Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether both account holders can verify their identity remotely
Most major banks now let you start a joint account process online, but "online" does not mean you can complete it entirely from your couch. Nearly every bank requires at least one account holder to verify their identity in real time—usually through video call, in-person visit, or by uploading government ID documents. Some banks finish the whole process online; others require you to visit a branch or mail in signed paperwork. The speed and ease depend heavily on whether the bank has remote identity verification technology and whether both of you have the documents they need.
The biggest variable is whether both account holders live in the same state. Banks licensed in one state sometimes cannot open accounts for residents of another state, or they require different verification steps. If you and your co-account holder are in different states, you may find that some banks straightforward will not open the account online at all, even if both of you could do it separately.
Key Takeaways
- Most online banks and major national banks let you start a joint account process on their website, but nearly all require real-time identity verification through video, in-person visit, or document upload.
- The second account holder usually cannot complete their part of the process until the first account holder has finished theirs, which adds time to the process.
- Banks that specialize in online banking (like Ally, Charles Schwab, and some credit unions) often have faster remote verification than traditional banks with physical branches.
- If you and your co-account holder live in different states, call the bank before you start the process to confirm they can open the account for both of you.
How the online process process actually works
The first account holder goes to the bank's website, selects "open a joint account," and enters personal information: name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment details. The bank then asks you to verify your identity. This step varies by bank. Some use video verification, where you show your government ID to a camera and answer security questions in real time. Others let you upload a photo of your ID and a selfie. A few still require you to visit a branch or mail in a notarized form.
Once the first account holder is verified and the account is opened, the bank sends an invitation to the second account holder—usually by email or text. That person then logs in, confirms their personal information, and completes their own identity verification. Only after both people are verified does the account become fully active. This two-step process typically takes a few business days to a week, depending on how quickly the second person responds and how long the bank's verification takes.
Some banks skip the video call and use knowledge-based authentication instead: they ask you questions only you should know the answer to, based on your credit history and public records. This is faster but less find, so fewer banks use it for joint accounts.
Which banks make it easiest to open online
Banks that operate entirely online—Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and some online credit unions—usually have the fastest remote verification because they have no branches and cannot require you to visit one. They typically use video verification or document upload and can complete the process in one to three business days once both account holders have verified.
Major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo let you start the process online, but they often require you to visit a branch or mail in signed documents to finish it. This adds three to seven business days. However, if you already have an account with one of these banks, opening a joint account is usually faster because they already have your identity verified.
Credit unions vary widely. Some have robust online verification; others require you to visit a branch or mail in paperwork. If you belong to a credit union, call them before you start the process to ask whether they can do the whole process online and how long it takes.
What documents and information you need before you start
Both account holders need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will ask you to upload a photo or show it on video. You also need your Social Security number and current address for both people. If either of you has moved recently, bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Have your employment information ready: employer name, job title, and how long you have worked there. Some banks ask about your income, though they do not always verify it for joint accounts. If you are self-employed or retired, be ready to explain your income source.
If one account holder is not a U.S. citizen, the process becomes more complicated. Most banks require a valid passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number. Some banks will not open joint accounts for non-citizens at all. Call the bank before you start the process if this applies to you.
Why some banks will not let you finish online
Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity of anyone opening an account—this is part of anti-money-laundering rules. Some banks have not invested in remote verification technology, so they require you to come to a branch in person. Others require in-person verification only for joint accounts because two people are involved and the bank wants to confirm both of you are who you say you are and that you both want the account.
If the bank cannot verify your identity through the documents you upload or the video call, they may ask you to visit a branch or mail in additional paperwork. This happens most often if your ID is expired, if your address on file does not match your current address, or if your name has changed recently.
Some banks also have state-specific rules. A bank licensed in California may not be able to open accounts for residents of certain other states, or they may require different verification for out-of-state customers. This is why calling ahead matters if you and your co-account holder are in different states.
Timeline: how long it actually takes
If both account holders have valid ID, live in the same state, and the bank uses video or document verification, you can usually complete the process in one to three business days. The first person applies and verifies, the bank sends an invitation to the second person, and once they verify, the account is active.
If the bank requires you to visit a branch or mail in documents, add five to ten business days. If the bank cannot verify your identity remotely and asks for additional paperwork, add another week or two.
The second account holder's response time matters. If they do not check their email or text message for several days, the whole process stalls. Some banks send a reminder after a few days, but not all.
What happens if one person cannot verify their identity online
If the second account holder does not have a government ID, cannot get one quickly, or has a name mismatch that the bank's system flags, you have a few options. Some banks let you visit a branch together and complete the verification in person while the first person's online process is still pending. Others require you to start over with an in-person process at a branch.
If one account holder is outside the United States, most banks will not open the account online at all. You would need to visit a branch in person or use a wire transfer service instead. A few banks that serve international customers may have different processes, but this is rare for joint accounts.
If you run into a block, call the bank's customer service line and ask what documents or steps they need to move forward. Do not assume the online process is the only option—many banks have workarounds, but you have to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account online if my co-account holder lives in a different state?
Maybe. Some banks can do it; others cannot. Banks are licensed by state, and some have restrictions on opening accounts for out-of-state residents. Call the bank before you start the process and ask whether they can open a joint account for two people in different states. If they say no, try a national bank or an online-only bank, which usually have fewer state restrictions.
Do both people have to be present when we open the account online?
Not at the same time, but both have to complete their own verification. The first person starts the process and verifies their identity. The bank then invites the second person to log in and verify theirs. This can happen hours or days apart, depending on when the second person responds to the invitation.
What if the bank rejects my ID during online verification?
The bank will usually tell you why—the photo is blurry, the ID is expired, or the name does not match their records. You can try uploading a clearer photo or a different ID. If that does not work, visit a branch in person or call customer service and ask whether they can verify you another way.
How do I know if my bank can do video verification?
Check the bank's website for joint account information, or call their customer service line and ask whether they can open a joint account entirely online using video verification. If they say yes, ask how long it takes and what documents you need. If they hesitate or say they require a branch visit, that is your answer.
Can we open a joint account online if one of us does not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN for both account holders. If one person does not have either, call the bank and ask whether they can open the account with an ITIN or a passport number instead. Some banks will; most will not. You may need to visit a branch in person to explore other options.