Yes, you can open a joint account online with most banks, but you'll need to be in the same place at least once to verify both owners' identities
Many banks let you start a joint account process online, but the process stops short of completion until both account owners verify who they are in person or through a video call. Some banks—mainly online-only banks and credit unions—complete the entire process remotely using video verification, where you and the other owner show your IDs to a bank representative on camera. Others require at least one of you to visit a branch with a government-issued ID.
The reason for this step is federal law. Banks must confirm the identity of everyone who owns the account, and they can do this either face-to-face or through approved video methods. This is not a bank being cautious—it is a legal requirement that applies everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Online-only banks and some credit unions can open joint accounts entirely through video verification, while traditional banks usually require at least one visit to a branch.
- Both account owners must provide government-issued ID and proof of address, and the bank will verify these documents before the account opens.
- The online process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes, but the full process from start to usable account typically takes 3 to 7 business days.
- You and the other owner do not have to be in the same physical location if your bank offers video verification, but you do need to complete identity verification before the account is active.
Which banks let you complete the whole process online
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank can open joint accounts entirely through their website and video verification. You and the other owner each log in separately, provide your information, and then join a video call with a bank representative who confirms your identities. The account is usually ready to use within 1 to 3 business days.
Many credit unions also offer full online opening for joint accounts. If you belong to a credit union, check their website or call to ask whether they use video verification. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks, which means you can visit any participating credit union branch to complete identity verification, even if it is not your home branch.
Traditional banks with physical branches—like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and most regional banks—typically require at least one account owner to visit a branch in person. Some will let you start the process online and finish it at the branch; others ask you to begin in the branch. Call your bank's customer service line or check their website under "joint accounts" to see what they require.
What documents you and the other owner will need
Both account owners must provide a government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The bank will check that the name on the ID matches the name you gave during the process.
You will also need proof of your current address. This is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead. If you have recently moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, call the bank before you explore—they may accept a lease or a letter from your landlord.
If you are opening the account online through video verification, you will photograph or upload these documents during the process. If you are visiting a branch, bring the originals or certified copies.
How the online process works, step by step
Start on the bank's website and look for "open an account" or "joint account." You will enter basic information: the names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses of both owners. The bank will run a background check using ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. This is standard and does not affect your credit score.
Next, you choose the type of account—checking, savings, or both—and any initial deposit amount. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit (often $25 to $100); others do not. You will also set up how the account is owned: as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" (the most common choice, where the surviving owner inherits the account if one dies) or "tenants in common" (where each owner's share goes to their own estate). If you are unsure, joint tenants with rights of survivorship is the default for most couples and family accounts.
At the end of the process, the bank will tell you what happens next. If they use video verification, you will schedule a time for both owners to join a video call. If they require a branch visit, you will get instructions on where to go and what to bring.
Timeline from process to using the account
The online process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. After you submit it, the bank reviews your information and runs the background check, which usually takes a few hours to one business day.
If you are doing video verification, you will schedule the call at a time that works for both owners. This call lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Once the bank confirms your identities, the account is usually active within 1 to 3 business days. You can then set up online banking, request debit cards, and start using the account.
If you are visiting a branch, the timeline depends on when you can get there. Once a bank employee verifies your IDs in person, the account is typically active the same day or the next business day.
What happens if you and the other owner live far apart
If you live in different states or countries, an online-only bank or credit union with video verification is your best option. You do not need to be in the same room—you each join the video call from wherever you are, and the bank verifies both of you remotely.
If your bank requires a branch visit, one of you will need to travel to a branch, or you can ask whether the bank has a branch near the other owner's location. Some banks let either owner complete the verification, so you have flexibility on who goes.
If traveling is not possible, switching to an online bank that offers video verification may be simpler than trying to work around your current bank's requirements.
What to watch for when you are choosing a bank
Before you explore, check whether the bank charges a monthly fee for the account type you want. Some banks waive fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Compare these requirements across banks—what is free at one bank might cost $10 to $15 a month at another.
Also check the bank's overdraft policy. Some banks charge a fee each time you overdraw; others offer overdraft protection that links the account to savings. If you and the other owner have different spending habits, understanding how overdrafts work matters.
Finally, confirm the bank's process for closing the account or removing an owner later. Some banks make this straightforward online; others require both owners to visit a branch or call together. If your relationship with the other owner might change, knowing this upfront saves frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both owners have to be present when we open the account online?
Not during the initial process—one owner can fill that out. But both owners must complete identity verification before the account opens, whether that is through a video call together or separate in-person visits to a branch. Some banks let you verify at different times; others require you to do it together.
What if one owner does not have a government ID?
Contact the bank before you explore. Some banks accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID if a driver's license is not available. A few banks have workarounds for people without standard ID, but this is rare. Call customer service and ask what documents they will accept.
Can we open a joint account if one of us has a bad banking history?
Yes. Banks check ChexSystems, but a negative history does not automatically disqualify you. Some banks are stricter than others. If one owner was flagged for fraud or unpaid overdrafts, call the bank and ask whether they have accounts for people with banking history issues—many do.
How long does it take to get debit cards after the account opens?
Debit cards usually arrive 5 to 10 business days after the account opens. Some banks let you request a card during the process; others send one automatically. Ask during the process whether you can use a temporary digital card in the meantime.
Can we open a joint account if we are not married?
Yes. Banks do not require marriage. You can open a joint account with a family member, business partner, or anyone else. The bank will ask for both owners' full legal names and Social Security numbers, but will not ask about your relationship.