What you need to bring and who can open an account with you
To open a joint bank account, you and the other account holder both need to be present at the bank (or complete the process online together if the bank offers it). Each person needs a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will verify both identities before the account exists.
You can open a joint account with a spouse, family member, business partner, or anyone else. There is no legal requirement that you be related. The bank's only concern is that both people are real, are who they say they are, and agree to the account terms. Some banks have a minimum age requirement — usually 18 — for both account holders.
If one person cannot be present in person, some banks will allow the other to open the account alone and add the second person later, though this creates a delay and extra paperwork. It is faster and simpler if both people can show up together.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must provide government photo ID and typically be present together, either in person or online, to open the account.
- You will need to decide whether the account is "joint and several" (either person can withdraw everything) or has restrictions on who can move money.
- The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which looks at your banking history, not your credit score.
- Bring a small initial deposit — usually $25 to $100 — because most banks will not open an account with a zero balance.
- The account will be set up the same day if you are in a branch, or within one to three business days if you open it online.
Deciding what type of joint account you want
Banks offer two main structures for joint accounts, and the difference matters if one person dies or if you later disagree about money. The first is joint and several liability, which means either person can withdraw all the money, write checks, or close the account without permission from the other. This is the default at most banks.
The second is a joint account with restrictions, sometimes called a "joint account with survivorship" or requiring both signatures. Not all banks offer this option, and it is less common. With this structure, both people must sign off on large withdrawals or closing the account. Some banks will let you set a dollar threshold — for example, either person can withdraw up to $500, but anything above that needs both signatures.
Ask the bank which structure they offer before you open the account. If you need restrictions — for example, you are opening an account to manage money for an aging parent and want to prevent either of you from draining it without discussion — say so. The bank can tell you whether they can set that up or whether you need a different product, like a power of attorney or a trust.
What the bank will check before opening your account
The bank will run your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases. These systems track whether you have had accounts closed due to fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or repeated bounced checks. They do not check your credit score.
If either account holder has a history of banking problems — particularly fraud or repeated overdrafts that were not paid — the bank may deny the account. You will receive a notice if this happens, and it will tell you which database flagged you and how to dispute the information if it is wrong. You can contact ChexSystems or Early Warning directly to request a copy of your report and correct errors.
The bank will also ask about the source of your initial deposit. If you are depositing cash, they may ask where it came from. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and does not mean you are suspected of anything — banks are required to ask.
Documents to bring and information you will need
Bring both government photo IDs and your Social Security numbers. If you are opening the account in person, bring a small initial deposit — a check, debit card, or cash. Most banks require at least $25 to $100 to open an account, though some have no minimum.
You will need to choose a name for the account. Banks typically list it as "John Smith and Jane Smith, Joint Account" or similar. You will also decide whether you want online banking, a debit card, and a checkbook. These are usually free, but ask.
If you are opening the account online, the bank will walk you through identity verification — usually by answering security questions or uploading a photo of your ID. Both account holders will need to complete this step separately. The bank will then mail debit cards and checks to the addresses you provide, which usually takes five to ten business days.
What happens after the account opens
Once the account is open, both people's names appear on it, and both can access it through online banking, the bank's app, or in person at a branch. Either person can deposit money, withdraw money, or set up automatic transfers — unless you chose a restricted account structure.
The bank will send statements to both account holders (or to one address if you request it). Both people are responsible for overdrafts, fees, and any fraud on the account. If one person overdrafts the account, the bank can pursue either person for the debt.
If you need to change the account later — add a third person, remove someone, or change the structure — you will both need to go to the bank together or complete a form together. Removing someone from an existing joint account is more complicated than opening one; the person being removed may need to be present, and some banks will not allow it without closing the account and opening a new one.
When a joint account holder dies
If one account holder dies, what happens depends on how the account was set up and your state's law. In most states, a joint account with survivorship rights passes automatically to the surviving account holder — the bank will remove the deceased person's name and the survivor keeps the money without probate.
If the account does not have survivorship language, the money becomes part of the deceased person's estate and may go through probate, even though the other person's name is on the account. Ask the bank at the time you open the account whether your joint account includes survivorship rights. If it does not and you want it to, you may need to close the account and reopen it with that language, or the bank may be able to add it without closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a joint account online without going to the bank?
Many banks allow you to open a joint account entirely online if both account holders complete the process together. You will each verify your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo of your ID. Debit cards and checks arrive by mail within five to ten business days. Some banks still require at least one person to visit a branch in person; call ahead to ask.
What if one account holder wants to close the account or withdraw all the money?
In a standard joint account, either person can do this without permission from the other. If you want to prevent that, you need to ask the bank about a restricted joint account or a different product like a power of attorney. Not all banks offer restrictions, so ask before you open the account.
Does opening a joint account affect my credit score?
No. The bank checks your banking history through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, not your credit report. Opening a joint account does not appear on your credit report and does not change your credit score.
What if the bank denies the account?
The bank will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons are a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or negative information in ChexSystems. You can dispute the information with the database directly. Some banks have second-chance accounts with higher fees if you have been denied elsewhere.
Can I add a third person to a joint account later?
Some banks allow you to add a third person to an existing account; others require you to close the account and open a new one. Both existing account holders usually need to be present. Ask your bank about their policy before you open the account if you think you might need this later.