What you need to do to open a Chase joint account
A joint checking account is one that two people own together and can both access. Both account holders can deposit money, withdraw money, and make decisions about the account. To open one at Chase, you and the other person will need to go to a Chase branch together with identification, or you can start the process online and finish it in person.
The basic steps are: gather your documents, decide whether to open online or in a branch, provide personal information for both account holders, fund the account with an opening deposit, and sign the paperwork. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch, or a few days if you start online.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must provide a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address to open a joint account.
- You can start the process online on Chase's website, but both people will need to visit a branch in person to complete it and sign documents.
- Chase requires an opening deposit to fund the account, which varies by account type but is often $25 or more.
- Both account holders have equal access to all the money in the account and equal responsibility for overdrafts or fees.
Documents you and your co-owner will both need
Each person opening the account must bring a government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Chase will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you go.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Chase uses this to verify your identity and check your banking history. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — ask at the branch.
Finally, bring proof of your current address. This can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last few months will work.
Opening online versus opening in a branch
If you start online, go to Chase.com, select "Open an Account," and choose the joint checking option. You will enter information for both account holders and answer questions about your banking needs. At the end, Chase will tell you that you must visit a branch to finish opening the account. You cannot complete a joint account entirely online.
If you prefer to skip the online step, you and your co-owner can walk into any Chase branch together with your documents and ask to open a joint checking account. A banker will help you fill out the paperwork on the spot. This is often faster if you both have time to go together.
Either way, both people must be present in the branch at some point to sign the account agreement. Chase requires this to confirm that both of you want the account and understand the terms.
What happens during your branch visit
When you arrive at the branch, tell the banker you want to open a joint checking account. They will ask for your IDs and verify your information. They will also ask questions about how you plan to use the account — for example, whether you expect regular deposits or if you are opening it for a specific purpose like managing household expenses.
The banker will show you the different checking account options Chase offers. These vary by location and change over time, but typically include a basic checking account with no monthly fee and accounts with higher interest rates if you maintain a minimum balance. Ask about any monthly fees, overdraft fees, and what the minimum opening deposit is for each option.
Once you choose an account type, you will both sign the account agreement. This document explains the rules of the account — what happens if one person wants to close it, how overdrafts are handled, and what each person's rights and responsibilities are. Read it or ask the banker to explain anything you do not understand.
The opening deposit and first transactions
Chase requires you to deposit money to open the account. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type, but is often $25. You can deposit this amount by check, debit card, or transfer from another bank account. If you do not have funds available right away, ask the banker if you can deposit it within a few days — some branches will allow this.
After the account opens, both of you can use it when ready. You will each receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also set up online banking and mobile banking right away so you can check the balance and transfer money before your cards arrive.
When you set up online banking, you will create a username and password. Both account holders can log in with their own login information, or you can share one login if you prefer. Chase allows either approach.
How joint account ownership works at Chase
In a joint account, both people own all the money equally. This means either person can withdraw all of it without permission from the other. If one person takes out $500, the other person cannot stop them or reverse the transaction. This is different from a power of attorney account, where one person has permission to manage money on behalf of another but does not own it.
Both account holders are also responsible for overdrafts and fees. If the account goes negative, Chase can charge overdraft fees to both of you. If one person writes a check that bounces, both of you are responsible for the fee. This is why it is important to open a joint account only with someone you trust completely.
If one account holder dies, the money in the account usually goes to the surviving account holder automatically. This is called right of survivorship, and it happens unless you specifically request something different when you open the account. Ask the banker if you want to change this.
What to do if you want to add someone later or close the account
If you want to add a third person to the account after it opens, you cannot do this online. You will need to visit a Chase branch with that person and their ID, and the banker will add them. All three people will need to sign new paperwork.
To close a joint account, either person can request it at a branch or online. Chase will send any remaining balance to the address on file, or you can ask them to split it between the two account holders. If there is a dispute about who the money belongs to, Chase may freeze the account and require both people to agree before releasing the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if one person does not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If someone does not have a Social Security number, they can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the ITIN documentation to the branch along with your other ID. Not all branches may be familiar with this, so call ahead to confirm.
What if one person cannot go to the branch in person?
Both account holders must visit the branch together to sign the account agreement. Chase does not allow one person to sign on behalf of the other for a joint account. If the other person cannot travel, you may need to wait until they are able to visit a branch with you.
Do we each get our own debit card?
Yes. Each account holder receives their own debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can each use your card to withdraw money or make purchases, and both cards draw from the same account balance.
What happens if one person wants to close the account but the other does not?
Either person can close a joint account without the other person's permission. If this happens, Chase will send the remaining balance to the address on file. If you and the other person disagree about closing the account, you may need to resolve it outside of Chase — the bank will follow the request of whoever asks first.
Can I convert my individual account to a joint account?
No. You cannot add someone to an existing individual account. You will need to open a new joint account and transfer the money from your individual account if you want to combine finances.