You can open a Chase joint checking account online, but both account owners must be present and verified
Chase allows you to start a joint checking account entirely online through their website or mobile app. However, the process requires both people who will own the account to participate — you cannot open it for someone else, and you cannot complete it alone if the account is meant to be joint from the start.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes per person. Both of you will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity in real time. Chase uses video verification or knowledge-based questions to confirm who you are before the account opens.
If you want to add someone to an existing Chase checking account after it is already open, that is a different process and typically requires a visit to a branch or a phone call to Chase customer service.
Key Takeaways
- Both account owners must be present online at the same time to open a joint account, and each person completes their own identity verification.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and either a video call or answers to security questions to verify your identity.
- The account can be opened through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app without visiting a branch.
- Joint accounts opened online have the same features and fees as those opened in person, including overdraft protection and debit cards for both owners.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before either of you begins the online process. Having everything ready means you will not have to stop and search for documents halfway through.
Each person needs a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to show this during video verification, so it needs to be current and match the name you are using to open the account.
You will also need your Social Security number and a phone number where Chase can reach you. If you are opening the account from outside the United States, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number — call Chase before you start to confirm what you need.
Have a debit card or bank account information ready if you want to fund the account when ready after opening it. You can also leave the account empty and fund it later.
The online opening process, step by step
Start at Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. Look for the option to open a new account — it is usually on the homepage under "Open an Account" or in the menu under "Products."
Select "Checking" and then choose "Joint Account" from the account type options. Chase will ask you to enter the name, email, and phone number of the other person who will own the account. That person will receive an invitation to join the process.
When the second person accepts the invitation, you will both need to complete identity verification. Chase typically offers video verification first — you will be asked to show your ID to a camera and answer a few questions about yourself. If video verification is not available in your area or you prefer not to use it, Chase will offer knowledge-based verification instead, which asks you questions about your financial history that only you should know the answers to.
After both of you are verified, you will review the account terms, choose your account settings (such as whether you want overdraft protection), and set up online banking access. The account usually opens when ready, though it may take a few minutes for the account number to appear in your online dashboard.
What happens if one person cannot verify their identity online
If video verification fails or knowledge-based questions cannot be answered, Chase will offer other ways to verify. You can visit a Chase branch in person with your ID, or you can mail copies of your ID and other documents to Chase for manual review.
If one person completes verification but the other cannot, the account opening will pause. The person who has not yet verified will receive a reminder email or text message with a link to try again. You typically have 30 days to complete the verification before Chase closes the invitation.
If you run into trouble with the online process, you can call Chase at the number on the back of any Chase card, or visit a local branch to open the account in person instead. A banker can walk you through the process and help if there are issues with your identity verification.
Joint account features and what both owners can do
A joint checking account opened online works the same way as one opened in a branch. Both owners have equal rights to the money in the account — either person can withdraw funds, write checks, or make transfers without permission from the other.
Chase will issue a debit card to each owner. Both cards draw from the same account balance, so if one person spends money, the other person sees that balance drop when ready. There is no separate "my money" and "your money" — it is all shared.
Both owners can set up online banking and mobile app access using their own login. Each person can see all transactions, set up bill pay, and manage the account independently. If you want to restrict what one person can do, a joint account is not the right choice — you would need a different account structure, which a Chase banker can discuss with you.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Chase joint checking accounts have the same monthly fees as individual accounts. The most common option is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly service fee if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance of $500, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with a $300 minimum balance.
If you do not meet any of those conditions, Chase charges a $12 monthly service fee. Overdraft fees, ATM fees outside the Chase network, and other charges explore the same way they do to individual accounts.
There is no fee to open the account online, and you do not have to fund it when ready. You can open it empty and deposit money whenever you are ready.
Adding someone to an account after it is already open
If you already have a Chase checking account and want to add a joint owner later, you cannot do this online. You will need to visit a Chase branch in person or call Chase customer service to convert your account to a joint account or to add an authorized user.
Converting an existing account to joint is different from opening a new joint account. The process involves paperwork, and the person you are adding will need to verify their identity in person at a branch. This usually takes longer than opening a new joint account online.
If you only want to give someone temporary access to your account — for example, to help pay bills — you can set up an authorized user instead of making them a joint owner. An authorized user can access the account but does not have the same legal rights as a joint owner. Ask a Chase banker about the difference when you are ready to add someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we live in different states?
Yes. Chase operates nationwide, and you can both complete the online verification process from wherever you are. The account will be opened in whichever state you choose as your primary address, and both owners can use it from any location.
What if one of us does not have a Social Security number?
You may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call Chase before you start the online process to confirm whether an ITIN will work for your situation, because requirements vary.
How long does it take for the account to be fully set up?
The account usually opens when ready after both people complete identity verification, and you can start using it right away. However, it may take one to two business days for checks to be mailed and for all online banking features to be fully active.
Can we change our minds and make it a single account instead?
Yes, but you will need to contact Chase to remove one owner from the account. You cannot do this online — you will need to visit a branch or call customer service. The person being removed may need to be present, depending on Chase's policy at the time.
What if we want different debit card designs or PIN numbers?
Each person can customize their own debit card design through the Chase app or website. However, both cards draw from the same account, so there is only one PIN for the account itself — you cannot have separate PINs for a joint account.