What banks require before you can open a joint account

You can open a joint savings account at most banks and credit unions, but you will need to bring specific documents and information for each person on the account. The exact requirements vary slightly by institution, but the core items are the same everywhere: proof of identity, proof of address, and a Social Security number or tax ID for each account holder.

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — for every person signing the account paperwork. Some institutions will accept a passport card or tribal ID. You will also need a current address, which the bank verifies using a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days. The address does not have to be the same for both account holders, though some banks ask for it.

The Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is required by federal law so the bank can report interest earned and file tax documents. If either account holder does not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account with an ITIN, but the process takes longer and some banks decline these accounts entirely. Call ahead if this applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government photo ID, current address proof, and a Social Security number or ITIN for each person on the account.
  • Most banks require documents dated within the last 60 to 90 days for address verification, so bring a recent utility bill or bank statement.
  • If either account holder does not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept ITINs before you visit, because policies vary widely.
  • Some banks require both account holders to be present in person to sign the paperwork, while others allow one person to open the account and add the second holder later.
  • Credit unions often have lower minimum balances and fewer fees than banks, but membership requirements vary by location and employer.

Minimum balance and initial deposit requirements

Banks and credit unions set their own minimum balance rules, and these vary widely. Some institutions have no minimum at all, while others require $25 to $500 to open the account. A few require $1,000 or more. The minimum balance is separate from your initial deposit — you may need to deposit $100 to open the account but maintain a $500 minimum balance to avoid monthly fees.

Check the specific account terms before you visit, because falling below the minimum balance usually triggers a monthly maintenance fee of $5 to $15. Some banks waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a linked checking account. Credit unions are often more flexible on minimums than large national banks, but this depends on the individual institution.

Age and residency rules

Both account holders must be at least 18 years old. If one person is under 18, you will need to open a custodial account instead, which has different rules and restrictions. The bank will ask for the age of each person during the process process.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to open a joint account, but you do need to be a U.S. resident. Banks define residency differently — some require a U.S. address, while others accept accounts for people with valid visas or work permits. Non-citizens with an ITIN can open accounts at most banks, though the process may take longer because the bank must verify your tax status.

Whether both account holders must be present

This depends on the bank. Some institutions require both people to appear in person and sign the paperwork together. Others allow one account holder to open the account and authorize the second person to be added later, either in person or by mail. A few banks now allow both people to sign electronically through their website or app, though this is less common.

Call the bank before you go and ask their specific policy. If you cannot both visit at the same time, ask whether one person can open the account and whether the second holder can be added remotely. Some banks charge a small fee to add an account holder after the account is open, while others do it for free.

Credit check and banking history

Most banks do not run a credit check to open a savings account. They do check ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If either account holder has a history of unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts due to fraud, the bank may decline the process or require a larger deposit.

If you have been denied a bank account in the past, ask the bank whether they use ChexSystems and request a copy of your report before you explore. You can dispute errors on your ChexSystems record, which takes about 30 days. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with banking history issues, though these often come with higher fees or lower limits.

Paperwork and what to bring

Bring originals of your documents — photocopies are usually not accepted. For each account holder, bring a government photo ID, a document showing your current address, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring the Social Security number itself and be prepared to answer questions about why you do not have the card.

Some banks ask for additional information depending on the account type or the amount of money you plan to deposit. If you are depositing more than $10,000 at once, the bank will file a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government — this is routine and not a sign of suspicion. Bring a checkbook or recent bank statement if you have one, though neither is required.

Opening the account online versus in person

Many banks now allow you to open a joint savings account online, though the process usually requires both account holders to verify their identity electronically. You will upload photos of your ID and address proof, answer security questions, and sign documents electronically. The account typically opens within one to three business days.

In-person applications at a bank branch usually complete faster — sometimes the same day — but require both people to visit at the same time or require one person to return with a power of attorney document. Online applications are more convenient if you cannot both visit a branch, but they take longer and sometimes require additional verification steps if the bank's system flags your information as unusual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one person has bad credit?

Yes. Banks do not check credit scores for savings accounts. They check ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. Bad credit does not affect your ability to open a joint savings account, though a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud might.

Do both account holders need to have the same address?

No. Each person provides their own current address, and they do not have to match. The bank verifies each address separately using a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 to 90 days.

What happens if one account holder does not have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN instead, but call the bank first because not all institutions accept ITINs. The process process takes longer and may require additional verification. Some banks decline ITIN accounts entirely, so confirming their policy before you visit saves time.

Can I open a joint account if one person is not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if that person is a U.S. resident with an ITIN or valid visa. Banks define residency differently, so call ahead to confirm the bank accepts non-citizens. The process may take longer because the bank must verify immigration status.

How long does it take to open a joint account?

In-person applications usually complete the same day or within one business day. Online applications typically take one to three business days. If either account holder has ChexSystems issues or if you are using an ITIN, the process may take longer.