Yes, you can open a joint account online, but both account holders must be present and verified

Most banks let you start a joint account entirely online without visiting a branch. However, the process requires both people on the account to be there at the same time, and both must verify their identity — usually through a video call or by uploading documents. You cannot open a joint account by yourself and add someone later; the bank needs to confirm that both of you want the account and that both of you are who you say you are.

The actual steps vary by bank, but the pattern is the same across most online banks and traditional banks with online options. One person starts the process, the other person gets a link or code to join, both verify identity, and the account opens within a few minutes to a few business days depending on the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present during the online process and must verify their identity, usually through video or document upload.
  • You will need a government-issued ID for each person, a Social Security number or tax ID for each person, and proof of address for at least one person.
  • Online-only banks often open joint accounts faster than traditional banks, sometimes within minutes instead of days.
  • Some banks require both people to have an existing account with them before opening a joint account, while others do not.
  • The account can be set up so either person can withdraw money, or so both people must approve large transactions, depending on what you choose.

What documents you need to have ready

Before you start, gather documents for both people. Each person needs a current government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Each person also needs a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). At least one person needs proof of address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address on it.

Some banks ask for additional information depending on your situation. If either person has had fraud or banking problems in the past, the bank may ask for more details. Have this information ready before you start the process so you do not have to stop halfway through.

The step-by-step process at most online banks

The first person goes to the bank's website or app and selects "open a joint account." You will enter basic information about yourself — name, date of birth, address, phone number, email. The bank will ask you to verify your identity, usually by uploading a photo of your ID or by taking a video call with someone at the bank who watches you hold up your ID.

Once you are verified, the bank gives you a link or code to send to the second person. That person clicks the link or enters the code, and the same process happens — they enter their information and verify their identity. Some banks require both of you to be on a video call together at this point; others let you do it separately as long as it happens within a certain time window, like 24 hours.

After both people are verified, you choose the account type and settings. This is where you decide whether both people can withdraw money independently, or whether both people have to approve transactions over a certain amount. You also choose whether the account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (meaning if one person dies, the other automatically owns the full balance) or as "tenants in common" (meaning the person's share goes to their estate). The bank explains these options during setup.

The account usually opens when ready or within one to three business days. You will get a debit card in the mail within a week or two, or some banks let you use a temporary digital card right away.

How online-only banks compare to traditional banks

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically open joint accounts faster than brick-and-mortar banks. Many can complete the entire process in minutes if both people are ready with their documents. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo also offer online joint account opening, but the process sometimes takes longer — a few business days instead of minutes — because they have more verification steps.

The trade-off is usually convenience versus branch access. An online-only bank has no physical location you can visit if something goes wrong, but the account opens faster. A traditional bank has branches where you can deposit cash or talk to someone in person, but the online process may be slower.

Some traditional banks still require you to visit a branch to open a joint account, even though they advertise online banking. Call or check the bank's website before you start the process to confirm that joint accounts can be opened fully online.

What happens if you already have an account at the bank

If you already have a personal account at the bank, opening a joint account is usually faster. The bank already has your information and has verified your identity, so you may only need to verify the second person. Some banks let the existing customer start the process alone and add the second person without both being present at the same time, though this is less common.

If neither of you has an account at the bank, both of you will go through the full verification process. This takes longer but is still possible at most banks.

Why the bank needs both of you present

Banks verify both account holders because federal law requires them to know who owns each account. This is called "Know Your Customer" (KYC) compliance. The bank also needs to confirm that both people actually want the account — they are protecting themselves against fraud where someone opens an account in another person's name without permission.

This is why you cannot open a joint account by yourself and add someone later. The second person must actively participate in the opening process so the bank can confirm their identity and their consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person lives in a different state?

Yes. The bank does not care where either person lives as long as both can verify their identity online. If one person is out of the country, some banks still allow it through video verification, but a few banks have restrictions on accounts opened from outside the United States. Check with your bank before starting.

What if one person does not have a government ID?

Most banks require a government-issued ID for both people. If someone does not have a driver's license or passport, they can get a state ID card from their local DMV. This usually takes a few weeks. Some banks may accept other forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon — call the bank to ask before assuming they will.

Do both people need to be online at the exact same time?

It depends on the bank. Some banks require both people to be on a video call together. Others let you complete your parts separately as long as both applications are finished within a set time frame, usually 24 hours. The bank will tell you which applies when you start the process.

Can I change the account settings after it opens?

Yes. You can usually change who can withdraw money, update contact information, and adjust other settings through the bank's website or app. Some changes, like switching from joint tenants to tenants in common, may require both people to agree and may need to be done in person or through a notarized form. Ask your bank what can be changed online.

How long does it take to get a debit card?

Physical debit cards usually arrive within one to two weeks. Many banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready in the app or on your phone, so you do not have to wait to start using the account. Check whether your bank offers this before opening the account if you need access right away.