Pros & Cons of Opening a Joint Bank Account Online

Opening a Joint Bank Account can be stressful for many reasons. Luckily, it’s become increasingly common to open and manage a joint account online! Just like with most things, there are pros and cons to opening a joint account online vs. opening one in person.

Finding a financial institution to bank with

PRO: Finding a financial solution online can be much easier than a traditional brick and morter institution. You’re able to compare between options, sift through reviews, and preview accounts much quicker. Moreover, by allowing you to open an account online, it typically means that you’ll be able to manage this account online too - which can be a huge win if you have a preference for tech-driven experiences.

CON: You may have to do your own research! When applying for a Joint Bank account in person, you have the option to sit back and listen to a representative explain the features of your new account and answer any questions you or your partner may have. This option can be great for anyone that struggles with researching things on their own.

Onboarding process

PRO: When opening a joint bank account online, you and your partner are able to apply from anywhere and are not required to be in the same place at the same time (like you will be to open one in person.) This eliminates the friction that can come with coordinating schedules during the week to take time to visit a local branch. Online joint account banking options can also help partners who may be long distance from each other or traveling often.

CON: You may to answer your own questions. Some online onboarding experiences can be a little confusing if you havent tried it before! Some people find it easier to ask questions in person rather than sift through information themselves. If you’re opening a Zeta Joint Account, we try to combat this by offering support online if you run into questions about the onboarding process!

Ordering & receiving debit cards

PRO: If you’re opening a joint bank account online, you may have the option to customize the type of card you want! Some financial institutions offer a variety of card colors or shades. You and your partner are also able to order your cards separately if you have trouble coordinating your schedules. You can also order debit cards for your new joint bank account over the weekend for some online banking onboarding where as in person you would most likely need to do that during weekday business hours.

CON: You will probably have to wait for standard shipping when ordering cards online. When applying in person, some financial institutions have the option to print your cards immediately so you and your partner can walk out with them in hand! This option is not available everywhere but can be a con when applying online for sure.

At the end of the day there’s no wrong answer to whether opening a joint account online or in person is better or worse! It all comes down to you and your partner’s preferences. Finding the right solution for your banking experience can be hard, but Zeta is here to help! If you have questions about opening a Zeta Joint Bank Account, you can email us anytime at support@askzeta.com