How to Open a Joint Account at Embark

A Joint Account is designed for couples or family members who want to share ownership of a single account.  It operates in similar fashion to a single account, only there are two account holders that have ownership and control over a joint account.

What you Should Know about Individual and Joint Taxable Accounts

Both individual and joint accounts are taxable investing accounts that can be used for any investment goal (other than IRAs/retirement accounts).  The key difference in the two types of taxable accounts is ownership – there is only one owner on an individual account, while ownership is shared with another person on a joint account.  Things to know about joint accounts include:

• Rights to survivorship. If one joint account holder passes away, the other will automatically gain ownership of the entire account.
• Ease of access. Both account holders have full access to the newly created account, including the ability to transfer funds, choose portfolio strategies, and change allocations.

• Eligible account types. Any joint account can be created provided it’s not a 401(k) or IRA.

A joint account is legally owned by both parties associated with the account. The IRS requires only the primary account holder’s social security number be listed on tax statements.

How to Establish a Joint Account

To add a joint account, both users will first need to have an individual account established. Start by going to www.Embark-Invest.com, click on the “Open an Account” tab and follow the prompts. Once both users have an account, opening a joint account can be accomplished by having one of the account holders log in.  Begin by selecting “Open new account”, then choose the kind of account you want to open (ex. Investing). When you are asked what type of account you want, select “Joint account”.

The person setting up the account then enters the other person’s email address and social security number, selects the account goal type: Retirement (for retirement dollars you are saving outside or in addition to your traditional or Roth IRA), Major Purchase, Education, Safety Net or General Investing.  This helps determine the investment recommendation and can always be updated by the account holders on the Advice Tab. The system will then prompt the account holder to input the target amount.  This can also be changed at any time on the Advice page.  

After the above process is complete, the platform will make a recommended portfolio allocation which can be adjusted or accepted.  The client then approves the goal, then authenticates the request text (for account security purposes). The other joint account holder will be sent an email to complete setup. 

Funding a Joint Account

To fund the joint account, you will need to link to an existing or a new bank account. For instructions on how to add a bank account follow this link: How to Add or Change your Bank Account .

Have questions?

If you have any questions about holdings in your account or one of our models, or perhaps have another question about our services, you can contact us directly at 920.785.6012 or email us at clientservices@embark-invest.com.  Betterment maintains a support line you can also call for help with navigation, linking your accounts or other site functionality. You can call the Betterment for Advisers support line at 800.400.1571.

Last updated June 4, 2025

Disclosures: Content contained herein is presented for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies, nor shall it be construed to be the provision of individualized investment, tax, or legal advice.

Embark is a digital investment service advised by ETF Model Solutions, LLC.  Investments recommended by Embark involve risk and will fluctuate in value.  Unless otherwise stated, investments are not insured or guaranteed. May lose money. Embark utilizes the platform and technology services of Betterment LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.  Betterment provides the wrap fee program that assists us in providing our services to you. Custody and trading services for the program are provided by Betterment Securities, an SEC registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC.

Embark’s services are specific to the investment goals that you identify.  We do not provide comprehensive financial or tax planning. Our Advisory services rely upon an algorithm designed and maintained by Betterment to assist us in determining our portfolio recommendations.   Unless you directly consult with Embark Advisory personnel, the algorithm is the sole basis of the advice. You should not rely solely on the Betterment advice algorithm’s recommendation to make your investment decisions. Embark strongly advises all Clients to speak directly with an Embark IAR prior to making any investment decisions.

All tools and content on the Betterment, LLC website, are designed, created, and maintained by Betterment. Certain functionality, tax-coordinated portfolios and links to investment philosophy, research, educational materials, and FAQs apply solely to betterment’s 2-dimensional portfolios and may not apply to Embark’s 3-dimensional investment recommendations.

Existing Embark clients are reminded to login and update personal information whenever their goals or personal financial circumstances change.  Clients should also confirm that their current goal allocation is aligned with the recommended target allocation provided for each goal. Clients with questions regarding their account, personal financial circumstances, goals, or an investment allocation with respect to our service should contact us via email or telephone.

Prospective clients contemplating opening an account with Embark are advised to read Embark’s Form ADV Brochure, Part 2A for important disclosures about our services, business practices, the costs, and risks of investing, and other important considerations prior to opening their account.  You can access the most recent version of our Form ADV via a link on our website.

ETF Model Solutions, LLC. is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC.  Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.  If you have any questions about our professional services, please call us at 920.785.6012 or email clientservices@Embark-Invest.com