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

You and the other account owner can open a Chase joint savings account in person at a branch, online through Chase's website, or by phone. Both of you will need to provide identification, Social Security numbers, and initial deposit money. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a branch, or a few days online if you're funding the account from an existing Chase account.

A joint account means both owners have equal access to the money and can withdraw, deposit, or close the account without the other person's permission. Chase offers several types of joint savings accounts — the most common are Chase Savings and Chase Premier Plus Savings — and the one you choose depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and what interest rate matters to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must be present in person at a Chase branch, or you can open online if you both have existing Chase accounts and can verify your identities electronically.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually at least $0, though some account types have minimums) for each owner.
  • Joint account owners have equal rights to all the money — either person can withdraw everything without permission from the other.
  • Chase offers different savings account types with different interest rates and minimum balances, so compare the options before you open.

Opening a joint account in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with the other account owner. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number for both people. You'll also need to bring the initial deposit — this can be cash, a check, or a transfer from another account.

Tell the banker you want to open a joint savings account. They will ask which type of savings account you want (Chase Savings, Chase Premier Plus Savings, or another option), and they'll explain the interest rate, any monthly fees, and the minimum balance required. Once you both agree, the banker will have you sign the account agreement and deposit your money. The account opens when ready, and you'll receive debit cards and online access on the spot or within a few days.

Opening a joint account online

If you both already have Chase accounts and can verify your identities online, you can start the process at chase.com without visiting a branch. One account owner logs in, goes to the "Open an Account" section, and selects "Joint Savings Account." You'll choose the account type and enter the other owner's name, email, and Social Security number.

Chase will send the other owner an email asking them to verify their identity and agree to the account terms. Once they do, you'll both need to fund the account — usually by transferring money from your existing Chase accounts. The account opens within one to three business days. If you don't both have existing Chase accounts, you'll need to visit a branch instead.

Opening a joint account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a representative about opening a joint savings account. Have both owners' identification information and Social Security numbers ready. The representative will walk you through the account types and help you choose one.

You'll need to provide your initial deposit information — either a check number, bank routing and account number for a transfer, or you can arrange to deposit cash at a branch afterward. The account typically opens within one to three business days, and Chase will mail your debit cards and account information to the addresses you provide.

What documents and information you'll need

For each account owner, gather:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID)
  • Social Security number
  • Current address
  • Phone number and email address
  • Initial deposit (cash, check, or transfer from another account)

If you're opening online and one or both of you don't have an existing Chase account, you may need to provide additional information to verify your identity — Chase may ask for a recent utility bill or other proof of address. Have these documents ready before you start, so the process moves faster.

Understanding how a joint account works at Chase

Once the account is open, both owners have complete access to all the money. Either person can deposit funds, withdraw funds, view the balance, set up automatic transfers, or close the account. There is no requirement to notify the other owner before making a withdrawal or transfer. This means you both need to trust each other completely with the money in the account.

The account is held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" unless you request something different. This means if one owner dies, the money automatically becomes the property of the surviving owner — it does not go through the person's will or estate. If you want different ownership rules, ask a Chase banker about other options before you open the account.

Both owners receive statements and can set up online access. You can choose whether statements go to one address or both. Interest earned on the account is reported to both owners' Social Security numbers on tax forms, so you'll need to decide how to split the tax responsibility.

Fees and interest rates for Chase joint savings accounts

Chase Savings has no monthly fee and earns a small amount of interest — the rate changes based on market conditions and how much money you keep in the account. Chase Premier Plus Savings requires a higher minimum balance but pays a higher interest rate. Both accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per owner, which means up to $500,000 total is protected if Chase fails.

Compare the current interest rates and fees at chase.com or ask a banker in person, because rates change frequently. If you plan to keep less than $10,000 in the account, the difference in interest between account types is usually small. If you're saving a larger amount, the higher interest rate on Premier Plus Savings may be worth the higher minimum balance requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if the other person doesn't have a Chase account?

Yes. You can open in person at a branch with both owners present, or by phone. If you want to open online, the other person will need to create a Chase account first, which takes a few minutes. Either way, both owners must provide identification and a Social Security number.

What happens if one owner wants to close the joint account?

Either owner can close the account without the other person's permission. If you close it, the remaining balance is typically sent to the person who closed it, unless you arrange otherwise. If this is a concern, discuss account closure rules with the other owner before you open the account.

Is the money in a joint account protected if one owner has debt?

Not always. If one owner owes money to a creditor or the government, that creditor may be able to freeze or take money from the joint account, even if the other owner contributed the funds. This is a serious risk — talk to a lawyer if you're concerned about this before opening a joint account.

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

No. You cannot convert an existing individual account to a joint account. You must open a new joint account. You can transfer money from your old account to the new one, then close the old account if you want.

How long does it take to receive the debit card for a joint account?

If you open in person at a branch, you may receive a debit card when ready or within a few business days. If you open online or by phone, Chase typically mails the debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. You can use online banking and transfers before the card arrives.