You can open a joint Chase savings account online, but only if both account owners are present and verified at the same time

Chase requires both people on a joint account to complete the process together in real time. You cannot start the account alone and add someone later, and one person cannot open it on behalf of the other. Both of you will need to provide identification, answer verification questions, and consent to the account terms during a single online session.

The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have the right documents ready. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a current address for each account owner. Chase will verify your identity through their system before the account goes live, which usually happens within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must be present and logged in together during the entire process—you cannot complete it separately or at different times.
  • Each person needs a Social Security number, valid government ID, and current address; Chase verifies these details before activating the account.
  • The account becomes available to use within one business day, though funds may take longer to transfer in depending on how you fund it.
  • Either account owner can withdraw money, make transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission once it is open.
  • If one person does not have a Social Security number or valid ID, you cannot open the account online and will need to visit a Chase branch in person.

What you need before you start

Gather these items for both account owners before you begin the process. Chase will ask for them during the process and will not let you proceed without them.

Each person needs a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase scans or photographs this during the process. You will also need a Social Security number for each account owner; Chase uses this to verify your identity and check your banking history. Have your current mailing address ready, and make sure it matches what is on your ID or be prepared to explain the difference.

If either account owner does not have a Social Security number or cannot provide valid ID, the online process will not work. In that case, you will need to visit a Chase branch with both people present and bring the same documents.

The step-by-step process

Start on Chase.com or in the Chase mobile app. Look for the option to open a savings account and select "joint account" when prompted. One person can begin the process, but do not proceed past the initial screens until the other person is ready to sit with you.

When both of you are ready, the first person enters their information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask security questions based on your credit history and banking records. Answer these accurately—if you get them wrong, the process stops and you will need to start over or call Chase to verify by phone.

Once the first person is verified, the second account owner logs in or is added to the session. They go through the same process: entering their information, answering verification questions, and confirming their identity. Chase will not move forward until both people have been verified.

At the end, both account owners review the account terms and consent to them. You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. The account number appears when ready, but you cannot use the account to transfer money or make purchases until Chase completes their backend verification, which takes up to one business day.

Funding the account after it opens

Once the account is active, you can fund it by transferring money from another bank account, depositing a check through mobile deposit, or visiting a Chase branch to deposit cash. If you transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one to three business days depending on the other bank's processing time.

You do not have to fund the account when ready. The account will remain open and ready to use even if you leave it empty for a while, though Chase may close accounts that show no activity for an extended period.

What happens after the account is open

Both account owners have equal rights to the account. Either person can withdraw money, make transfers, set up automatic payments, or close the account without permission from the other. There is no way to restrict one person's access or require both signatures for transactions.

If you want to prevent one person from withdrawing all the money without the other knowing, a joint account is not the right structure. You would need to explore other options like a power of attorney or a trust, which are separate from a bank account.

Both account owners receive statements and can see all transactions. If you set up online banking, each person can log in separately with their own username and password. Chase will send statements to the address on file, so decide together whether you want them mailed to one person's address or both.

What stops the process

The process will not complete if Chase cannot verify either person's identity. This happens most often when the information you enter does not match what Chase has on file, or when the security questions are answered incorrectly. If this happens, you will see an error message and the option to try again or call Chase.

If you have recently moved, your address might not have updated in Chase's system yet. In that case, call Chase before you explore and ask them to update your address. This takes one business day and makes the online process much more likely to succeed.

If either account owner has a very limited credit history or has never had a bank account before, Chase's verification system may not have enough information to confirm their identity online. In that case, you will need to visit a branch in person with both people and bring original documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if one of us lives in a different state?

Chase can open a joint account for people in different states as long as both can verify their identity online. The account will be tied to whichever address you provide during the process. You can use the account normally from anywhere, and either person can visit any Chase branch to make deposits or withdrawals.

Can we open a joint account if one person is not a U.S. citizen?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each account owner. If the person has an ITIN, they may be able to open the account online. If they do not have either, you will need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documents like a passport and visa.

What if we want to add a third person to the account later?

You cannot add a third person to an existing joint account online. You would need to close the current account and open a new one with all three people present, or visit a Chase branch to discuss other options like making someone an authorized user instead of a joint owner.

Do we both need to be customers of Chase already?

No. If neither of you has a Chase account, you can still open a joint savings account together online. If one of you already has a Chase account, that person can use their existing login to start the process, but the other person will go through the full verification process as a new customer.

What if the process gets rejected?

Call Chase at the number on the back of a Chase card or visit a branch in person. A representative can tell you why the process did not go through and may be able to verify your identity over the phone instead. Bring your ID and Social Security number when you call.