Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether both account holders are existing customers

Most major banks let you open a joint account entirely online if you meet their requirements. The catch: those requirements vary. Some banks require both people to be present in person at a branch. Others let one person open the account online and add the second person later. A few require the second account holder to verify their identity through video call rather than in a branch. You need to check your specific bank's rules before you start.

The timeline matters too. If both of you are existing customers of the same bank with verified identities on file, the process can take minutes to hours. If one or both of you are new to the bank, you are looking at a few business days while the bank verifies Social Security numbers, addresses, and identity documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks allow you to open a joint account online if both account holders are already customers, but some require at least one person to visit a branch.
  • You will need both people's Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and current addresses before you start, plus a government-issued ID for verification.
  • The second account holder may need to verify their identity through the bank's app, a video call, or an in-person visit — the bank decides which method.
  • Joint accounts opened online have the same features and protections as those opened in a branch, but some banks limit initial deposit amounts for new customers.

What banks actually require to open a joint account online

Before you log in, gather documents for both people: a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), current address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bank will verify these against public records and its own systems. If either person has moved recently, bring proof of the new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works.

If you are both existing customers of the same bank and your identities are already verified in their system, you can often skip the document upload step. The bank already has what it needs. If one or both of you are new to the bank, expect to upload or photograph your ID and possibly provide additional proof of address. This is where the process slows down — the bank's verification system may flag your documents for manual review, which adds one to three business days.

The difference between banks that let you do this entirely online versus those that don't

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks let existing customers add a joint account holder online without a branch visit. You log in, select "open a new account," choose the joint option, enter the second person's information, and they receive a notification to verify their identity through the app or a find link. The second person then logs in (or creates an account if they are new to the bank) and completes identity verification. The account opens once both people have verified.

Some banks, particularly smaller regional institutions and credit unions, require at least one account holder to visit a branch in person. This is usually because their systems do not support remote identity verification or because their compliance team requires a physical signature. If you are considering a bank that is not a major national chain, call their customer service line and ask directly: "Can both account holders open a joint account without visiting a branch?" The answer determines whether this route works for you.

A third group — mostly online-only banks like Ally or Charles Schwab — may allow joint accounts but require video verification instead of in-person visits. You schedule a call with a bank representative, show your ID on camera, and answer verification questions. This takes 10 to 20 minutes and can happen at any time, including evenings and weekends.

How identity verification works when you are not in a branch

The bank uses one of three methods: automated verification through your ID, a video call with a bank employee, or a combination of both. Automated verification scans your ID, checks it against government databases, and compares your face to the photo on the ID. This happens in seconds or minutes. If the system cannot verify you automatically — because your ID is expired, the photo is unclear, or the name does not match government records exactly — a bank employee reviews your documents manually or calls you to verify information by phone.

Video verification is more thorough. You show your ID on camera, answer questions about your address and personal history, and the bank employee watches you do it. This method catches fraud better than automated systems, which is why some banks use it for new customers or large initial deposits. The whole call usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Once both account holders have verified their identities, the bank links you to the account. You can usually start using it when ready — transferring money in, setting up direct deposit, or ordering a debit card. Some banks hold new accounts for 24 hours before allowing transfers, particularly if either person is brand new to the bank.

Timing: how long it actually takes from start to finish

If both of you are existing customers with verified identities, the account opens in minutes to a few hours. You initiate the request, the second person approves it through their app or email, and the account is active. You can use it the same day.

If one person is new to the bank, add two to five business days. The bank verifies their identity, which may require manual review. If both people are new to the bank, add another day or two. The bank processes new customer verifications in batches, so timing depends on when your documents land in the queue.

If the bank flags either person's documents for manual review — because the ID is hard to read, the address does not match records, or the name appears on a sanctions list — the process can stretch to five to seven business days. The bank will contact you if this happens and ask for additional documents or information.

What happens after the account opens

Both account holders can log in, transfer money, pay bills, and make withdrawals. Most banks send debit cards to both people, though you can request that cards go to one address. You can set up direct deposit to the joint account from either person's employer. If one person closes their account or removes themselves from the joint account, the remaining person retains full access and ownership.

Funds in a joint account are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per person, per bank. This means if the account holds $400,000, the first $250,000 is insured in one person's name and the second $250,000 in the other person's name. If the bank fails, both people are protected up to their individual limits.

Some banks limit the initial deposit amount for new customers or newly opened accounts. You might not be able to deposit $50,000 on day one, even if you have the funds. Check your bank's policy before you open the account, particularly if you plan to move a large sum when ready.

When you cannot open a joint account online and what to do instead

If your bank requires a branch visit, you have two options: go to the branch together, or have one person open the account online and add the second person in person later. The first option is straightforward — both of you visit with IDs and sign the account agreement. The second option takes longer but works if you live in different cities. One person opens the account online, then the second person visits a branch near them to add their name and sign the agreement. Some banks charge a fee for this second step; others do not.

If your bank does not offer joint accounts online at all, you must visit a branch together. Call ahead to confirm the branch has the right forms and can process the request the day you visit. Bring both IDs, proof of address for both people, and your Social Security numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both people have to be present when we open the account?

Not necessarily. Most banks let one person open the account online and the second person verify their identity remotely through the app or a video call. Some banks require both people to visit a branch together. Check your bank's specific process before you start.

What if one of us is not a customer of the bank yet?

The bank will verify their identity as a new customer, which adds a few business days. They will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, address, and government-issued ID. The verification process is the same whether they are opening a joint account or an individual account.

Can we open a joint account if we live in different states?

Yes. Banks do not require you to live in the same state or even the same country. You both verify your identities remotely, and the account opens. The bank will send debit cards and statements to the addresses you provide, which can be different.

What if the bank rejects one of our identities?

The bank will contact you and explain why — usually because the name, address, or date of birth does not match government records, or because the ID is expired or unreadable. You can provide additional documents or correct the information and resubmit. If the issue is a name mismatch, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Can we change the account to individual later if we need to?

Yes. One person can remove the other from the account, converting it to an individual account. The person being removed loses access. Some banks charge a fee for this change; others do not. Contact your bank to ask about their policy.