Yes, you can open a joint savings account online at Chase, but you'll need both account holders present during the process

Chase allows you to start a joint savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. However, the process requires both people who will own the account to be there together — you cannot complete it with just one person, and you cannot add someone to an existing account online after the fact. Both of you will need to verify your identity during the same session, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The account opens when ready once you finish, and you can deposit money and use the debit card the same day. If you want to add a second person to a savings account you already have open alone, you'll need to visit a Chase branch in person or call their phone line — that change cannot happen online.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present together online to open a joint savings account; Chase will not let you start one alone and add someone later through their website.
  • You will need a valid government ID and Social Security number for each person, plus a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or email address on file with Chase).
  • The account is active when ready after you finish the online process, and you can deposit money and order a debit card the same day.
  • If you already have a savings account in your name alone, you must go to a branch or call to add a joint owner — this cannot be done online.

What you need before you start

Gather these items for both people before you open the browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a Social Security number for each account holder. You'll also need a phone number and email address for each person — Chase uses these to send verification codes during the sign-up process.

If either person already has a Chase account, have that username or the email address tied to it ready. If neither of you has a Chase account yet, you can create one during the joint account opening. You do not need to have money in the account to open it, though Chase may require a minimum deposit depending on the type of savings account you choose.

The steps to open the account online

Go to Chase.com on a computer or open 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 "Savings account" and then choose "Joint account" from the options shown.

Both people will enter their personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask which person is the primary account holder and which is the secondary — this is mostly for their records, as both of you have equal access and rights to the money. You'll then choose a savings account type (Chase offers several, each with different interest rates and minimum balances) and decide how much to deposit to open it, if anything.

Next, Chase will send a verification code to the phone number or email you provided for each person. Both of you will enter your codes to confirm your identity. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once both codes are verified, the account opens and you'll see the account number and routing number on screen.

What happens after the account opens

You can use the account when ready. If you deposited money during sign-up, it will be in the account right away. Chase will mail a debit card to the address you provided, usually within 5 to 7 business days. You can order a second debit card for the other account holder through the app or website once the account is open.

Both account holders can log in to the account using their own Chase username and password (if they have one) or by setting up online access. You'll both see the same balance and transaction history. Any deposits or withdrawals either person makes will show up for both of you.

If you already have a Chase account in your name alone

You cannot add a joint owner to an existing savings account online. You have two options: open a new joint account (which means starting fresh with a new account number), or visit a Chase branch with the other person and a valid ID to convert your account to a joint account in person.

If you choose to open a new account instead, you can transfer money from your old account to the new joint one once it's open. This usually takes one business day. Some people keep both accounts open; others close the old one after the transfer clears.

Joint account rules you should know

In a joint savings account at Chase, both people own all the money in the account equally. This means either person can withdraw all of it without asking the other person's permission. If one account holder passes away, the money typically goes to the surviving account holder automatically — it does not go through their will or estate.

Both account holders are responsible for any overdraft fees or account fees. If the account goes negative, both people's credit can be affected. For tax purposes, Chase reports interest earned on the account to both Social Security numbers, so you may both receive a 1099-INT form at the end of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Chase requires a valid Social Security number for every account holder. If someone does not have one, they cannot be added to a joint account. Some banks have options for people without a Social Security number, but Chase does not.

What if one person lives in a different state?

You can still open the account online together. Chase serves all 50 states, and the online process works the same way regardless of where each person lives. You'll use the address for each person as it appears on their ID.

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

Yes. If one person has a Chase account and the other does not, you can still open the joint account online together. The person without an account will create one during the joint account opening process.

What's the difference between a joint account and adding someone as an authorized user?

A joint account owner has equal legal rights to all the money and equal responsibility for fees. An authorized user can use the account but does not own it and is not responsible for overdrafts. Joint accounts are what you're opening here; authorized users are a different option Chase offers.

If I close the joint account, what happens to the money?

The money stays in the account until you withdraw it or transfer it somewhere else. You can close the account online or at a branch. If there's money left when you close it, you'll need to decide together how to split it or where to move it.