What you need to do to open a joint account at Chase

You and the other account owner can open a joint checking account at Chase by visiting a branch together with valid ID, or by starting online and finishing in person. Both of you will need to provide Social Security numbers, proof of identity, and proof of address. Chase will run a background check on both account holders through ChexSystems, a banking history database. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch, or a few days if you start online.

A joint account means both people have equal access to the money and can withdraw, deposit, or close the account without permission from the other person. Before you open one, make sure you trust the other person completely — legally, either of you can take all the money at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must visit a Chase branch together with government-issued ID, or one person can start the process online and both must finish it in the branch.
  • You will need a Social Security number, valid ID, and proof of address (like a utility bill or lease) for each person on the account.
  • Chase will check your banking history through ChexSystems; a past issue with overdrafts or fraud may prevent you from opening an account.
  • Joint account holders have equal rights to all the money — either person can withdraw everything without asking the other.

Documents to bring to the branch

Bring an original government-issued ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not accept expired IDs or copies. You will also need proof of your current address, dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address works. If you do not have a recent document, a Chase banker can sometimes use other forms of ID, but calling ahead to confirm what they will accept saves a trip.

Have your Social Security number ready for both account holders. Chase uses this to check your credit and banking history. If either person has a Social Security number issue or does not have one, tell the banker before you sit down — they can explain what other documents might work.

Starting online versus in person

You can begin the process on Chase.com by selecting "Open an Account" and choosing the joint checking option. You will enter both Social Security numbers, addresses, and employment information. Chase will ask security questions and take a photo of your ID. After you submit, the account is not yet open — you must visit a branch within 30 days to verify your identity in person and sign the account agreement.

Starting online saves time if you know exactly what you want and both people are ready to go to the branch soon after. If you prefer to do everything at once, you can skip the online step and go straight to a branch. Either way, both account holders must be present at the branch to complete the account opening.

What happens during the background check

Chase uses ChexSystems to review your banking history with other banks. This check looks for unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to negative balances. If either account holder has a serious issue in their ChexSystems record, Chase may deny the account. You can request your own ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com to see what is on file before you explore.

A single overdraft or returned check from years ago usually will not block you. Recent or repeated problems are more likely to cause a denial. If Chase denies your account, ask for the specific reason — sometimes it is a mistake or outdated information that ChexSystems can correct.

Fees and account features

Chase offers several joint checking accounts with different features and fees. The Chase Total Checking account has a monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Chase find Checking account is designed for people new to banking or rebuilding their banking history, and has a lower monthly fee. Ask the banker which account fits your situation.

Both account holders receive their own debit card and can set up online banking and mobile access. You can link the account to savings accounts, set up bill pay, and use Chase ATMs and branches. Decide together whether you want both people to receive statements by mail, email, or both.

After the account opens

Once the account is open, both people can log into online banking and the Chase mobile app using their own username and password. You can set up alerts together so both of you know when large withdrawals happen or the balance drops below a certain amount. Many couples use alerts to stay on the same page about spending.

If one person wants to remove the other from the account later, only that person can make the request — Chase will not remove someone without their consent. To close the account, both people must agree, or one person can close it unilaterally. Understand these rules before you open the account, because they affect what happens if your relationship changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we open a joint account if we are not married?

Yes. Chase does not require marriage or any legal relationship. Any two people with valid ID and Social Security numbers can open a joint account together. The account works the same way whether you are married, partners, family members, or friends.

What if one person has a ChexSystems problem?

Chase may still open the account if only one person has an issue and it is not severe. However, if the issue is recent fraud or a large unpaid overdraft, Chase may deny both applicants. Ask the banker to explain the specific reason if you are denied, and request your ChexSystems report to see what information they are using.

Do we both have to be present every time we visit the branch?

No. Once the account is open, either person can visit the branch alone to deposit money, withdraw cash, or ask questions. Both people must be present only at the initial opening and if you later want to remove someone from the account or close it.

Can one person close the account without telling the other?

Yes. Either account holder can close a joint account at any time without the other person's permission. This is why trust is important before you open a joint account. If you are concerned about this, consider a savings account with restrictions instead, or keep separate checking accounts.

What if we want to remove one person from the account later?

The person being removed must request it themselves — Chase will not remove someone at the other person's request. If both people agree to remove one person, that person goes to the branch and signs a form. The remaining person keeps the account and the debit card.