What you need to bring and who can be a joint owner

A joint account at Chase is owned by two or more people, each with full access to the money and the ability to make decisions about it. Both owners can deposit, withdraw, and close the account without permission from the other. Chase lets you open a joint account in person at a branch, by phone, or online depending on the account type.

To open a joint account, you and your co-owner will each need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a Social Security number. Chase will ask for your current address and phone number. If either of you is not a U.S. citizen, you can still open an account, but Chase may ask for additional documentation like an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport.

Both owners must be present or participate in the opening process. If you open in person, you both go to the branch together. If you open by phone or online, Chase will typically require both of you to verify your identity during the call or session.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account owners need a government photo ID and Social Security number, and both must participate in opening the account.
  • Chase offers joint accounts online, by phone, or in person at a branch, though availability varies by account type.
  • Each owner has full access to all money in the account and can withdraw or close it without the other owner's permission.
  • You can add a second owner to an existing Chase account, though the process and timing depend on the account type.
  • Joint accounts are held as "joint tenants with rights of survivorship" by default at Chase, meaning the surviving owner inherits the balance if one owner dies.

Opening a joint account in person at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your co-owner and both photo IDs. Tell the banker you want to open a joint account and ask which account types are available for joint ownership. Chase offers joint versions of checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. The banker will explain the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features of each.

You and your co-owner will each sign paperwork. Chase will verify both Social Security numbers and run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This check does not affect your credit score. The account is usually open the same day or within one business day, and you can get a debit card issued on the spot or have it mailed to you.

Opening a joint account online or by phone

Chase allows you to start a joint account application online through its website or mobile app, but both owners must complete the process. One owner typically starts the application and enters the co-owner's information, then the co-owner receives a link or code to verify their identity and consent.

During the online or phone verification, Chase will ask security questions and may require you to upload photos of your IDs. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes per person. Once both owners have verified their identity, the account opens within one to two business days. A debit card will be mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within 5 to 7 business days.

If you run into trouble during the online process, you can call Chase at the number on the back of an existing Chase card or visit a branch to complete the application in person.

Adding a second owner to an existing Chase account

If you already have a Chase account and want to add a joint owner, you can do this in person at a branch or by calling Chase. The existing account holder and the new joint owner must both participate. Bring both photo IDs and Social Security numbers.

Chase will close the original account and open a new joint account with the same account number in most cases, though the exact process depends on the account type. Automatic payments and direct deposits linked to the old account may be interrupted during the switch, so contact your employer or billers to update your account information if needed. The process usually takes one to three business days.

What happens to the money if one owner dies

Chase joint accounts are set up as joint tenants with rights of survivorship by default. This means if one owner dies, the surviving owner automatically inherits the full balance without going through probate court. The account does not become part of the deceased owner's estate.

When a death occurs, the surviving owner should notify Chase with a death certificate. Chase will freeze the account temporarily while verifying the death, then release the funds to the surviving owner. This process usually takes one to two weeks. The surviving owner can then continue using the account normally.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Chase charges a monthly service fee on most joint checking accounts unless you meet one of the waiver conditions. Common waivers include maintaining a minimum daily balance (often $500 to $1,500 depending on the account type), setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with Chase. Some accounts waive the fee for customers under 25 or over 65.

Savings accounts and money market accounts may also have monthly fees, but these are often waived if you maintain a higher minimum balance. Chase does not charge a fee to open a joint account, and there is no fee to add a second owner to an existing account.

Ask the banker or check Chase's website for the current fee schedule and waiver options for the specific account type you choose. Fees and requirements change occasionally, so confirm the details before you open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a joint account if one owner lives in a different state?

Yes. Chase operates nationwide, so both owners can live in different states. You can open the account online or by phone, or one owner can visit a branch in their state while the other completes their part of the application remotely. Both owners must still verify their identity and consent to the account.

What if one owner wants to close the account or remove the other owner?

Either owner can close a joint account without the other's permission, which ends access for both. To remove one owner and keep the account open, you typically need to close the joint account and open a new individual or different joint account. Contact Chase to discuss your options, as the process varies by account type.

Do both owners get their own debit card?

Yes. Chase will issue a debit card to each owner, usually mailed to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days. Each card accesses the same account balance, so both owners can make purchases and withdrawals independently.

Will opening a joint account affect my credit score?

No. Chase runs a ChexSystems check, not a credit check, when you open a bank account. ChexSystems is a banking history database and does not impact your credit score. Your credit report is not pulled or affected.

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

Yes. Non-citizens can open joint accounts at Chase. You will need to provide additional documentation such as a passport, visa, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring these documents to the branch or have them ready if you open by phone or online.