Yes, you can open a joint account online with most major banks, but both account holders must be present and verified during the process

Most large banks and many credit unions now let you start a joint account entirely through their website or mobile app. You won't need to visit a branch, but you will need to complete identity verification for both people at the same time—usually through a video call, photo ID upload, or both. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the account can be funded and ready to use within one to three business days.

The catch is that both account holders must participate. Banks cannot open a joint account with only one person present, even if that person has power of attorney or is a spouse. This is a federal requirement tied to anti-money-laundering rules. If one person cannot be present online, you will need to visit a branch in person or wait until both of you can be available at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must verify their identity during the online opening process, usually through video call or photo ID upload.
  • You can complete the entire process from home on a computer or phone, and the account is typically ready to use within one to three business days.
  • If one account holder cannot participate online, you will need to open the account in person at a branch or wait until both people are available.
  • You will need a Social Security number, government-issued ID, and current address for each person on the account.
  • Joint accounts opened online have the same features and protections as those opened in a branch—the method does not change what the account can do.

What you need to have ready before you start

Gather these items for both account holders before you begin: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and a current address. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address. If either person has moved recently, have the new address ready—banks verify this against public records, and a mismatch can slow down the process.

You will also need to decide on the type of joint account you want. Most banks offer two structures: joint with survivorship (if one owner dies, the other automatically owns the full balance) or joint tenants in common (each owner's share goes to their estate, not automatically to the other person). The default is usually survivorship, but you can change it during setup. Ask the bank which option they default to, because you cannot always change it after the account opens.

The actual steps to open an account online

Start on the bank's website or app and look for "Open an Account" or "New Account." Select "Joint Account" from the account type options. The bank will ask for the primary account holder's information first—name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and ID details. You will upload a photo of the ID or answer security questions based on your credit history.

Next, the bank will ask for the second account holder's information in the same format. At this point, most banks require a video call with both people present, or they send a verification link to the second person's email or phone. If it is a video call, a bank representative will ask both of you to show your IDs and confirm you are opening the account together. If it is a link, the second person clicks it and completes their own identity verification separately, but usually within a set time window (often 24 to 48 hours).

Once both identities are verified, you will choose a funding method—transfer from another account, wire transfer, or deposit by check. The account number and routing number are usually available when ready, even if the account is not fully active yet. Most banks set up the account within one business day and make funds available within two to three business days.

Which banks let you open joint accounts online

Major national banks that offer full online joint account opening include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. Most credit unions also support online joint accounts, though the process varies slightly by institution. Smaller online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also offer this option.

Before you choose a bank, check their specific requirements on their website or call their customer service line. Some banks require the second account holder to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; others have no citizenship requirement. Some allow joint accounts for people in different states; others do not. A five-minute phone call to the bank's new accounts line can save you time if you have an unusual situation—for example, if one person is out of the country or does not have a U.S. address.

What happens if one person cannot be present online

If the second account holder is out of the country, does not have internet access, or straightforward cannot be online at the same time, you have two options: visit a branch together in person, or wait until both of you can be available online. There is no way around the requirement that both people must verify their identity during the opening process.

Some banks offer a hybrid approach: one person starts the process online, and the second person completes their part through a separate link sent to their email. This can work if you are in different time zones or have conflicting schedules. The second person still needs to verify their identity, but they do not have to do it at the exact same moment as the first person.

Fees and account features you should know about

Joint accounts opened online have the same monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates as those opened in a branch. Many banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Some banks charge no monthly fee regardless of balance.

Both account holders have full access to the account—they can withdraw money, write checks, and make transfers. Both can also see all transactions and balances. If you want to restrict one person's access or set spending limits, you will need to contact the bank after the account opens; most banks do not offer these controls through their online setup process. Some banks offer alerts that notify both account holders when large transactions occur, which can help prevent unauthorized use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account online if one person does not have a Social Security number?

Most U.S. banks require a Social Security number for both account holders. If one person does not have one, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this varies by bank. Call the bank's new accounts line before you start the process to confirm whether they accept ITINs.

What if the second account holder does not have a government-issued ID?

You will need to visit a branch in person. Banks cannot verify identity online without a government-issued photo ID, and they cannot open a joint account without verifying both people. A branch representative can sometimes use alternative documents, such as a passport card or tribal ID, but this varies by bank.

How long does it take to use the account after I open it online?

The account number and routing number are usually available when ready after verification is complete. You can use these to set up direct deposit or transfers right away. However, the account itself may not be fully active for one business day, and transferred funds may take two to three business days to appear, depending on the funding method.

Can I change the account from joint to individual later?

No. Once an account is opened as joint, you cannot convert it to a single-owner account. If you need to remove one person, you would need to close the account and open a new one in a single name. Both account holders must agree to close the account, and any remaining balance must be distributed.

What if I want different ownership percentages on the joint account?

Most banks do not allow you to set different ownership percentages on a joint account opened online. Both owners are treated as having equal rights to the full balance. If you need unequal ownership, you may need to speak with a bank representative or a lawyer about whether a different account structure would work better for your situation.