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

To open a joint account at Chase, you and the other account holder must visit a branch together with government-issued ID, or you can start the process online and complete it in person. Chase requires both people to be present for verification — they will not open a joint account with only one person signing up. You will need to decide what type of account you want (checking, savings, or money market), provide Social Security numbers for both account holders, and choose how the account will be owned (joint tenants with rights of survivorship, or tenants in common).

The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes in a branch. If you start online, you can fill out the initial process from home, but you will still need to visit a branch within a set timeframe to verify identity and fund the account. Chase does not charge a fee to open a joint account, though some account types have monthly maintenance fees that you can avoid by meeting balance or direct deposit requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must provide government-issued photo ID and be present either in person or verified through Chase's online process before the account opens.
  • You will need both Social Security numbers and must decide on ownership structure — joint tenants with rights of survivorship is the most common choice.
  • Chase offers joint checking, savings, and money market accounts, each with different features and fee structures.
  • The account can be funded when ready in a branch, or you can link an external bank account and transfer money after opening.

Starting online versus in a Chase branch

If you start online at chase.com, you can begin the process together from home. One person creates the account and adds the second person as a co-owner during signup. Chase will ask for both Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses at this stage. After you submit the online process, Chase sends a verification code to both email addresses — you both need to confirm before moving forward.

The online path still requires an in-person visit to a Chase branch within 30 days to verify identity with a physical ID and complete the account opening. This step cannot be skipped. If you prefer to handle everything in one trip, you can walk into any Chase branch with both people present, bring your IDs and Social Security numbers, and open the account on the spot without the online step.

The branch route is often faster if you are both available at the same time. The online route works better if you live far apart or want to review the terms before committing to a visit. Either way, the account does not exist until both people have been verified in person.

What ownership structure means and why it matters

When you open a joint account, Chase asks you to choose between joint tenants with rights of survivorship (JTWROS) and tenants in common. This choice determines what happens to the money if one account holder dies.

With JTWROS, the surviving account holder automatically owns all the money in the account. The funds pass outside of probate and do not go through the deceased person's will. This is the default option most people choose for joint accounts with spouses or partners. With tenants in common, each person owns a specific percentage of the account (usually 50/50), and that person's share goes into their estate when they die — meaning it follows their will or state inheritance law instead of automatically going to the other account holder.

For most couples and family accounts, JTWROS is simpler and faster. If you are opening an account with someone other than a spouse — a business partner, adult child, or friend — discuss which structure makes sense for your situation before you go to the branch. Chase will not change this after the account opens without closing and reopening the account.

Documents and information you need to bring

Both account holders must bring a government-issued photo ID to the branch. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You will also need to provide your Social Security number verbally or on the process form — Chase verifies this against federal records as part of opening the account.

Bring a current address for both people. If you recently moved, bring a piece of mail showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Chase uses this to verify your identity and prevent fraud. If you plan to fund the account by transferring money from another bank, have that bank's routing number and your account number ready — you can provide this in the branch or add it online after the account opens.

You do not need to bring a minimum deposit to open the account, but Chase may require a small initial deposit (often $25 or less) depending on the account type. Ask the banker what the current minimum is when you arrive.

Account types available as joint accounts

Chase offers joint versions of its most common accounts. Chase Total Checking is the standard checking account with no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 balance, set up direct deposit, or keep $1,500 in a linked savings account. It comes with a debit card, online banking, and mobile check deposit.

Chase Savings is a basic savings account with a variable interest rate. There is no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 balance. Chase Money Market Account combines checking and savings features — it has a debit card and check-writing ability, but also earns interest. The monthly fee is waived if you keep $2,500 in the account or set up direct deposit of $500 or more per month.

Interest rates and fee structures change, so ask the banker which account fits your situation. If you want to avoid monthly fees, the easiest path is usually direct deposit — most Chase accounts waive fees if you have at least one direct deposit per month, regardless of the amount.

How the account works once it is open

Once the account is open, both people can access it fully. Both account holders can withdraw money, make deposits, write checks, and use the debit card. Chase will issue a debit card to each person if you request it. Both people can also see all transactions and balances online and through the mobile app — there is no way to hide activity from the other account holder.

If one person wants to remove money or close the account, they can do so without the other person's permission. This is a legal feature of joint accounts — both owners have equal rights. If you are concerned about this, a joint account may not be the right structure. Some couples use a joint account for shared expenses and keep separate accounts for personal money.

Overdraft protection and fraud liability work the same way as individual accounts. If the account goes negative, both people are responsible for the overdraft fee. If someone commits fraud on the account, both people should report it to Chase when ready — the bank's fraud protection covers unauthorized transactions, but you need to report them within a specific timeframe.

What happens if one account holder wants to remove themselves

To remove one person from a joint account, you must close the account and open a new one in the remaining person's name alone. Chase does not allow you to convert a joint account to a single-owner account without closing it first. This means you will get a new account number and new debit card.

Before closing, make sure all automatic payments and direct deposits are updated to the new account number. If you have checks printed with the old account number, they will not work after the account closes. The process takes a few minutes in a branch, but the timing of when funds are available in the new account depends on how you transfer the money — when ready if you move it in person, or one to two business days if you transfer electronically.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Chase does not require marriage to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, business partner, friend, or anyone else. Both people must still be present with valid ID and provide their Social Security numbers. The ownership structure and rights are the same regardless of your relationship.

What if one person cannot go to the branch in person?

Both people must be verified in person before the account opens. If one person cannot visit a branch, you cannot open the account. Chase does not offer remote verification for joint accounts. If distance is a problem, you could open separate accounts and link them, or one person could open an account and add the other person later through a power of attorney — though this is more complicated and not the standard joint account process.

Do we each get our own debit card?

Yes, if you request it. Chase will issue a debit card to each account holder. Both cards draw from the same account balance, so spending by one person reduces the balance for the other. You can also request that only one card be issued if you prefer.

Can we set up the account so one person has to approve withdrawals?

No. Joint accounts at Chase do not have approval requirements or spending limits for either account holder. Both people have full access and equal rights. If you need controls on spending, a joint account is not the right tool — you would need to discuss limits outside the bank or use a different account structure.

What if we want to change the account from joint to single-owner later?

You must close the joint account and open a new single-owner account. Chase will not convert an existing joint account. The process takes a few minutes in a branch, but you will have a new account number and need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the old account.