The documents and information you'll need before you walk in

To open a joint bank account, you and the other account holder will each need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank will also ask for your employment information and current income — they don't need to verify it with your employer, but they do need to know it. Bring a small amount of money to deposit; most banks require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $25 to $500 depending on the bank and account type.

Both people opening the account must be present at the bank, either in person or, at some banks, through a video call. You cannot open a joint account if only one person shows up. The bank needs to see both IDs and confirm both people's identities before the account is created.

If you're opening the account online rather than in a branch, the process is similar but happens through your computer or phone. You'll upload photos of your IDs, answer questions about your address and income, and then the bank will usually ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a bank representative. This verification step is required by federal law and takes about five to ten minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of current address, and their Social Security number or ITIN to open the account.
  • Both people must be present in person or on a video call — you cannot open a joint account with only one person present.
  • Banks require a minimum opening deposit that typically ranges from $25 to $500, depending on the bank and account type.
  • The bank will ask about your employment and income but will not contact your employer to verify the information you provide.
  • Online account opening requires a video call with a bank representative to confirm both people's identities.

Proof of address: what counts and what doesn't

Proof of address means a document showing your name and your current home address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail (like a tax return or voter registration card) all work. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days, though some banks accept older documents if they're official government mail.

A bank statement from another bank counts as proof of address. A credit card bill does not — even though it has your name and address, banks treat credit card statements differently. A driver's license with your current address printed on it counts as both ID and proof of address, so you only need one document instead of two.

If you've moved recently and your ID doesn't show your new address yet, bring the ID plus a utility bill or lease in your new name. If you don't have a lease or utility bill yet because you just moved, ask the bank what they accept — some will take a signed lease, a move-in confirmation from your landlord, or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.

Why banks ask for employment and income information

Federal law requires banks to know the source of the money you're depositing and the income you're reporting. This is part of anti-money-laundering rules, not a judgment about whether you're trustworthy. The bank is not checking whether your income is "enough" to open an account — they're documenting where your money comes from.

You'll be asked whether you're employed, self-employed, retired, or receiving benefits. If you're employed, the bank will ask for your employer's name and your job title. If you're self-employed, they may ask what kind of business you run. If you're retired or receiving benefits, you'll report that instead. None of this information is verified with your employer or the government at the time you open the account.

Be honest about your income, but understand that the bank is not using this number to decide whether to open your account. Nearly all banks will open a joint account for people with any income level, including people with no income. The income question is a regulatory requirement, not a barrier.

The minimum deposit and account setup fees

Most banks require you to deposit money when you open the account. This minimum opening deposit is usually between $25 and $500. Some banks have no minimum at all. The amount depends on the bank and the type of account — a basic checking account often has a lower minimum than a money market account.

Ask the bank whether there are monthly maintenance fees, and if so, whether you can waive them. Many banks waive monthly fees if you keep a certain balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or use the debit card a certain number of times per month. Some banks have no monthly fees at all. The fee structure varies widely, so it's worth asking before you open the account.

The money you deposit as your opening deposit becomes part of your account balance — it's not a separate fee. If you deposit $100 to open the account, you have $100 in the account when ready.

What happens after you both sign the paperwork

Once you've provided your documents and information, the bank will have you sign the account agreement. This document explains the rules of the account — how you can withdraw money, what happens if the account goes negative, and what the bank's fees are. Read it, or at least skim the parts about fees and withdrawal rules, before you sign.

The bank will give you a receipt with your new account number. Your debit cards usually arrive in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. You can start using the account when ready through online banking or at the ATM, even before your debit cards arrive. Both account holders will have full access to the account and can withdraw money, make deposits, or close the account without permission from the other person.

If you set up online banking during your visit, you'll receive login information right away. If you didn't, you can set it up online later or call the bank's customer service line to get your free guide. Online banking lets you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from your joint account.

Opening a joint account online versus in person

Opening a joint account in person at a bank branch takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You walk in with your documents, answer questions, sign paperwork, and leave with your account number and receipt. This is the fastest way if you have a branch near you.

Opening online takes longer because of the identity verification step. You'll upload photos of your IDs and documents, answer questions about your address and income, and then wait for a video call appointment with a bank representative. The video call itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, but scheduling the appointment might add a day or two. After the video call, the account is usually created within a few hours.

Some banks offer a hybrid option: you start online, but then you and the other account holder go to a branch to finish the process in person. This can be faster than waiting for a video appointment, but it requires both of you to be available at the same branch at the same time.

Documents checklist for opening day

Bring these items with you or have them ready to upload if you're opening online:

  • Government-issued photo ID for each account holder (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Proof of current address for each account holder (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days)
  • Social Security number or ITIN for each account holder
  • The minimum opening deposit amount in cash, check, or transfer from another account
  • Employment information (employer name, job title, or benefit type if you're retired or receiving benefits)

If you're opening in person, bring originals of your ID and proof of address. If you're opening online, you'll photograph or scan these documents and upload them. Make sure the photos are clear and show all four corners of the document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we open a joint account if one of us doesn't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If one account holder has an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, that works. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who don't have a Social Security number but need to file taxes. Bring the ITIN documentation just as you would a Social Security number.

What if one of us doesn't have a government-issued ID?

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV. Some banks accept other forms of ID in rare cases — call ahead and ask. If you're opening online, the bank may have different options than the branch.

Do we both have to be there at the exact same time?

Yes, for in-person opening. Both of you must be present when you sign the account agreement. For online opening, you both need to complete the identity verification step, but you can do it at different times — the bank will schedule separate video calls for each person.

What if we don't have a recent utility bill or lease?

Call the bank before you go in and ask what they accept as proof of address. Some banks accept a recent piece of mail from a government agency, a signed lease even if it's not dated recently, or a move-in confirmation from your landlord. Having options ahead of time saves you a trip.

Can we open the account with just a small deposit and add more money later?

Yes. The opening deposit is just the starting balance. You can deposit more money when ready after opening the account, or later whenever you want. There's no limit on how much you can deposit after the account is open.