Documents and information you'll need before you walk in

To open a joint checking account, you and your co-owner will each need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID. The bank will verify these at the time you open the account. Bring originals — banks do not accept photocopies of IDs, though they may accept a utility bill or lease as address proof.

You will also need to decide on the account structure before you arrive. Banks offer two main setups: joint tenants with rights of survivorship (JTWROS), where the surviving owner inherits the full balance if one dies, or tenants in common, where each owner's share goes to their estate. Some banks call these "survivor account" and "non-survivor account." Ask which one the bank offers — not all banks present both options, and some states have different default rules.

Bring a small initial deposit. Most banks require a minimum opening balance, which ranges from $0 to $300 depending on the institution. Some waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Ask the bank what they require before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners must bring a government photo ID, proof of current address, and their Social Security number or tax ID in person.
  • You need to choose between joint tenants with rights of survivorship (surviving owner inherits the account) and tenants in common (each owner's share goes to their estate).
  • Most banks require a minimum opening deposit between $0 and $300, though some waive this if you set up direct deposit.
  • Both owners must be present and sign the account agreement; one person cannot open a joint account on behalf of another.
  • The bank will run a ChexSystems check on both owners to verify banking history, which takes a few minutes during the appointment.

Why the bank needs both owners present

Banks require both account owners to be physically present (or on a video call, depending on the bank) because each person is signing a legal agreement to share ownership and access to the account. The bank needs to confirm that both owners understand the terms, agree to them, and are not being coerced. This protects you and the bank from disputes later.

If one owner cannot be present, some banks offer remote signing through a notarized power of attorney, but this is uncommon and usually only available for existing customers. Your best option is to schedule the appointment when both of you can attend.

What the bank will check about your history

The bank will run a ChexSystems report on both owners. This is a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If either owner has a history of unpaid overdrafts, multiple closed accounts, or fraud flags, the bank may deny the account or require a larger deposit. This check takes a few minutes during your appointment and you will see the results before you leave.

If you have been denied before, ask the bank which specific issue caused the denial. Some banks have lower thresholds than others — a bank that denied you five years ago may approve you now, or a different bank may have different standards. You can also request your own ChexSystems report for free from ChexSystems directly to see what the bank sees.

Fees and ongoing requirements

Ask the bank about monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and minimum balance requirements before you open the account. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per month; others charge nothing if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Overdraft fees typically range from $25 to $35 per transaction, though some banks offer overdraft protection that links to a savings account instead.

Many banks also require at least one transaction per month to keep the account active. If the account sits unused for a year or more, the bank may close it and send any remaining balance to your state's unclaimed property program. Read the fee schedule the bank gives you — it will list all of these terms.

What happens after you sign

You will receive debit cards, a checkbook (if you request one), and online banking access on the same day or within a few business days. Both owners can use the debit card and access the account online independently — there is no requirement that both owners approve each transaction. This means either owner can withdraw all the money without the other's permission.

If you want to prevent one owner from withdrawing funds without the other's consent, a joint checking account is not the right tool. You would need a different account structure, such as a custodial account (if one owner is managing money for a minor) or separate accounts with a power of attorney. Talk to the bank about whether they offer these alternatives.

Special situations: Minors, non-citizens, and business accounts

If one owner is under 18, the bank will require a parent or guardian to co-sign and be present. The minor's name will be on the account, but the adult has legal responsibility for it. Some banks have age minimums — a few require both owners to be at least 18, while others allow minors as young as 13 with a parent present.

If either owner does not have a Social Security number, bring a valid passport or visa and ask the bank whether they can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead. Non-citizens with valid visas can open accounts at most banks, but some require additional documentation such as a visa copy or proof of U.S. address.

If you are opening a joint account for a business, you will need a different process. Most banks require an Employer Identification Number (EIN), articles of incorporation or partnership agreement, and identification for all owners. This is a business account, not a personal joint account, and has different rules and tax reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person open a joint account without the other person knowing?

No. Both owners must be present and sign the agreement. If someone opens an account in your name without your knowledge, that is fraud, and you should report it to the bank and the Federal Trade Commission when ready.

What if one owner has been denied a bank account before?

The denial will show up on their ChexSystems report, and the bank may deny the joint account or require a larger deposit. Ask the bank which specific issue caused the previous denial, and whether they have a second-chance account option. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with banking history problems.

Do both owners need to be present if one lives out of state?

Most banks now offer video appointment options, so you can both be present remotely. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm they offer this. If they do not, one option is to open the account in person and have the second owner added later through a notarized power of attorney, though this is less common.

What if we want to close the account later — do both owners have to agree?

No. Either owner can close a joint account unilaterally without the other's consent. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the other owner before you open the account, or consider a different account structure.

Will opening a joint account affect my credit score?

No. Opening a checking account does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. The bank will check your ChexSystems history, but that is separate from credit reporting.