This does not prevent the account from opening, but it may prevent one or both people from accessing the money once it is there.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is not a U.S. resident?

Yes, if they have an ITIN and proof of residency (even a temporary address). Not all banks accept non-residents, so call ahead. Online banks are more likely to accept international customers than brick-and-mortar banks.

What if I want to add someone to my existing account instead of opening a new joint account?

Adding someone as an authorized user is different from opening a joint account. You can usually do this over the phone or online without the other person present. However, authorized users do not own the account—you do. The account holder is liable for all activity, and the authorized user can be removed at any time.

Do both people need to have the same address?

No. Joint account holders can have different addresses. The bank will send statements to the address on file, but you can usually request that statements go to both addresses or that one person receive them electronically while the other receives paper copies.