Bank of America offers joint checking accounts, and you can open one in person, online, or by phone
Yes, Bank of America has joint checking accounts. You can set one up with another person — a spouse, family member, or anyone else — and both of you will have full access to the account and its funds. Both account holders receive their own debit card and can make withdrawals, deposits, and transfers independently.
The account works under Bank of America's standard checking products. The specific account type you choose — such as the Advantage Plus Checking or Premium Rewards Checking — determines the monthly fee structure, interest rate, and any rewards. The joint structure itself doesn't change the underlying account; it only changes who can access it.
Key Takeaways
- Both joint account holders have equal access to all funds and can withdraw or transfer money without permission from the other person.
- You can open a joint checking account at Bank of America online, by phone, or at a branch, and you'll need identification and Social Security numbers for both account holders.
- Each account holder receives their own debit card, and both names appear on the account and statements.
- If one account holder dies, the account typically passes to the surviving account holder rather than going through probate, depending on how the account is titled.
What you need to open a joint account
To open a joint checking account at Bank of America, you and the other account holder will each need a valid government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number. If you're opening the account online or by phone, you'll provide this information during the process. If you're opening in person at a branch, bring the ID with you.
You'll also need to decide on the account type. Bank of America's main checking options are Advantage Plus Checking (which has a monthly maintenance fee that can be waived with direct deposit or a minimum balance) and Premium Rewards Checking (which earns interest and has a higher minimum balance requirement). Review the current fee schedules and features on Bank of America's website or ask at your branch, since these terms change periodically.
If either account holder already has a Bank of America account, that can speed up the process. The bank will link the new joint account to existing profiles. If neither of you has an account, you'll both be setting up a relationship with the bank at the same time.
How to open the account: online, phone, or branch
Opening online is often the fastest route. Go to Bank of America's website, select "Open an Account," and choose the checking account type you want. You'll enter information for both account holders, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and contact details. You can fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank account, or you can leave it unfunded and deposit money later.
If you prefer to open by phone, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will walk you through the same information and can answer questions about account features in real time. This route takes longer than online but may feel more straightforward if you have specific questions.
Opening in person at a branch means both account holders should visit together, though some branches allow one person to open a joint account on behalf of both if the other person provides a signed authorization. Bring photo IDs and be prepared to fund the account with an initial deposit or a transfer. The branch can also issue debit cards on the spot, so you can leave with cards in hand.
Access, control, and what happens if one person wants out
In a joint account at Bank of America, both account holders have equal ownership and control. This means either person can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change account settings without the other person's permission. There is no way to restrict one account holder's access while keeping the account joint.
If you want to prevent one person from accessing the account, you would need to remove them from it. Bank of America allows you to convert a joint account to a single-account holder account, or to remove one person and keep the account joint with someone else. You can do this online through your account settings, by phone, or at a branch. The person being removed will lose access to the account once the change is processed.
If one account holder dies, the account typically passes to the surviving account holder automatically. This is because joint accounts at Bank of America are set up as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" by default, meaning the surviving account holder inherits the account without it going through probate. Confirm this with your branch or in your account documents if survivorship matters to your situation.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Bank of America's Advantage Plus Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive it by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance, or keeping $5,000 in linked Bank of America savings or money market accounts. The Premium Rewards Checking account has a $25 monthly fee and requires a $10,000 minimum balance, but it earns interest on the balance.
Both account types waive the monthly fee if you have a may have access to direct deposit. If you receive a paycheck or regular transfer from an employer or government program, that usually counts. Ask your employer or the organization sending the payment whether it qualifies as a direct deposit with Bank of America.
There are no additional fees for having the account be joint rather than single. Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and other charges explore the same way they would to any Bank of America checking account.
Debit cards, online access, and statements
When you open a joint account, Bank of America will issue a debit card to each account holder. Both cards draw from the same account balance, so if one person spends $500, the available balance drops by $500 for both of you. You can order replacement cards, customize your PIN, and set up fraud alerts independently for each card.
Both account holders can log into the account online and through the Bank of America mobile app using their own login credentials. You'll each see the same transaction history and account balance. You can set up separate alerts — for example, one person gets notified of large withdrawals while the other doesn't — but you cannot hide transactions from each other.
Statements are sent to the address on file for the account, not separate statements to each person. If you want both people to receive statements, you can set up email statements for both account holders' email addresses through the online banking portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person doesn't live in the same state?
Yes. Bank of America operates nationwide, so you can open a joint account with someone in another state. You can open it online or by phone without either person visiting a branch. Both account holders will need to provide their current address and valid identification, but those don't have to be in the same state.
What happens to a joint account if we get divorced?
The account remains joint unless one of you removes the other person. A divorce decree does not automatically change account ownership. You'll need to contact Bank of America and request that the account be converted to a single-account holder account or that one person be removed. Until that happens, both people retain full access and control.
Can I set up a joint account with someone who doesn't have a Social Security number?
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each account holder. If the other person has an ITIN, you can use that instead. If they have neither, they cannot be added as a joint account holder.
Is there a limit to how many people can be on a joint account?
Bank of America joint accounts are limited to two account holders. If you need more than two people to have access to funds, you would need to explore other options, such as a business account or a power of attorney arrangement. Contact your local branch to discuss alternatives.
Can I add someone to my existing Bank of America checking account to make it joint?
Yes. You can convert an existing single-account checking account to a joint account by adding another person. Contact Bank of America online, by phone, or at a branch with the other person's name, address, and Social Security number. The process is similar to opening a new joint account, and both people will then have full access to the existing balance and account history.