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

You and the other account owner both need to be present—either in person at a USAA branch or online through a video call with a USAA representative. USAA will ask for government-issued ID from both of you, proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security numbers. One person initiates the account, but the second owner must verify their identity and consent before the account becomes active. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes if you do it online, or about the same in branch.

You'll choose what type of joint account you want: a checking account, savings account, or money market account. You'll also decide on ownership structure—most joint accounts at USAA are set up as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," which means if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically owns the full balance. Some people choose "tenants in common" instead, which means each owner's share goes to their estate. USAA will explain the difference when you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must provide government ID, proof of address, and Social Security numbers, and both must consent to the account in real time.
  • You can open a joint account online via video call or in person at a USAA branch, and the process takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • USAA sets up most joint accounts as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship," meaning the surviving owner inherits the full balance if one owner dies.
  • Each owner gets their own debit card, online login, and full access to the account balance and transaction history.
  • Both owners are responsible for overdrafts and fees, and either owner can withdraw or transfer the entire balance without the other's permission.

What documents to bring or have ready

Gather a government-issued ID for both account owners—a driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. You'll also need proof that at least one of you lives at the address you're listing on the account. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days is standard. If you're opening the account online, you can photograph or scan these documents and upload them during the process.

Have your Social Security numbers ready for both owners. USAA will verify these against government records as part of their identity check. If either owner has changed their name recently (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring documentation of that change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—so the name on your ID matches the name USAA has on file.

The difference between online and in-branch opening

Opening online through USAA's video call process is faster if you're not near a branch. You'll schedule a time, connect with a representative on video, show your ID to the camera, and answer verification questions. The second owner joins the same call, does the same verification, and consents to the account. You can fund the account when ready with a transfer from an existing USAA account or an external bank account. The account is usually ready to use within one business day.

Opening in person at a USAA branch means both owners go together, show their IDs to a banker, and sign the account agreement in front of a witness. This route works well if you have questions or prefer to handle everything face-to-face. Branch hours vary by location, so check USAA's branch locator before you go. You can fund the account the same day and typically start using it when ready.

How to fund the account after it opens

USAA will give you the account number and routing number as soon as the account is active. You can transfer money from another USAA account you own—this usually posts within one business day. You can also transfer from an external bank account using ACH (the standard electronic transfer system), though this takes three to five business days the first time you set it up, because USAA verifies the external account by sending two small test deposits.

If you want to fund the account when ready, deposit a check at a USAA ATM or mobile check deposit through the USAA app. You can also visit a branch and deposit cash or a check in person. USAA has no monthly minimum balance requirement for most joint checking accounts, so you can open the account with $1 and add money later.

What happens when both owners use the account

Each owner gets their own debit card and online login credentials. Both of you can see the full balance, all transactions, and the account history. Either owner can withdraw money, transfer funds, pay bills, or set up automatic payments without asking the other owner's permission. This means if one owner spends the entire balance, the other owner cannot reverse it—you both have equal legal claim to all the money in the account.

Overdraft fees and monthly maintenance fees (if any explore to your account type) are the responsibility of both owners. If the account goes negative, both owners are liable. USAA will not prevent one owner from overdrawing the account, so you'll need to manage spending together or set up alerts so both owners know when the balance is low.

Removing an owner or closing the account

To remove one owner from a joint account, both owners must agree and contact USAA. You cannot remove someone without their consent—USAA requires written authorization from the owner being removed. The process usually involves signing a form at a branch or through a notarized document sent by mail. Once an owner is removed, that person loses access to the account, and their debit card stops working.

To close the account entirely, either owner can request closure, but USAA will notify both owners of the request. You'll need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance before the account closes. If there's a dispute about who owns the money in the account, USAA may freeze it until both owners agree or a court order is provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if the other person is not a USAA member?

Yes. The other owner does not need to be a USAA member before you open the account. They will become a USAA member as part of the joint account opening process. Both of you will receive online access and debit cards once the account is active.

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

Either owner can withdraw any amount without the other's permission—that is how joint accounts work. If you are concerned about this, a joint account may not be the right choice. Some couples use a joint account only for shared expenses and keep separate accounts for personal money.

Does a joint account affect credit scores?

No. Joint bank accounts do not appear on credit reports and do not affect either owner's credit score. Credit scores are based on borrowing and repayment history, not on checking or savings accounts. However, if the account is overdrawn and sent to collections, that could affect both owners' credit.

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 the account continues. The deceased owner's name can be removed from the account, but no probate process is needed. If the account is set up as "tenants in common," the deceased owner's share goes through their estate.

Can I have more than two owners on a USAA joint account?

No. USAA joint accounts are limited to two owners. If you need more than two people to have access to an account, you would need to set up a business account or trust account, which have different requirements and structures.