Yes, you can open a joint account online, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether both account holders are existing customers
Most major banks now let you start a joint account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The catch: the exact steps vary. Some banks let both people sign up simultaneously from different locations. Others require one person to open the account first, then add the second person afterward. A few still require at least one in-person visit, even though they advertise online options.
The real constraint is identity verification. Banks must confirm who you are before you can move money, and they do this through a combination of document checks, credit bureau lookups, and sometimes video calls. If you and your co-account holder are both new to the bank, the process takes longer than if one of you already banks there.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you open a joint account online if at least one person already has an account with them, which usually takes one to three business days.
- If both of you are new customers, you will each need to verify your identity separately, typically through uploading a driver's license and answering security questions based on your credit history.
- Some banks require a video call with both account holders present to confirm you both consent to the joint account, while others use document verification alone.
- The account is usually active within one to five business days of approval, though some banks hold transfers for longer on newly opened accounts.
- You can typically set ownership rules (who can withdraw, who receives statements) during setup, but these vary by bank and account type.
What happens when one person is already a customer
If you already have a checking or savings account at a bank, adding a joint account holder is the fastest route. The existing customer logs into their account, selects "add authorized user" or "open a joint account," and enters the co-owner's name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bank then sends a verification link or code to the new person's email or phone.
The new account holder clicks the link, uploads a photo ID (usually a driver's license or passport), and answers identity verification questions. These questions come from the bank's records check—they might ask "which of these addresses did you live at in 2019" or "which lender issued your car loan." This process typically takes 15 minutes to an hour. Once verified, the account is active, and both people can see the balance and make transfers.
Total time: usually one to three business days from start to finish. Some banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) can set up the account the same day if both people complete verification before 5 p.m. Eastern time.
What happens when both people are new customers
If neither of you has an account at the bank, you will each need to go through full identity verification separately. One person starts the process online, enters personal information, and uploads an ID. The bank checks this against credit bureaus and public records. The second person then does the same thing in a separate process or through an invitation link the first person receives.
Banks handle this differently. Some require both people to complete verification before the account opens. Others open the account once the first person is verified, then add the second person as a joint owner after they verify. A few banks (particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions) still require at least one person to visit a branch in person, even though they market online account opening.
The identity verification step is where delays happen. If your credit history is thin, if you have moved frequently, or if your name appears slightly differently in different records, the bank may flag your process for manual review. This can add two to five business days. Video verification—where you hold your ID up to a camera and answer questions—can speed this up, but not all banks offer it for joint accounts.
The difference between "authorized user" and "joint owner"
Online account opening forms sometimes ask whether you want to add someone as an "authorized user" or a "joint owner." These are not the same thing, and the distinction matters for liability and access.
A joint owner has equal legal rights to the account. Both people can withdraw all the money, close the account, or change the account settings. If one person dies, the surviving owner typically keeps the account and the money in it. If one person is sued, creditors can potentially reach the joint account. Most banks let you set up joint accounts online this way.
An authorized user can use the account (withdraw money, make transfers) but does not own it. The original account holder remains the legal owner and can remove the authorized user at any time without their consent. If the owner dies, the authorized user loses access. This option is less common for checking accounts and more common for credit cards, but some banks offer it for savings accounts.
When you open a joint account online, the form usually specifies which type you are creating. Read it carefully, because you cannot always change this later without closing and reopening the account.
What documents and information you will need
Have these ready before you start the online process:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) for each person
- Social Security number for each person
- Current address for each person
- Date of birth for each person
- Phone number and email address for each person
- Employment information (some banks ask, though it is not always required)
You will also need to decide on the account type: checking, savings, or money market. Most banks let you choose during setup. Some offer a joint account only in certain account types—for example, a bank might allow joint checking but not joint savings accounts, or vice versa.
If you are opening the account to manage shared expenses (rent, household bills), a checking account is standard. If you are saving toward a shared goal, a savings account or money market account may offer higher interest rates, though these vary by bank and change frequently.
How long it actually takes from start to active account
The timeline depends on your situation:
| Scenario | Typical Timeline | What Slows It Down |
|---|---|---|
| One person is an existing customer; second person verifies quickly | Same day to 1 business day | Second person's identity verification fails or requires manual review |
| Both people are new; both verify quickly | 1 to 3 business days | Credit bureau delays, name mismatches, or flagged applications |
| Either person's verification is flagged for manual review | 3 to 7 business days | Bank contacts you to confirm information; you must respond |
| Bank requires video verification call | 1 to 5 business days | Scheduling the call; technical issues during the call |
Once the account is open, you can usually see the balance and make transfers when ready. However, some banks place a hold on transfers from newly opened accounts for 24 to 48 hours as a fraud prevention measure. This means you can deposit money right away, but you may not be able to withdraw it or transfer it out for a day or two.
What can go wrong and how to fix it
The most common issue is identity verification failure. This happens when the information you enter does not match what the bank finds in credit bureaus or public records. A name spelled differently (Michael vs. Micheal), a middle initial missing, or an old address still showing up in records can trigger a mismatch.
If your verification is denied, the bank usually sends an email explaining why. You can then contact the bank's customer service to correct the information or provide additional documents. Some banks accept a notarized copy of your ID or a utility bill showing your current address. This manual review process adds three to seven business days.
Another common issue: one person completes their part of the process, but the other person does not finish theirs. The account sits in "pending" status until both people verify. If the second person does not complete verification within a certain window (usually 7 to 14 days), the process expires and you have to start over.
A third issue: the bank's online system does not let you set the account ownership rules you want. For example, you might want both people to be able to withdraw money but only one person to receive statements. Some banks let you change these settings after the account opens through their customer service team, but not all do. If this matters to you, contact the bank before you open the account to confirm what options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account online if we live in different states?
Yes. Banks do not require you to be in the same location. Both people can verify their identity online from wherever they are. The only exception is if the bank requires an in-person visit, which some regional banks still do—but this is rare for major national banks.
What if one person does not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each account holder. If someone does not have either, they cannot open a joint account at a traditional bank. Some credit unions have different rules, so you could contact a local credit union to ask.
Can we change the account from joint to single-owner later?
Yes, but the process varies by bank. Usually one owner can remove the other owner, which converts the account to single-owner status. However, some banks require both people to consent to the change. A few banks require you to close the account and open a new one. Contact your bank's customer service to find out their specific process before you open the account.
Does opening a joint account affect either person's credit score?
Opening the account itself does not affect your credit score. Banks do a "soft pull" of your credit history during verification, which does not show up on your credit report. However, if the bank reports the account to credit bureaus (which most do), the account activity—like late payments or overdrafts—will appear on both owners' credit reports.
What happens if one person wants to close the account?
This depends on the bank and the account type. Some banks let either owner close the account unilaterally. Others require both owners to consent. A few require the account to be empty before it can be closed. Check your bank's terms before you open the account, because you may not be able to change this rule later.