You can start a joint account online, but Chase will require both account holders to verify their identity in person or by video before the account becomes fully active

Chase allows you to begin opening a joint checking or savings account through their website or mobile app, and you can complete most of the paperwork online. However, the process does not end there. At some point before you can deposit money or use the account, both the primary account holder and the joint account holder must complete identity verification—either at a Chase branch in person or through a video call with a Chase representative. This verification step cannot be skipped or done entirely online, which is the main limitation most people encounter.

The reason for this requirement is federal law. Banks must verify the identity of everyone with signing authority on an account under the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. Chase's policy reflects this legal requirement, not an arbitrary restriction.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fill out the joint account process online, but both account holders must complete identity verification either in person at a branch or through a video call before the account is usable.
  • The primary account holder can start the process alone, but the second account holder will receive an invitation to complete their portion and verify their identity.
  • Video verification typically takes 5 to 10 minutes and can be scheduled at a time that works for both people, even if they live in different states.
  • If either account holder cannot or will not complete verification, the account process will be denied and no account will be created.

What happens when you start the process online

When you log into your Chase account online or open the Chase mobile app, you can select the option to open a new account and choose "joint account" as the account type. You will enter basic information: the type of account (checking or savings), the initial deposit amount if any, and details about the second account holder—their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information.

Chase will run a soft credit check and screen both names against fraud and sanctions databases. This part is when ready or takes a few minutes. If there are no red flags, you will see a message that the process is pending verification. At this point, nothing is final. The account does not exist yet, and no funds have moved.

The second account holder will receive an email or text message (depending on what you provided) with a link to complete their part of the process. They will need to verify their identity and agree to the account terms. Until both people have completed verification, the account remains in pending status.

Identity verification: in-person versus video options

Chase offers two paths for identity verification. The first is to visit a Chase branch together or separately with a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. A Chase employee will scan your ID, confirm it matches the information in the process, and that step is complete. This typically takes 5 to 10 minutes per person.

The second option is video verification through Chase's system. You schedule a time that works for both account holders, and a Chase representative will call you via video. You will need to show your government ID to the camera, answer questions to confirm your identity, and sign electronically. This process also takes about 5 to 10 minutes per person, and both people do not need to be on the call at the same time—each can verify separately at a time that suits them.

Video verification is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In-person verification requires visiting during branch hours, which vary by location. If one account holder lives far from a Chase branch or cannot visit during business hours, video verification is usually the faster route.

Timeline from process to usable account

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete online. Verification can happen the same day if you choose in-person and both people visit a branch together, or within a few days if you schedule video calls. After both verifications are complete, Chase typically activates the account within one business day.

In practice, most people see their joint account ready to use within 3 to 5 business days from the initial process, assuming both account holders complete verification promptly. If one person delays or misses their verification appointment, the timeline extends. Chase will send reminder notices, but they do not hold the process open indefinitely—if verification is not completed within 30 days, the process may be closed and you will need to start over.

What you need before you start

Have the following information ready before you begin the online process: your Social Security number, the second account holder's full name and Social Security number, both people's dates of birth, a valid government-issued ID for each person, and the initial deposit amount if you plan to fund the account when ready. If you are depositing money from another bank account, you will also need the routing number and account number of that account.

Both account holders should have access to email or text messaging, because Chase will send verification links and account information to the contact details you provide. If the second account holder does not have a Chase online banking login yet, they can create one during the process process or after the account is opened.

What happens if one person cannot verify their identity

If the second account holder does not complete their identity verification within the timeframe Chase allows, the process will be denied and the account will not be created. You cannot open a joint account with only one person verified. If this happens, you have two options: the primary account holder can open a solo account instead, or you can restart the joint process process once the second person is ready to complete verification.

Identity verification can fail if the information provided does not match the government ID, if the ID is expired, or if there are other fraud indicators. If verification fails, Chase will notify you of the reason and may ask you to resubmit or visit a branch in person instead of using video. Contacting Chase customer service at the number on the back of your card (or 1-800-935-9935 if you do not have a card yet) can clarify what went wrong and what to do next.

Joint account features and permissions

Once the account is open, both account holders have equal access and authority. Either person can withdraw money, write checks, use the debit card, and make transfers. Neither person needs permission from the other to move funds. This is important to understand before you open the account—a joint account is not the same as a savings account where one person is an authorized user. Both owners have full control.

Chase offers joint checking accounts (with a debit card and check-writing privileges) and joint savings accounts (with limited monthly transfers). You can also add overdraft protection, set up automatic transfers, and link the account to other Chase accounts you own. All of these features can be configured online after the account is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if the other person does not have a Chase account yet?

Yes. The second account holder does not need an existing Chase account to be added to a joint account. They will create a login during the process process or after the account opens. They will need a valid government ID and Social Security number to complete the joint account process.

What if the other person lives in a different state?

Video verification works across state lines, so distance is not a barrier. Both people can schedule video calls at times that work for them, even if they are in different time zones. In-person verification requires visiting a Chase branch, but only one person needs to visit—each can verify separately at a branch near them.

Do both people have to be present when I start the process online?

No. The primary account holder can start the process alone and provide the second person's information. The second account holder will then receive an invitation to complete their part and verify their identity. They do not need to be present when you begin the process.

What if the process is denied after we both verify our identities?

This is rare but can happen if fraud screening flags something or if there is a mismatch between the information provided and what appears in banking databases. Chase will send a notice explaining the reason. You can contact Chase to dispute the decision or ask what information caused the denial, and you may be able to reapply once the issue is resolved.

Can I add a joint account holder to an existing Chase account instead of opening a new one?

No. You cannot convert a solo account to a joint account online. You would need to visit a Chase branch in person or call customer service to discuss options. Some people choose to open a new joint account instead, while others add the person as an authorized user on the existing account—a different arrangement where they can use the account but do not have full ownership rights.