Yes, you can open most joint accounts online, but both account holders must be present and verified
Most banks let you start a joint account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process is faster than it used to be, but it has a hard requirement: both people whose names will be on the account must complete the process together, usually in real time. You cannot open a joint account alone and add someone later, and you cannot have one person explore on behalf of the other.
The bank will ask for identification from both of you, proof of your current address, and your Social Security numbers. Some banks verify this information when ready through digital tools; others may ask you to upload documents or visit a branch to finish. The whole process typically takes 15 minutes to an hour if both of you are ready with documents, or a few business days if the bank needs to review what you submit.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must be present during the online process and complete identity verification at the same time.
- You will need a valid ID, proof of address, and Social Security number for each person on the account.
- Most banks can verify your information when ready online, but some require you to upload documents or visit a branch to complete the process.
- The account is usually active within one business day if everything verifies when ready, or within three to five business days if documents need review.
- Joint accounts opened online have the same features and protections as those opened in a branch.
What you need before you start the process
Gather these items for both people before you begin: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and your Social Security number. Some banks also ask for a phone number and email address you check regularly, since they may send verification codes or documents to those addresses during the process.
Make sure both of you are using the same device or can see the screen together, because most banks require both account holders to enter information and confirm it in real time. If you are in different locations, you can use a video call or screen share so you can both watch the process happen. The bank may also ask one or both of you to take a photo of your ID using your phone's camera as part of identity verification.
How the online process process usually works
Start by going to your bank's website or opening their app and looking for "open an account" or "new account." You will see options for different account types; select "joint account" or "joint checking." The bank will then ask whose name goes first on the account—this is usually just a preference and does not affect how the account works, though some banks use it for record-keeping.
Next comes the information entry: personal details, address, phone number, and Social Security number for the first account holder, then the same for the second. The bank will ask security questions to verify your identity, which may be based on your credit history or public records. After both people answer these questions correctly, the bank moves to document verification. Some banks photograph your ID using your phone camera right there in the app; others ask you to upload a photo or PDF of your ID and address proof. A few still require you to visit a branch or use a video call with a bank employee to confirm your identity in person.
Once the bank has verified both identities, it usually approves the account within minutes to a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and instructions for setting up online banking and a debit card.
Banks that make online joint accounts straightforward
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you open joint accounts online with when ready or same-day verification. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also offer joint accounts through their apps, and they often have fewer steps because they do not have branches to fall back on—everything must work online.
Credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions let you open joint accounts online if you are already a member; others require both people to visit a branch or complete an in-person verification step. If you belong to a credit union, check their website or call to ask whether joint accounts can be opened fully online or whether one step requires a branch visit.
Community banks and smaller regional banks are less consistent. Many have online account opening but may require a phone call or branch visit to complete identity verification for joint accounts, since they do not have the same automated systems as larger banks. If you have a relationship with a smaller bank, it is worth asking directly whether they can complete a joint account process entirely online.
What happens if verification fails or takes longer
If the bank cannot verify your identity when ready—because your ID photo is blurry, your address does not match their records, or your answers to security questions do not match what they have on file—they will ask you to submit documents or call you to confirm information by phone. This usually adds two to five business days to the process.
In rare cases, a bank may ask both account holders to visit a branch in person to complete the process. This happens most often when one person has no credit history, when addresses are very new, or when the bank's system flags something as unusual. If this happens, you will receive a notice by email or phone explaining what they need and where to go.
If you are opening a joint account with someone who does not have a Social Security number—for example, a non-citizen with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)—some banks will open the account, but others will not. Call the bank before you start the process to confirm they accept ITINs, because this is not something you can usually complete online.
How joint accounts work once they are open
A joint account belongs to both people equally. Either person can deposit money, withdraw money, write checks, use the debit card, and manage the account online. Either person can also close the account or change settings without the other person's permission. This is important to understand before you open the account, because it means you are trusting the other person completely with access to all the money.
The bank will issue a debit card to each person if you request it, and both cards work on the same account. You can set up online banking so both people can log in and see transactions. If one person makes a withdrawal or transfer, the other person will see it reflected in the account balance, but the bank does not require permission from both people for any single transaction.
If one account holder dies, the money in the account usually goes to the surviving account holder automatically, depending on how the account is titled. If the account is titled "Person A and Person B," the surviving person gets it. If it is titled "Person A or Person B," the same thing happens. This is called right of survivorship, and it happens outside of a will or estate. Ask the bank during or after the process whether your account has this feature, because it affects what happens to the money if something happens to one of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account if the other person is not present?
No. Both people must be present and complete identity verification during the process. The bank needs to confirm that both of you want the account and that both identities are real. You cannot open a joint account alone and add someone later, and the other person cannot authorize you to open it on their behalf.
What if one of us does not have a Social Security number?
Some banks will open a joint account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, but not all. Call your bank before you start the process to ask whether they accept ITINs. If they do not, you may need to look for a different bank or open individual accounts instead.
How long does it take to use the account after we explore online?
If both identities verify when ready, the account is usually active within one business day and you can start using it. If the bank needs to review documents you upload, it typically takes three to five business days. You will receive an email with your account number and routing number once the account is approved, and you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
What if the online verification fails?
The bank will contact you by email or phone to ask for more information or documents. You may need to upload a clearer photo of your ID, provide a recent utility bill, or answer additional questions by phone. This usually adds two to five business days. In rare cases, the bank may ask both of you to visit a branch in person to complete the process.
Can we close the account later if we change our minds?
Yes. Either account holder can close a joint account at any time without the other person's permission. The bank will ask what to do with any remaining balance—you can transfer it to another account or request a check. Closing an account online is usually faster than opening one and takes one to three business days.