What you need to do to open a joint account

Opening a joint checking account takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person or online, depending on your bank. You and the other account owner both need to be present (in person or electronically) with valid identification, and you'll each need to agree to the account terms. The bank will run a background check on both of you — this is standard and doesn't affect your credit score. After that, the account is active and you can both deposit money and write checks when ready.

The exact steps vary slightly by bank, but the process is the same everywhere: you choose the account type, provide personal information, fund the account with an opening deposit, and sign the paperwork together. Some banks let you start online and finish in a branch; others require you to come in from the start. Call ahead or check the bank's website to see what works for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must provide a government-issued ID and be present (in person or through video) when the account opens.
  • You'll need an opening deposit, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the bank and account type.
  • The bank will check both of your names against fraud and banking history databases, but this does not lower your credit score.
  • After opening, both account owners have equal access to all the money and can make withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without permission from the other person.
  • Some banks offer joint accounts online only, while others require at least one visit to a branch.

Documents and information you'll bring

Bring a government-issued photo ID for each account owner — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will copy or scan it. You'll also need your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you don't have one) and your current address. If you've moved recently, bring a utility bill or lease as proof of address.

Have a starting deposit ready. Most banks require between $0 and $300 to open a checking account, though some waive this if you set up direct deposit. Ask the bank what they need before you go in. If you're opening online, you can usually transfer money from another account you own, or the bank will give you instructions to deposit a check by mail.

What happens during the background check

The bank will search your names in ChexSystems and Early Warning Services, two databases that track banking history and fraud. They're looking for things like unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or a history of writing bad checks. This check does not touch your credit report and does not lower your credit score.

If either account owner has a serious banking history problem — like an active fraud case or unpaid overdrafts from the past few years — the bank may decline the account. This is rare, and the bank will tell you why if it happens. If you're declined, you can ask what the issue is and whether you can resolve it (for example, by paying off an old overdraft). Some banks are stricter than others, so you can try a different bank if one says no.

How long it takes from start to finish

If you open in person at a branch, you'll walk out with a debit card the same day and can use the account when ready. The bank will mail you checks within 5 to 10 business days. If you open online, the account is usually active within one business day, and your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 days.

Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive. Ask about this when you open the account — it means you don't have to wait to start using the account.

Choosing between in-person and online opening

Opening in person at a branch takes longer (30 minutes to an hour) but you leave with answers to questions and sometimes a debit card the same day. You also have a banker's name and number if something goes wrong. Opening online is faster (10 to 15 minutes) and you can do it from home, but you'll need to handle any problems by phone or chat.

Some banks only offer online opening, and some require at least one person to come to a branch. Check your bank's website or call to see what they offer. If you're new to banking or uncomfortable with online processes, in-person is usually the better choice — the banker can walk you through everything and answer questions on the spot.

What to know about account access and control

Once the account is open, both owners have equal legal rights to all the money in it. This means either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings without asking the other person. The bank will not stop one owner from taking money out, even if the other owner objects. This is true even if one person deposited most of the money.

If you're opening a joint account with someone you don't fully trust, understand this risk before you proceed. Some couples and families use joint accounts successfully for decades; others find that unequal access to money causes problems. Talk with the other person about how you'll use the account and what happens if one of you wants out.

Monthly fees and account requirements

Most checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee ($5 to $15) unless you meet certain conditions. Common ways to avoid the fee are: keeping a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or having a linked savings account at the same bank. Some banks waive fees for students or seniors. Ask the bank what the fee is and how to avoid it before you open.

Read the account agreement before you sign — it will list the fee, what triggers it, and what you need to do to waive it. If the fee seems high, compare it to other banks. A few banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, though they may have other limits (like a cap on free withdrawals per month).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, both account owners must be present either in person or through a video call with the bank. The bank needs to verify both identities and confirm that both people want the account. Some banks allow one person to open it online and the other to be added later, but this is less common — ask your bank what they allow.

What if one of us has a bad banking history?

The bank checks both people's histories. If one person has unpaid overdrafts or fraud on record, the bank may decline the account. You can ask the bank what the issue is and whether paying off the old debt will help. If one bank says no, try another — different banks have different standards.

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

Yes, most banks allow this. You'll both need to verify your identity online, usually through a video call or by uploading a photo of your ID. The bank will mail debit cards to each person's address. Call the bank first to confirm they can open joint accounts online and what they need from you.

What if we want to close the account later?

Either account owner can close it without permission from the other person. The bank will ask what to do with any remaining balance — you can transfer it to another account or request a check. If there's a dispute about the money, the bank will not get involved; you'll need to settle it between yourselves or through a lawyer.

Do we each get our own debit card?

Yes. The bank will issue a debit card to each account owner, and both cards draw from the same account. You can also request additional cards in either person's name if you want. Each card works independently, so either person can use theirs to withdraw money or make purchases.