What you need to bring and who can be a joint owner

Chase lets you open a joint account with another person at any branch or online. Both account owners must be present in person at a branch, or one person can start the account online and the other can be added later. You'll each need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Either owner can be the primary account holder. The person who opens the account first becomes the primary owner, but both owners have equal rights to the money and can make withdrawals, transfers, or close the account without the other person's permission. If that matters to you — for example, if you want one person to have veto power over large withdrawals — a joint account is not the right structure; you'd need to talk to Chase about other options like a power of attorney.

Chase does not restrict who can be a joint owner. You can add a spouse, adult child, parent, business partner, or anyone else. If you're adding someone who doesn't have a Chase account yet, they'll need to provide their own ID and tax ID at the time you open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must provide a government photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN, either in person at a branch or through online verification if one owner opens the account first.
  • You can open a joint account entirely online if one owner completes the initial setup and the second owner is added afterward, or both can go to a branch together.
  • Both owners have equal access to all money in the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close it without permission from the other owner.
  • Chase charges monthly maintenance fees on most joint checking accounts unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements, which vary by account type.
  • The account will appear on both owners' credit reports and bank records, and creditors can pursue either owner for unpaid overdrafts or fees.

Opening the account online or at a branch

If you're opening online, the primary owner starts at Chase.com or the Chase mobile app and selects "Open an account." You'll choose the account type — checking, savings, or money market — and enter basic information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and initial deposit amount. Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit file.

Once the primary owner's account is open, the second owner can be added through the Chase app or website. The second owner will need to verify their identity using their own Social Security number and answer security questions. This process usually takes a few minutes, though Chase may request additional documents if the verification doesn't complete automatically.

If both owners want to open the account together in person, go to any Chase branch with both photo IDs and Social Security numbers. A banker will collect the same information, verify both identities, and you can fund the account when ready with a debit card, check, or transfer from another bank. In-person opening takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens after you open the account

Chase will mail debit cards to both owners at the addresses on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up the cards online or by phone as soon as they arrive. Both owners can set up online banking and the mobile app using their own login credentials, and both will see the same account balance and transaction history.

If either owner needs to change the account — add a beneficiary, change the mailing address, or update contact information — they can do it alone through online banking or by calling Chase. The other owner will see the change reflected in their account view, but they don't have to approve it first.

Monthly statements will be sent to the primary account holder's address unless you request otherwise. Both owners can view statements online at any time. If you want statements mailed to both addresses, you'll need to contact Chase directly to set that up.

Monthly fees and balance requirements

Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee on most joint checking accounts — typically $12 per month for a standard checking account — unless you meet one of the fee waiver requirements. The most common ways to avoid the fee are maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the account type) or setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month.

Savings accounts and money market accounts have different fee structures and minimum balance requirements. Chase's website shows the current fees and requirements for each account type, and these can change. If you're unsure which account type will cost less for your situation, a Chase banker can walk you through the options.

Overdraft fees explore to both owners equally. If the account goes negative, Chase will charge an overdraft fee (currently $35 per overdraft) regardless of which owner caused it. Both owners are responsible for the debt, and if the account remains overdrawn, collection activity can affect both owners' credit reports.

Removing an owner or closing the account

Either owner can remove the other owner from the account without their permission or knowledge. Go to a Chase branch with your ID, call Chase customer service, or use online banking to request the removal. Chase will process the request within a few business days. The removed owner will no longer have access to the account, but they may receive a notice in the mail afterward.

If you want to close the account, either owner can do it. You'll need to withdraw or transfer the remaining balance, and Chase will close it within one to two business days. If the account has an outstanding overdraft or fee balance, you'll need to pay that before closing.

If one owner dies, the surviving owner can continue using the account, but they should notify Chase as soon as possible. Chase will freeze the account temporarily while they verify the death and determine whether the deceased owner's estate has claims against the account. The surviving owner can usually regain access within a few days, but the exact process depends on whether there's a will or probate case.

Tax reporting and liability

Interest earned in a joint savings or money market account is reported to both owners on Form 1099-INT. You and the other owner will each receive a 1099 showing your share of the interest, or you can contact Chase to request that all interest be reported to one owner's tax ID. This is a reporting choice only — it doesn't change who actually owns the money.

If the account is overdrawn and Chase pursues collection, both owners can be held liable for the full amount, not just half. Creditors and debt collectors can pursue either owner for the entire debt. If a judgment is entered against the account, it can affect both owners' credit reports and lead to wage garnishment or bank levies against either owner's other accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for both owners. If the other person has an ITIN but no SSN, they can use the ITIN instead. If they have neither, they cannot be added as a joint owner on a Chase account.

What if one owner wants to remove money without telling the other?

Either owner can withdraw any amount from a joint account at any time without the other owner's permission. This is a core feature of joint accounts — both owners have equal and unrestricted access. If you want to prevent one person from withdrawing money, a joint account is not the right structure.

Does opening a joint account affect my credit score?

Opening a joint checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Chase does a soft credit inquiry to verify your identity, which does not show up on your credit report. However, if the account goes overdrawn and goes to collections, that can damage both owners' credit.

Can I add a minor as a joint owner?

Chase does not allow minors to be joint account owners. You can open a custodial savings account for a minor, where you control the account until they reach age 18 or 21 (depending on state law), but that is different from a joint account. Contact Chase to learn about custodial account options.

What if one owner wants to close the account and the other doesn't?

Either owner can close a joint account without the other owner's permission. If this happens, the account will be closed and any remaining balance will be sent to the primary account holder's address on file. If you're concerned about this, discuss account management expectations with the other owner before opening the account.