How to Open a Joint Bank Account at Chase

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

You and the other account owner must both visit a Chase branch in person with valid ID, or you can start the process online and finish it in a branch. Chase requires both people present because they need to verify identity and confirm that both of you want the account. You'll choose the account type (checking, savings, or money market), decide how the account is owned (joint tenants with rights of survivorship, tenants in common, or tenants by the entirety, depending on your state), and fund the account with an opening deposit.

The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch. If you start online, you can complete most of the process before you go in, which speeds things up. Both account owners will receive debit cards and online access, and both can withdraw money, make deposits, and manage the account independently unless you set restrictions with the bank.

Key Takeaways

Both account owners must bring valid government-issued ID to a Chase branch; you cannot open a joint account entirely online.
You'll choose how the account is owned—joint tenants with rights of survivorship is the most common option and means the surviving owner inherits the account if one dies.
Chase requires an opening deposit, which varies by account type but is typically $25 to $100 for checking accounts.
Both owners get full access to the account and can withdraw funds independently unless you arrange restrictions with the bank.
The process takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch if both people are present with ID.

What documents and information to bring

Each account owner needs a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will scan or photograph the ID as part of their identity verification process. You'll also need your Social Security number, which Chase uses to run a background check and set up tax reporting.

Bring a debit card or checkbook from another bank if you want to fund the account by transfer on the same day, or bring cash or a check. Chase will ask for the opening deposit amount at the time you open the account. Have the other account owner's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready if they are not present when you start the process online.

Choosing account ownership type

Chase offers three ways to own a joint account, and the choice matters if one owner dies or if there is a legal dispute. Joint tenants with rights of survivorship is the default and most common option—it means the surviving owner automatically inherits the full account balance if the other owner dies, and the account bypasses probate. Tenants in common means each owner's share of the account goes to their estate when they die, not automatically to the other owner. Tenants by the entirety is available only to married couples in some states and offers creditor protection that the other two options do not.

Ask the Chase banker which option makes sense for your situation. If you are married and want creditor protection, tenants by the entirety may be available in your state. If you want the account to pass to the other owner automatically, choose joint tenants with rights of survivorship. If you want each owner's share to go to their own heirs, choose tenants in common.

Opening deposit requirements

Chase requires an opening deposit to fund the account. The amount depends on the account type: checking accounts typically require $25 to $100, savings accounts require $25 to $100, and money market accounts require $2,500 or more. These minimums change, so confirm the current requirement with the banker or on Chase's website before you go in.

You can fund the account with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. If you transfer from another bank, the funds may take one to three business days to appear. If you bring cash or a check, the deposit is available when ready or the next business day depending on when you deposit it.

What happens after you open the account

Chase will issue debit cards to both account owners, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery for an extra fee if you need the card sooner. Both owners can set up online banking and mobile app access using their own username and password, and both can see the full account balance and transaction history.

Both account owners can withdraw money, make deposits, write checks, and set up automatic payments independently. If you want to restrict one owner's access—for example, if one person should only be able to view the account but not withdraw—you must contact Chase after the account is open and request those limits. Chase can set up alerts so both owners are notified when the balance drops below a certain amount or when a large withdrawal occurs.

If you cannot both visit a branch

Chase does not allow one person to open a joint account alone, even with a power of attorney. Both owners must be present at the branch with ID to verify their identity and consent to the account. If the other owner lives far away or cannot visit in person, you have a few options: wait until you can both visit the same branch, visit different Chase branches on the same day and have the banker coordinate, or open individual accounts and link them for transfers instead.

Some states allow notarized documents to substitute for in-person presence, but Chase's policy requires both owners in the branch. Call your local Chase branch to ask whether they can make an exception or coordinate with another branch if distance is the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one account owner close the joint account without the other's permission?

Yes. Chase allows either owner to close the account unilaterally. The bank will send the remaining balance to the owner who initiated the closure, or split it if both owners request closure at the same time. If you are concerned about this, discuss account management rules with the other owner before opening the account, or ask Chase about adding a note to the account requesting that both owners contact the bank before any closure.

What happens to the joint account if one owner dies?

If the account is set up as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, the surviving owner automatically owns the full balance and can continue using the account. Chase will ask for a death certificate, but the account does not go through probate. If the account is tenants in common, the deceased owner's share goes to their estate and may require probate court involvement.

Can I set up a joint account online without visiting a branch?

You can start the process online, but both owners must complete the process in a Chase branch with ID. Chase requires in-person identity verification for joint accounts. Starting online saves time because you fill out the basic information ahead of time, but the account is not active until you both visit the branch.

What if the other account owner has bad credit or a history with ChexSystems?

Chase runs a background check on both owners, and a prior banking issue with one owner may affect approval. Call Chase before you visit the branch to ask whether the other owner's history will prevent the account from opening. Chase may deny the account or require additional documentation, but they will tell you before you waste time visiting a branch.

Can I add someone to my existing Chase account to make it joint?

No. You cannot convert an existing individual account to a joint account by adding someone. You must open a new joint account. You can transfer the balance from your old account to the new joint account once it is open, then close the old account if you want.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.