What you need before you start
Opening a joint account online takes about 15 to 30 minutes, but you cannot start until both account holders have the documents the bank requires. Most banks ask for the same things: a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The second account holder needs their own ID and Social Security number too.
Before either of you begins, decide which bank you want to use. Not every bank offers joint accounts online — some require at least one person to visit a branch in person. Check the bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm they let you open a joint account entirely online. If the bank does allow it, look for a link that says "open an account" or "new accounts" on their homepage.
You will also need to decide what type of joint account you want. The most common choice is a joint account with right of survivorship, which means if one account holder dies, the money automatically goes to the surviving account holder. Some couples or family members choose a tenancy in common account instead, where each person's share goes to their own estate if they die. Ask the bank which option they offer during the opening process — you usually pick this when you fill out the account process.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address before starting the online process.
- Not all banks allow joint accounts to be opened entirely online, so confirm with your bank first that this option is available.
- The person starting the process enters their information first, then invites the second account holder to complete their part.
- The second account holder will receive an email or text with a link to verify their identity and sign the account agreement.
- Most banks fund the account when ready after both people finish, though some require a deposit before the account becomes active.
The person who starts the process goes first
One of you will begin the process on the bank's website or mobile app. This person enters their own name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. They will also upload or photograph their ID — usually a driver's license or passport — and proof of address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.
The bank will verify this information, which usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Some banks use when ready verification through third-party services; others may contact you by phone or email if they need to confirm something. Once your information is verified, you will see a screen asking you to add the second account holder. This is where you enter the other person's name and email address.
The second account holder completes their part
The second person will receive an email or text message with a link to join the account. When they click that link, they enter their own information: date of birth, Social Security number, address, and phone number. They will also upload or photograph their ID and proof of address, just as the first person did.
After the second person's information is verified, both of you will see a final step: reviewing and signing the account agreement. This is a legal document that explains the account rules, fees, and how the account will work if one person dies. Read it carefully, because signing means you both agree to those terms. You can usually sign electronically by typing your name or using a digital signature tool the bank provides.
What happens after you both sign
Once both account holders have signed, the account is usually created when ready. Some banks let you start using the account right away, even before you deposit money. Others require you to make an initial deposit — often $25 to $100 — before the account becomes fully active. The bank will tell you how to make this deposit, usually by transferring money from another account you own or by mailing a check.
Within a few business days, you should both receive debit cards in the mail, along with information about online banking access. You can set up online banking before the cards arrive by using the temporary login information the bank provided during the process. Both account holders can log in, see the balance, make transfers, and set up bill pay.
Timing and what can go wrong
The entire process usually takes one to three business days from start to finish, though some banks are faster. The longest wait is usually the verification step, especially if the bank cannot when ready confirm your information and needs to contact you by phone. If either person's information does not match what the bank's verification service finds — for example, if your address on file is slightly different from your ID — the bank may ask for additional documents or a phone call to confirm.
One common delay happens when the second account holder does not check their email or text message promptly. The invitation link usually expires after a few days, so if the second person waits too long, they may need to start over. If this happens, contact the bank and ask them to send a new invitation.
Another issue arises if one person's Social Security number does not match the bank's records. This can happen if you have recently changed your name, if there is a typo in the Social Security Administration's database, or if you are new to the country. If this happens, the bank will ask you to contact the Social Security Administration to fix the record, or they may ask for additional documents like a birth certificate or immigration paperwork.
Choosing between online and in-person opening
Some banks require at least one account holder to visit a branch in person, even though they advertise online account opening. This is usually because the bank wants to verify your identity face-to-face or because they have older systems that do not support fully online joint accounts. If your bank requires this, you can still do most of the work online — the in-person visit is usually just a quick ID check and signature, taking 10 to 15 minutes.
If you cannot visit a branch, look for banks that explicitly state they open joint accounts entirely online. Credit unions, online-only banks, and large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo usually offer this option. Smaller regional banks are less likely to, so call ahead if you are considering a local bank.
After the account is open: what both of you should know
Once the account is active, both account holders have equal rights to the money. Either person can withdraw all the funds, close the account, or change the account settings without the other person's permission. This is true even if one person contributed more money than the other. If you want to prevent this, you would need a different type of account — such as a joint account requiring both signatures — but most banks do not offer this online, and some do not offer it at all.
Both account holders should set up online banking access and review the account regularly. You can also set up alerts so that both of you get notified when large withdrawals happen or when the balance drops below a certain amount. This helps catch fraud or mistakes quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we open a joint account if we are not married?
Yes. Banks do not require you to be married to open a joint account. You can open one with a family member, friend, business partner, or anyone else. The bank only needs both people's names, Social Security numbers, and IDs.
What if one person does not have a Social Security number?
If one account holder is not a U.S. citizen and does not have a Social Security number, they can usually use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call the bank before you start the process to confirm they will accept an ITIN.
Do both people need to be present when we open the account?
No. One person starts the process, and the second person completes their part by clicking a link in an email or text. You do not need to be in the same room or on the phone together. However, both people do need to have access to their own email or phone number to receive the verification link.
Can we change the account to single-owner later if we want to?
Yes, but the process varies by bank. Usually, both account holders need to agree and sign a form to remove one person from the account. Some banks let you do this online; others require a visit to a branch or a notarized letter. Contact your bank's customer service to learn their specific process.
What if the second person never completes their part of the process?
If the second account holder does not click the invitation link within a few days, the process will expire. The first person can contact the bank and ask them to send a new invitation, or they can start the process over. If the second person does not want to open the account, the first person can open a single account instead.