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

USAA lets you open a joint checking account online or by phone, and both account holders must be present or consent in writing. You'll need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (usually $25 minimum, though this varies). The process takes about 15 minutes online if both of you are USAA members already; if one person is new to USAA, you may need to complete a separate membership step first.

The key difference from a solo account is that USAA requires consent from both parties before the account opens. This means you can't surprise someone with a joint account — both people have to actively participate or sign off. Once it's open, both account holders get their own debit card, online access, and the ability to withdraw or transfer money without the other person's permission.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must be present during the online process or provide written consent, and both need a valid ID and Social Security number.
  • USAA requires a minimum opening deposit, usually $25, though the exact amount may depend on your membership status and account type.
  • If one person is not yet a USAA member, that person must complete USAA membership first, which adds a separate step to the timeline.
  • Once the account is open, both holders have equal access and can withdraw money or make transfers independently without notifying the other person.

Steps to open the account online

Start by logging into your USAA account (or creating one if you're new). Go to the "Open an Account" or "Products" section and select "Checking Account." You'll be asked whether you want a solo or joint account — choose joint. USAA will then ask for the second account holder's name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information.

At this point, USAA sends an invitation to the second person via email or text. That person must log in or create a USAA account, verify their identity, and consent to the joint account. Once both people have consented and USAA has verified both identities, the account opens. You can fund it when ready with a transfer from an existing bank account or by mailing a check.

What happens if one person is not a USAA member

If your co-account holder is not already a USAA member, they must complete USAA membership before the joint account can open. This is a separate process that takes about 10 to 15 minutes. They'll need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and military affiliation information (USAA membership is limited to military members, veterans, and their families).

Once they're a member, you can proceed with the joint account steps above. The total timeline stretches to about 30 minutes instead of 15, but it's still a single online session. If your co-holder doesn't meet USAA's membership requirements, you won't be able to open a joint account with them at USAA.

Opening a joint account by phone

Call USAA's customer service line and tell them you want to open a joint checking account. A representative will walk you through the same information — both people's names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and the initial deposit amount. If both account holders are on the call together, the process can complete in one session.

If only one person calls, USAA will send the second person a verification request, and they'll need to respond before the account opens. Phone opening typically takes longer than online (30 to 45 minutes) because the representative enters everything manually, but some people prefer it if they have questions or need help with the membership step.

Initial deposit and funding options

USAA requires a minimum opening deposit, usually $25, though this can vary. You can fund the account by transferring money from another bank account (takes one to three business days), mailing a check, or depositing cash at a USAA ATM if you have access to one. The account number and routing number are available as soon as the account opens, so you can set up the transfer right away.

If you're transferring from another bank, USAA may place a temporary hold on the funds while they verify the transfer, but the account itself is usable when ready. You can order debit cards for both account holders during the opening process, and they typically arrive within five to seven business days.

What to know about joint account ownership and access

In a USAA joint account, both people own the account equally and have full access to all the money in it. Neither person needs permission from the other to withdraw funds, transfer money, or close the account. This is important to understand before you open the account — if you're concerned about one person taking all the money without agreement, a joint account is not the right structure.

USAA does not offer "joint with survivorship" or other ownership structures that limit one person's access. If you need more control over how money is used, you might consider a different account structure, such as one person holding the account and adding the other as an authorized user (though USAA's authorized user options are limited). Talk to USAA directly about whether that's available for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if my co-holder doesn't live near me?

Yes. The entire process can happen online, and both people can be in different states or countries. USAA sends the invitation electronically, and the second person can consent and verify their identity from anywhere with internet access. You don't need to be in the same location.

What if the second person doesn't have a Social Security number?

USAA requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for both account holders. If your co-holder doesn't have either, they won't be able to open a joint account at USAA. You'd need to explore other account structures or banks that accept alternative identification.

How long does it take for the account to be fully open and usable?

The account is usually usable when ready after both people consent and identities are verified — typically within 15 to 30 minutes if you're doing it online. Debit cards take five to seven business days to arrive. If you're funding the account by transfer from another bank, that transfer takes one to three business days to complete.

Can I remove someone from a joint account after it's open?

USAA does not allow one person to unilaterally remove the other from a joint account. Both account holders must agree to close the account or convert it to a solo account. If you want to separate finances later, you'll need to contact USAA and work with the other person to decide what happens to the money.

What if one person wants to close the account but the other doesn't?

USAA requires both account holders to consent to closing a joint account. If you disagree, you'll need to work it out between yourselves or contact USAA to discuss your options. In some cases, you may be able to transfer your portion of the money to a separate account, but this depends on USAA's policies and the specific situation.