Documents and information you'll bring to the bank
To open a joint checking account, you and the other account holder will each need to bring a government-issued photo ID — usually a driver's license or passport. The bank uses this to confirm who you are and to check your identity against fraud databases.
You'll also need to bring proof of your current address. This can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail addressed to you. The bank is required by federal law to verify where you live.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each person on the account. The bank will use this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks account closures and fraud.
If you're opening the account in person, bring a small initial deposit — often $25 to $100, though some banks waive this. If you plan to set up direct deposit or transfers from another account, have that account number and routing number ready.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must bring a government photo ID and proof of current address to the bank.
- Each person on the account needs to provide their Social Security number or ITIN so the bank can verify their identity and banking history.
- You will need to decide together how the account is titled — whether both owners have equal rights or one person is the primary account holder.
- The bank will ask how you want to handle account access, such as whether both people can withdraw money or only one person can make certain decisions.
- Some banks allow you to start the process online, but both account holders usually must sign documents in person or electronically before the account opens.
Decisions you and your co-owner make together
Before you arrive at the bank, you and your co-owner should agree on how the account will be titled. The two most common structures are "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" and "tenants in common." With joint tenants with rights of survivorship, if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns the entire account. With tenants in common, each owner's share goes to their estate instead.
You'll also decide who can do what with the account. Some couples or family members want both people to have full access — either can withdraw money, close the account, or change the address. Others prefer one person to be the primary account holder with the other as an authorized user, meaning the authorized user can withdraw money but cannot close the account or change terms.
Talk about whether you want overdraft protection, which allows the bank to cover a withdrawal if your balance is too low (usually for a fee). Decide if you want online banking, mobile banking, or both. Ask whether the bank offers a debit card for each owner or just one.
What the bank checks before opening your account
The bank will search ChexSystems, a database that tracks how you've handled bank accounts in the past. If you've had accounts closed due to fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other problems, the bank may see that record. Some banks deny accounts based on ChexSystems history; others may still open one but with restrictions.
The bank will also run a check through Early Warning Services or a similar system to see if you've had accounts closed at other banks. This is separate from a credit check — the bank is not looking at your credit score or loan history, only your banking behavior.
If either account holder has a history that raises concerns, the bank may ask for more information or may decline to open the account. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report if you're denied, and you can dispute errors on it.
Signature cards and authorization documents
You'll sign a signature card that shows how each owner's name appears on the account and confirms that you've read the account agreement. This card stays on file at the bank so they can compare signatures on checks or withdrawal requests.
You'll also sign the account agreement, which explains the bank's rules — how much you can withdraw, what fees explore, what happens if the account goes negative, and how disputes are handled. Read this carefully, because you're agreeing to follow these rules.
If you're setting up online banking, you'll create a username and password. The bank may require both account holders to set up separate login credentials, or they may allow one person to manage the account online on behalf of both. Ask the bank which applies to your account.
Timing and next steps after you leave the bank
Most joint accounts open the same day you visit the bank, though some banks take one to two business days to process the paperwork. You'll receive a temporary debit card in person or by mail within a week or two, and checks usually arrive within one to two weeks.
Once the account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits provider the account number and routing number. You can also transfer money from another account you own, though the first transfer may take one to three business days to complete.
If you set up online banking, log in and review the account settings. Make sure the contact information is correct and that you understand how to report a lost debit card or dispute a transaction. Many banks allow you to set up alerts so both owners receive a text or email when the balance drops below a certain amount or when a large withdrawal happens.
What happens if one owner wants to close the account
The rules for closing a joint account depend on how it's titled and what the account agreement says. Some banks require both owners to agree in writing before closing. Others allow either owner to close the account unilaterally, which can create conflict if the owners disagree.
Before you open the account, ask the bank in writing what their policy is. Get the answer in writing so you have proof of what you were told. If you're opening the account with someone you don't fully trust, this is especially important — you want to know whether you can protect your money if the relationship changes.
If the account is closed, any remaining balance is usually divided according to how much each person contributed, unless the account agreement says otherwise. If there's a dispute about the money, you may need to involve a lawyer.
Banks that have different requirements or restrictions
Most banks follow the same basic process, but some have stricter rules. Credit unions often have lower minimum deposits and may waive the initial deposit entirely if you're a member. Online banks may not allow you to open a joint account in person, so you'll sign documents electronically instead.
Some banks will not open a joint account if one owner has a recent ChexSystems record. Others will open the account but will not allow overdraft protection or online transfers. A few banks require both owners to be present in person; they will not allow one person to open the account on behalf of both.
If you're opening an account with someone who is not a U.S. citizen or does not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN. Some banks do; others require a Social Security number. This varies by bank and by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person lives in a different state?
Many banks allow this, but you'll usually both need to sign documents. Some banks let you sign electronically; others require you to visit a branch in person or use a notary. Online banks are often more flexible about this. Call the bank and ask their specific process before you start.
What if I don't have a government photo ID?
You'll need one to open a bank account. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Bring your birth certificate, proof of address, and any other ID you have.
Do both people on a joint account have to be present when we open it?
Most banks require both owners to be present in person or to sign documents electronically. A few banks allow one person to open the account and add the other person later, but this is less common. Call ahead and ask what your bank requires.
Will opening a joint account hurt my credit score?
No. Opening a checking account does not affect your credit score because the bank does not report checking accounts to credit bureaus. The bank checks your banking history, not your credit history, so this will not show up on your credit report.
What if the other person on the account has bad credit or owes money to the bank?
The bank may still open the account, but they may place restrictions on it or require a larger initial deposit. Bad credit does not automatically disqualify someone from a checking account. However, if the person owes money to that specific bank, the bank may refuse to open a new account with them.