The documents and information banks will ask for
To open a joint account, you and the other account holder will each need to bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Most banks ask for these in person, though some allow you to start the process online and finish it in a branch.
The proof of address is usually a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, some banks will accept a bank statement from another institution, a pay stub, or a government benefits letter instead. Call ahead to ask what your bank accepts — the rules vary.
You will also need to decide on the account type before you arrive: checking, savings, or both. Some banks offer joint accounts with different features — for example, one that earns interest or one with no monthly fee. Knowing what you want saves time at the appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Both account holders must bring a government photo ID, proof of current address, and a Social Security number or tax ID to open the account.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days, though some banks accept alternatives.
- You will choose how the account is titled — either as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" or "tenants in common" — which affects what happens to the money if one person dies.
- Most banks require both people to be present in person, though some allow one person to open the account online if the other person verifies by video or in branch later.
- The bank will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which looks at your banking history but does not affect your credit score.
How the account will be titled and what that means
When you open a joint account, the bank will ask you to choose a titling option — this is the legal name of the account and determines what happens to the money if one account holder dies.
The most common choice is joint tenants with rights of survivorship. This means if one person dies, the money automatically goes to the surviving account holder without going through probate (the court process that distributes a person's property). Both people own the full account while alive, and either person can withdraw all the money.
The second option is tenants in common. With this titling, each person owns their own share of the account. If one person dies, their share goes to their estate and is distributed according to their will, not automatically to the other account holder. This option is less common for joint accounts but is sometimes chosen when the account holders are not married or when they want to keep their money separate in case of death.
Ask the bank which option is the default if you do not choose. Most banks default to joint tenants with rights of survivorship, but it is worth confirming.
What happens during the appointment
When you both arrive at the bank, a representative will ask you to show your IDs and proof of address. They will verify your Social Security numbers and run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — these are banking history databases that check whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud issues at other banks. This check does not affect your credit score.
The representative will then explain the account features — monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, interest rates if it is a savings account, and debit card options. They will ask you to choose the titling option and sign the account agreement. Some banks print the agreement on the spot; others mail it to you later.
Once both people have signed, the account is open. You may receive debit cards in the mail within 5 to 10 business days, or the bank may issue them on the spot. Online access is usually available when ready or within 24 hours.
If one person cannot be present
Some banks allow one account holder to open the account online while the other verifies their identity by video call or in person at a branch later. This is more common at larger national banks than at community banks or credit unions.
If your bank offers this option, the person opening online will still need to provide their ID, proof of address, and Social Security number through the bank's website. The second person will then need to complete their verification within a set time frame — usually 30 days — or the account will be closed.
If your bank does not offer this option, both people must be present at the same appointment. Some banks will waive this requirement if one person is out of state or unable to travel, but you will need to ask and provide a reason. There is no may provide they will agree.
What the background check looks for
The banking background check is different from a credit check. It does not look at whether you pay your bills on time or how much debt you have. Instead, it looks at your history with banks — specifically whether you have unpaid overdrafts, have committed fraud, or have had accounts closed by a bank for cause.
If the check finds something, the bank will tell you what it found and may ask you to explain it. Having a past issue does not automatically disqualify you, but some banks will deny the account if the issue is recent or serious. If you are denied, ask the bank why and whether you can reapply after a certain amount of time.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Joint accounts have the same fee structure as individual accounts at the same bank. Some accounts have no monthly fee, while others charge $5 to $15 per month. Many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance — often $500 to $1,500 — or set up direct deposit.
Ask about all fees before you sign: monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, fees for using another bank's ATM, and fees for closing the account early. Some banks charge to close an account within the first 90 days, though this is less common.
If the account is a savings account rather than checking, ask about the interest rate and how often interest is paid. Interest rates change frequently, so the rate you see today may not be the rate you get tomorrow.
After the account opens
Once the account is open, both people can deposit money, withdraw money, and see the full balance and transaction history. Neither person needs permission from the other to move money or close the account, so it is important to trust the person you are opening the account with.
If you want to limit what one person can do — for example, if you want one person to be able to see the balance but not withdraw money — you will need to ask the bank whether they offer limited power of attorney or authorized user options. Not all banks offer these, and they work differently at each bank.
You can also set up alerts so both people are notified when the balance drops below a certain amount or when a large withdrawal happens. This is a good way to catch fraud or accidental overdrafts early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both people have to be present to open the account?
Most banks require both people to be present in person. Some larger banks allow one person to open the account online while the other verifies by video or in branch within 30 days, but this is not standard. Call your bank before you go to find out their specific policy.
Will opening a joint account affect my credit score?
No. The bank will run a background check on your banking history, not a credit check. This does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Your credit score is only affected by credit accounts like credit cards and loans.
What if the other person has a ChexSystems issue?
If the background check finds an issue with either person, the bank will tell you what it found. Having a past banking problem does not automatically disqualify you, but the bank may deny the account if the issue is recent or serious. You can ask the bank to reconsider or reapply after a certain time period.
Can I change the account titling after it opens?
Yes, but you will need to contact the bank and may need to sign new paperwork. Both account holders usually need to agree to the change. Some banks charge a fee to change the titling, though many do not. Call your bank to ask about the process and cost.
What happens to the account if one person dies?
If the account is titled as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, the money automatically goes to the surviving account holder. If it is titled as tenants in common, the deceased person's share goes to their estate and is distributed according to their will. The surviving account holder will need to contact the bank with a death certificate to update the account.