The documents you'll need before you walk in

To open a joint 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 tax ID. The bank will ask for these in person or online — they're required by federal law so the bank can verify who you are and report the account to tax authorities.

Bring an original or certified copy of your address proof. A recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Some banks also take a bank statement from another institution, a government benefits letter, or a piece of mail from your employer. The address proof usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days, though this varies by bank.

If you don't have a photo ID, a passport works at any bank. A state ID card or driver's license is standard. Some banks in certain states will also accept a tribal ID or a consular ID if you're not a U.S. citizen. Call ahead if you're unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must bring a government photo ID, proof of current address, and provide their Social Security number or tax ID in person or online.
  • Address proof must usually be dated within 60 to 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter.
  • If either person has no Social Security number, they can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • Some banks require both people to be present in person; others let one person open the account and add the second person later.
  • Bring your own documents — the bank will not accept documents belonging to the other account holder as proof of your identity.

What happens if you don't have a Social Security number

If you're a non-citizen or don't have a Social Security number for another reason, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7, and the process takes several weeks. Some banks will open an account while your ITIN process is pending if you bring a receipt showing you've filed the form.

A few banks also accept a passport number or consular ID number in place of a Social Security number or ITIN, but this is less common. Call the bank's customer service line before you visit to confirm what they will accept.

Whether both people need to be present

Most banks require both account holders to be present in person to open a joint account. They do this to verify that both people are consenting to the account and to confirm both IDs at the same time. If one person cannot be there, some banks will let the first person open the account alone and add the second person later, though this creates a delay and sometimes a fee.

A small number of banks offer online joint account opening where both people sign documents electronically and upload photos of their IDs. This is less common than in-person opening, so call ahead or check the bank's website to see whether this option is available.

Information about income and employment

The bank will ask whether you work and may ask for your employer's name and your job title. You don't need to bring pay stubs or an employment letter unless the bank specifically requests one. If you're retired, unemployed, or a student, you can say so — the bank is asking to understand your income for tax reporting purposes, not to decide whether to open the account.

If you're opening the account with a large initial deposit (usually $10,000 or more), the bank will file a federal report about that deposit. This is routine and not a problem. The bank may also ask the source of the money — whether it's from your paycheck, a savings account, a gift, or something else. Answer honestly. If you're unsure why they're asking, ask them to explain.

What to bring for each person

Each account holder brings their own documents. The bank will not accept one person's ID as proof of the other person's identity. Here's what each person should have:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Proof of current address in their own name (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter)
  • Their own Social Security number or ITIN
  • Any other documents the bank requests, such as a second form of ID or proof of income

If you're opening the account online, you'll upload photos of these documents. Make sure the photos are clear, show the entire document, and are in focus. If the bank can't read your document, they'll ask you to resubmit it.

What to know about the account type before you arrive

Before you visit the bank, decide what type of joint account you want. The two main types are joint with survivorship (also called "joint tenants with rights of survivorship") and joint without survivorship (also called "tenants in common"). The difference matters if one account holder dies.

With survivorship, the surviving account holder automatically owns the entire account. Without survivorship, the deceased person's share goes through their estate and may go to their heirs instead of the surviving account holder. Most couples choose survivorship, but married couples and unmarried partners should discuss which makes sense for them. The bank will ask which type you want when you open the account.

You should also know whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. A checking account comes with a debit card and is meant for regular spending. A savings account earns interest and is meant for money you're keeping. Many people open both at the same time.

Fees and minimum balances to ask about

Ask the bank whether the account has a monthly fee and what the minimum balance is to avoid that fee. Some banks charge $10 to $15 per month if your balance drops below a certain amount, often $500 to $1,500. Other banks have no monthly fee at all. The fee structure varies widely, so compare a few banks before you decide.

Also ask whether there are fees for overdrafts (spending more than you have), ATM use outside the bank's network, or closing the account early. Some banks charge for these; others don't. Getting this information upfront helps you avoid surprises later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if I don't have a current address?

Most banks require proof of a current address, but if you're homeless or living temporarily, call the bank and explain your situation. Some banks will accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a letter from a social service agency confirming where you're staying. Each bank has different rules, so ask what they can accept.

What if one person has bad credit?

Banks do not check credit when opening a checking or savings account. They check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks overdrafts and fraud. Bad credit does not prevent you from opening a joint account, though a history of overdrafts or fraud might.

Do I need to bring the other person's documents if they can't come?

No. The bank will not accept one person's documents as proof of the other person's identity. If the other person cannot be present, ask the bank whether you can open the account alone and add them later, or whether they offer online joint opening where both people sign electronically.

Can I open a joint account with someone who doesn't live in my state?

Yes. The other person does not need to live in the same state as you or the bank. If you're opening in person, you'll both need to visit the same branch. If the bank offers online opening, you can both sign documents from wherever you are.

What if I lost my ID or don't have one yet?

You'll need a government-issued photo ID to open a bank account. If you don't have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV or a passport from the U.S. State Department. These take time to process, so plan ahead. Once you have your ID, you can open the account.