Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the process depends on whether both account holders are existing customers
Most banks let you open a joint account entirely online if you are already a customer and you add someone else to your account. The new account holder may need to verify their identity in person or through a video call, depending on the bank's rules. If neither of you has an account at that bank, the process gets slower — many banks require at least one person to verify in person or complete additional steps before the account is active.
The speed and ease vary significantly by bank. Some large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer online joint account opening with video verification for both parties. Credit unions and smaller regional banks often have stricter requirements and may ask you to visit a branch. Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab typically do not offer joint accounts at all, or offer them only to existing customers.
Key Takeaways
- Adding an existing customer to your account as a joint owner is usually the fastest online route and can be done in minutes through your bank's app or website.
- Opening a new joint account when neither person is a customer may require one or both people to verify identity in person, by video call, or through mailed documents.
- Banks vary widely in what they accept for online verification — some use video calls, some use third-party identity services, and some require a branch visit.
- You will need the other person's Social Security number, date of birth, and address to add them to an account, whether online or in person.
Adding someone to your existing account online
If you already have a checking or savings account at a bank, adding a joint owner is usually the simplest path. Log into your online banking portal or mobile app, find the account settings or account management section, and look for an option to add an authorized user or joint owner. The bank will ask for the other person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address.
The other person may be asked to verify their identity. Some banks send a verification code to their phone or email. Others use a third-party identity verification service that checks their Social Security number and credit history. A few banks still require a video call with a representative. Once verified, the account is usually active within hours or a few business days, and both people can access it when ready.
Opening a new joint account when neither person is a customer
If you are both new to the bank, the process is slower and less likely to be fully online. Most banks will let you start the process online, but at least one person — sometimes both — will need to complete an identity verification step that goes beyond what you can do through a screen.
Common verification methods include a video call with a bank representative (usually available during business hours), uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport, or visiting a branch in person. Some banks mail you a verification code that arrives in 3 to 5 business days. A few banks use third-party identity verification services that check your Social Security number and address against public records. The account typically opens within 1 to 5 business days after verification is complete.
What banks need from both account holders
Regardless of which route you take, the bank will collect the same core information from both people. Each account holder needs to provide their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current mailing address, and phone number. Some banks also ask for employment information or a second form of ID.
Both people must also agree to the account terms and sign the account agreement. Online, this usually means clicking a checkbox or typing your name as a signature. In person, you both sign a paper form. The bank will run a background check on both account holders through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which track banking history and fraud. If either person has a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts, the bank may deny the account.
Why some banks require in-person verification
Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity of anyone opening a new account. This is part of the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. Online verification through video or third-party services satisfies this requirement for many banks, but some banks choose to require in-person verification as an extra safeguard against fraud.
Smaller banks and credit unions are more likely to require a branch visit because they have fewer resources for video verification or third-party identity services. If you are opening an account at a bank with only a few branches, you may have to travel to one of them. Some banks will waive the in-person requirement if you have an existing account elsewhere and can show recent statements or tax documents.
Timeline from start to usable account
If you are adding someone to your existing account online, the account is usually ready to use within 24 hours. If both people are new to the bank and complete video verification, expect 1 to 3 business days. If the bank mails a verification code, add 3 to 5 business days for delivery, plus 1 to 2 days for processing after you return it.
In-person verification at a branch is usually the fastest once you are there — the account can be active the same day. However, scheduling an appointment and traveling to the branch may add several days to the overall timeline. Some branches accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments, especially after the pandemic.
| Scenario | Verification Method | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Adding someone to your existing account | Phone, email, or third-party service | Same day to 2 business days |
| Both new customers, video verification available | Video call with bank representative | 1 to 3 business days |
| Both new customers, mailed verification code | Code arrives by mail, you return it | 5 to 7 business days |
| Both new customers, in-person required | Branch visit | Same day (after appointment/visit) |
Banks that make joint accounts straightforward online
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all allow existing customers to add a joint owner online with video or automated verification. Chase and Bank of America also let new customers open joint accounts online using video verification for both parties, though the timeline is usually 2 to 5 business days.
Most credit unions require at least one person to visit a branch, though some larger credit unions like Navy Federal and Alliant have begun offering video verification. Online-only banks like Ally, Chime, and Charles Schwab typically do not offer joint accounts, or offer them only to existing customers. If you want a joint account with an online bank, check their website first — policies change, and some have added joint account options in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people have to be present when opening a joint account online?
Not necessarily. If you are adding someone to your existing account, you can do it yourself and the other person just needs to verify their identity when the bank contacts them. If you are both new to the bank, you usually do not need to be in the same place, but you both need to complete identity verification separately.
What happens if one person fails the identity verification?
The account will not open. The bank will contact you to explain why verification failed — usually because the information provided did not match public records, or because of a ChexSystems flag. You can ask the bank to try again with corrected information, or you can dispute the ChexSystems record if you believe it is wrong.
Can I open a joint account online if one person does not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number for both account holders. If one person does not have one, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you will need to call the bank or visit a branch to explain the situation. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not.
Will opening a joint account online affect my credit score?
Opening a joint account does not directly affect your credit score. The bank may do a soft pull of your credit report to verify your identity, which does not show up on your credit report. However, if the bank runs a hard inquiry or checks ChexSystems, it may appear on your record, though it has no impact on your credit score.
Can I open a joint account online if the other person is out of the country?
It depends on the bank and the country. Most U.S. banks can verify someone's identity remotely through video or third-party services, even if they are abroad. However, some banks have restrictions on accounts for non-residents or people without a U.S. address. Call the bank before you start the process to confirm they can work with someone outside the country.