Yes, you can open a joint checking account with Chase online, but you'll both need to be present and verified

Chase allows you to start a joint checking account entirely online through their website or mobile app. Both account owners must be there together during the process — you cannot open it alone and add someone later. Each person will need to verify their identity with a government ID, provide a Social Security number, and answer security questions. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have everything ready.

A joint account means both people own the money equally and can withdraw or spend it without asking permission. This is different from adding someone as an authorized user on your existing account — that person can use the account but doesn't legally own the funds. If you're unsure which setup you need, think about whether both people should have full control over the money.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must be present online at the same time, with valid government ID and Social Security number ready.
  • Chase will ask security questions and verify your identity before opening the account, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes total.
  • You can fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank, or wait to deposit money later.
  • Joint accounts at Chase are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per owner, meaning each person's share is protected separately if the bank fails.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you both sit down to open the account online. Each person will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need each person's Social Security number and a current mailing address for each owner.

Have a phone number and email address ready for each person. Chase will send account confirmation and security alerts to both addresses. If either person has had fraud or identity theft issues with Chase before, the bank may ask additional questions or require you to open the account in a branch instead.

The step-by-step process on Chase.com or the app

Start by going to Chase.com or opening the Chase mobile app. Look for "Open an account" or "New accounts" — the exact wording changes, but it's usually near the top of the page or in the menu. Select "Checking" as the account type, then choose "Joint Account" when asked how many owners.

The first person enters their name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Chase will ask security questions based on your credit history — these are questions only you should know the answer to, like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which lender issued your car loan?" Answer honestly; if you get too many wrong, the system may ask you to verify by phone or in a branch.

Once the first person is verified, the second person takes over the same device or logs in separately on their own device — Chase's system will guide you. They enter their information and answer their own security questions. Both people must complete this step; Chase will not let you skip it or have one person answer for the other.

After both people are verified, you'll choose which checking account product you want. Chase offers several versions with different monthly fees and minimum balances. You'll also decide whether to link an existing Chase account for transfers, or provide an external bank account to fund the new joint account.

Funding your new joint account

You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later, or transfer money in right away. If you transfer from another bank, Chase will ask for that bank's routing number and your account number there. The transfer usually takes one to three business days to appear.

If you're transferring from another Chase account you already own, the money can move when ready. If you want to deposit cash or a check, you'll need to do that at a Chase branch or ATM after the account is open — you cannot deposit physical money during the online opening process.

What happens if one person cannot verify online

If the security questions don't work or Chase cannot verify one person's identity online, the system will offer to schedule a video call with a Chase representative. This usually happens within a few hours. During the call, a representative will ask additional questions and may ask to see your ID on camera.

If the video call doesn't work either, Chase will direct you to open the account in a branch instead. Bring both people, both IDs, and both Social Security numbers. A banker can open the joint account in person, which sometimes takes longer but avoids the online verification step.

FDIC insurance and account protection for joint accounts

Money in a joint checking account at Chase is protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per owner. This means if Chase fails, each person's share is insured separately. If you and your spouse each put in $150,000, you're both fully protected. If one person puts in $300,000 and the other puts in nothing, only $250,000 of that person's share is protected.

FDIC protection covers the account itself, not against fraud or theft by the other account owner. If your joint account holder withdraws all the money without permission, FDIC insurance does not reimburse you — that is a legal matter between you and the other owner. If someone outside the account commits fraud, Chase's fraud protection may help, but report it when ready.

Changing your mind after opening the account

If you open a joint account and later want to remove one person, you cannot do it online. You'll need to go to a Chase branch with ID and ask a banker to remove one owner. The remaining owner keeps the account and the money stays in it. Some branches may require both owners to be present, so call ahead to ask.

If you want to close the joint account entirely, you can do that online through your account settings, or in a branch. Make sure the account balance is zero before closing — you'll need to withdraw or transfer any remaining money first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person doesn't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for each owner. If someone doesn't have either, you'll need to open the account in a branch and bring documentation of their identity and tax status. Call your local Chase branch first to confirm what documents they need.

What if we live in different states?

You can open a joint account online even if you live in different states. Each person uses their own current address during the verification process. Chase will mail account materials to both addresses, so make sure both are correct before you finish.

Do both people need to be U.S. citizens?

No, but both people need a valid government ID and either a Social Security number or ITIN. Non-citizens with a visa or green card can open a joint account. If either person is not a U.S. resident, call Chase before you start — they may ask additional questions about the account's purpose.

Can I open a joint account with someone who doesn't have a Chase account yet?

Yes. Neither person needs an existing Chase account to open a joint account. If one person already has a Chase account, they can log in with their username, but the other person will create a new login during the joint account opening process.

How long does it take to use the account after it opens?

You can use the account when ready — you'll get a temporary debit card number right away that works online and at ATMs. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your temporary number.