What you need to do to open a joint account at Chase

You and the other account holder can open a joint Chase account in person at a branch, online through Chase.com, or by phone. Both of you will need to provide identification, Social Security numbers, and agree to the account terms. Chase will run a background check on both account holders using ChexSystems, a banking history database. The account is typically active within one to three business days if you open it online or by phone, or immediately if you open it in a branch.

A joint account means both people have equal access to all the money in it and equal responsibility for overdrafts or fees. Either account holder can withdraw all the funds, make transfers, or close the account without permission from the other. Make sure you trust the person you're adding before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • Both account holders must provide a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit amount when opening a joint account.
  • Chase runs a ChexSystems check on both people, and a negative history may prevent one or both of you from opening the account.
  • You can open online, by phone, or in person, and the account will be ready to use within one to three business days.
  • Either account holder can access, transfer, or withdraw all funds without the other's permission, so joint accounts work best with people you fully trust.

Opening a joint account online through Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the type of account you want — checking, savings, or money market — and then select the joint account option. You'll enter your personal information first: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your initial deposit amount and how you want to fund it (debit card, bank transfer, or check).

After you complete your information, Chase will send an invitation link to the other account holder's email address. That person logs in, verifies their identity, and provides their own Social Security number and personal details. Both of you must review and accept the account agreement and fee schedule. Once both applications are submitted, Chase processes the account and sends confirmation to both email addresses. You can typically start using the account within one to three business days.

Opening a joint account in person at a Chase branch

Visit any Chase branch with the other account holder. Bring a government-issued photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and your Social Security numbers. You'll also need to decide on an initial deposit and bring a debit card, check, or cash to fund it.

A Chase representative will complete the application with both of you present. They'll verify your identities, run the ChexSystems background check, and explain the account terms and fees. You can open the account and receive debit cards on the spot, though the cards may take three to five business days to arrive by mail. The account itself is active immediately, so you can start using it the same day if you set up online banking or mobile access before you leave the branch.

Opening a joint account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a joint account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the application process and collect the same information they would need in person: names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and phone numbers for both account holders. You'll need to provide an initial deposit amount and a way to fund it.

The representative will explain the account terms and fees, and both of you should be on the call or have authorized one person to speak on behalf of both. Chase will send account confirmation and debit card information by mail. The account is typically ready to use within one to three business days, and you can set up online banking immediately after you receive your confirmation.

What Chase needs from both account holders

Chase requires the same documents and information from each person opening the joint account. Each account holder must provide a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID), a valid Social Security number, a current mailing address, a phone number, and an email address. If either person has moved within the last 60 days, Chase may ask for proof of the new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

You'll also need to decide on an initial deposit. Most Chase checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some accounts have higher minimums. You can fund the account with a debit card, a transfer from another bank account, or a check. Chase will run a ChexSystems report on both people to check for banking history issues like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts due to mismanagement. If either person has a negative ChexSystems record, Chase may deny the application or require additional steps.

Understanding ChexSystems and what happens if you're denied

ChexSystems is a database that banks use to check whether someone has had problems with previous accounts. It tracks overdrafts that went unpaid, accounts closed due to fraud or misuse, and repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If Chase runs your ChexSystems report and finds issues, they may deny your application, ask you to pay outstanding balances first, or require you to use a second-chance checking account with higher fees.

If you're denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report directly from ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website. If the report contains errors, you can dispute them. Some people with ChexSystems issues open accounts at banks that don't use ChexSystems or use it less strictly, though these accounts often come with higher fees or lower limits on transactions and transfers.

Fees and account types for joint accounts

Chase offers several checking and savings account types that can be opened as joint accounts. Chase Total Checking has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Sapphire Checking charges a monthly fee but includes benefits like higher interest rates and travel protections. Chase Savings accounts have monthly fees waived if you keep a minimum balance, usually $300 to $500 depending on the account type.

Joint accounts are subject to the same fees as individual accounts: overdraft fees (typically $35 per transaction), out-of-network ATM fees ($2.50 at most non-Chase ATMs), and wire transfer fees. Both account holders are responsible for any fees or overdrafts, even if only one person caused them. Review the fee schedule before you open the account so you understand what you'll be charged.

What happens after you open the account

Once your joint account is open, both account holders can access it through Chase's website, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. You'll each receive a debit card in your own name, and you can set up online bill pay, transfers, and mobile deposits. Chase will send statements to the address on file, and both of you can view the full transaction history and account balance at any time.

Either account holder can make changes to the account — adding or removing authorized users, changing the mailing address, or updating contact information — without the other person's permission. If you want to prevent one person from making certain changes, you'll need to contact Chase directly and ask about account restrictions, though Chase's standard joint account does not include built-in controls that limit one person's access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we open a joint account if one of us has bad credit?

Chase does not check credit scores for checking or savings accounts, so bad credit won't prevent you from opening a joint account. However, Chase does use ChexSystems, which tracks banking history. If either person has unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts, or fraud on their ChexSystems record, Chase may deny the application or require you to resolve those issues first.

What if one account holder wants to close the account or withdraw all the money?

Either account holder can close a joint account or withdraw all the funds without permission from the other person. This is a risk of joint accounts — if you don't fully trust the other person, they can empty the account. If this happens, you have no legal recourse through the bank because both of you have equal rights to the money. Only open a joint account with someone you trust completely.

Do we both need to be present to open the account?

No. If you open online or by phone, one person can start the application and the other can complete it remotely using the invitation link Chase sends. If you open in person at a branch, both people should be present so Chase can verify both IDs, though you can call ahead to ask if the bank will make an exception.

How long does it take to get debit cards for a joint account?

If you open the account in a branch, you may receive temporary debit cards on the spot. Permanent cards typically arrive by mail within three to five business days. If you open online or by phone, debit cards are mailed to both account holders and usually arrive within five to seven business days. You can use the account for transfers and bill pay before the cards arrive if you set up online banking.

Can we change the account from joint to individual later?

No. You cannot convert a joint account to an individual account. If you want an individual account, you'll need to open a new one. You can close the joint account and transfer the money to individual accounts, but Chase will not change the ownership structure of an existing account.