Yes, you can open a joint account online at Bank of America, but only if both account owners are present during the process
Bank of America allows you to start a joint checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. Both people whose names will be on the account must be there together — you cannot open it alone and add someone later. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the required information ready, and the account is usually active the same day or the next business day.
The catch is that Bank of America requires both owners to verify their identity during the online session. This means you need to be in the same location, or at minimum able to do a video call where both of you can show ID to the camera. If one person cannot be present, you will need to visit a branch in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners must be present and complete the online process together — Bank of America will not let one person open a joint account alone.
- You need a valid government-issued ID for each person, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the minimum varies by account type).
- The account opens the same day or next business day, and you can set up online banking and a debit card when ready.
- If you cannot both be present at the same time, opening the account in person at a branch is your only option.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before either of you logs in. Bank of America will ask for them during the setup, and you cannot proceed without them.
Each person needs a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask you to hold it up to your camera so they can verify it matches your face. You also need each person's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. If either of you has moved recently, use your current address, not an old one.
You will also need to decide on an initial deposit. Bank of America's minimum deposit for a joint checking account is typically $0 to $25 depending on the account type, but confirm the current minimum on their website before you start, as it can change. You can fund the account with a transfer from an existing bank account, a debit card, or a check deposit through the mobile app.
The steps to open the account online
One person starts the process by going to bankofamerica.com or opening the Bank of America mobile app and selecting "Open an Account." Choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. The app will ask which type of account and whether it is for one person or multiple people — select the joint account option.
When you reach the identity verification step, Bank of America will ask the first person to show their ID to the camera. This is a live video check, not an upload — a Bank of America employee or automated system will verify it matches your face. Once that is done, the second person will need to do the same thing. Both of you must be present for this step.
After both IDs are verified, you will enter personal information — Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Bank of America will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is standard for all new bank accounts. This usually takes a few minutes. Then you will choose your initial deposit method and set up online banking access and a PIN for the debit card.
Timing and when you can use the account
The account is usually open and ready to use by the end of the same business day, or by the next morning if you open it after 5 p.m. Eastern Time. You can log into online banking and set up transfers when ready. A debit card will be mailed to the address you provided — this typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request expedited shipping for a fee.
Until the physical debit card arrives, you can still access the account through online banking and the mobile app. You can transfer money in and out, set up bill pay, and deposit checks by taking a photo through the app. If you need to withdraw cash before the card arrives, you can visit any Bank of America ATM or branch and use your account number.
What happens if you cannot both be online at the same time
Bank of America does not allow you to open a joint account online if the second person is not present during the identity verification step. If you are in different cities or time zones, or if one person cannot be available, you will need to open the account in person at a Bank of America branch instead.
To open it in person, both account owners should visit the same branch together with valid ID and Social Security numbers. The process is similar but takes longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — because a banker will walk you through the paperwork. The account is still active the same day or next business day. If you live near each other but scheduling is difficult, this is often faster than trying to coordinate an online session.
Joint account rules you should know
Once the account is open, both owners have equal access to all the money in it. Either person can withdraw funds, make transfers, or close the account without permission from the other. Bank of America does not require both signatures on transactions the way some banks do. This is convenient if you are managing household expenses together, but it means you are trusting the other person completely.
Both owners are responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, Bank of America can pursue either person for the balance. Both owners also receive statements and can see all transactions, so there is no privacy within the account — every deposit and withdrawal is visible to both.
If you want to remove someone from the account later, you will need to visit a branch in person or call Bank of America. You cannot do it online. The bank will close the existing joint account and open a new one in the remaining person's name, or transfer the balance to an existing individual account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people need to have a Bank of America account already?
No. You can open a joint account even if neither of you has banked with Bank of America before. Both people just need a valid ID and Social Security number. If one person already has an account, you can still open a new joint account — the two accounts will be separate.
What if one person does not have a Social Security number?
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for each account owner. If someone does not have either, you cannot open a joint account online. You would need to visit a branch and speak with a banker about alternative options, though availability varies.
Can I open a joint account if we are not married?
Yes. Bank of America does not require you to be married, related, or in any particular relationship to open a joint account. You can open one with a friend, family member, business partner, or anyone else. Both people just need to be present and provide ID.
What if the online process fails or gets stuck?
If your internet connection drops or the app crashes during setup, you will need to start over from the beginning. Bank of America does not save your progress partway through. If you keep running into errors, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to open an account by phone, or visit a branch in person.
Can I set different permissions for each owner, like one person can only view the account?
No. Joint account owners at Bank of America have equal access and equal permissions. You cannot restrict one person to view-only or require both signatures. If you need different permission levels, you would need to set up a separate account structure, which a banker can discuss with you in person.