How to Open a Joint Bank Account
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Is a joint bank account right for you? Learn why you might want a joint account, how to open one, and the associated risks before you head to the bank.
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Joint bank accounts offer mutual ownership of a single bank account.
This can make tracking expenses easy.
But is it worth the added risk?
Find out the pros and cons of a joint bank account, and how to open one, in this guide.
What is a Joint Bank Account?
A joint bank account is an account that is owned by two or more people.
Typically, both owners have equal ability to contribute money into the account, spend funds, view transaction history, and write checks.
You can use joint bank accounts for a variety of reasons. Think business partnerships, streamlining finances with a spouse, or helping a family member manage their money.
There are several different types of joint bank account (more on this later).
How to Open a Joint Bank Account
Opening a joint bank account is simple. Follow these steps and you can have a joint bank account opened and funded within a day, or even sooner.
- First, agree on how you'll use your joint account
Communication is key with joint bank accounts. Have a conversation to decide what expenses you will pay for using this account, how much money you will each contribute on a monthly basis, and what your long-term goals are. - Choose who to bank with
Pick the bank or credit union where you want to open a joint account based on these factors:- Location: While less important during the digital banking era, both parties should still have ATM access.
- Fees: Compare the full fee schedule of several institutions, being especially mindful of monthly service fees, overdraft fees, and ATM fees.
- Minimum Balance Requirements: Make sure that you can meet the minimum opening deposit and minimum monthly balance requirements of the bank or credit union you choose.
- APY: The best individual and joint bank accounts will pay you a monthly interest payment (or dividend, in the case of credit unions).
- Location: While less important during the digital banking era, both parties should still have ATM access.
- Gather the necessary documents
Opening a joint bank account is very similar to opening a regular bank account. You will need to supply documentation to the bank or credit union to verify your identity and allow the bank to check your banking history:- Your Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer's identification number
- A photo ID, such as a state-issued driver's license, state-issued ID card, or government passport
- Personal info including your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address
- Your Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer's identification number
- Apply for the joint bank account
Visit a bank branch, call, or visit the banking institution's website to apply online for your new joint bank account. - Deposit money into your account
Decide together how much money you want to deposit into your new account upon opening it. If there is a minimum opening deposit, you must deposit at least that much.You can deposit funds using cash or check at a bank branch, by transferring money electronically, or by using a mobile check deposit feature.
The Pros and Cons of a Joint Bank Account
Joint bank accounts require trust and communication between the people opening the account, whether you're marriage partners, business partners, or parent and child.
While joint bank accounts can simplify expenses, there is risk involved. Review these pros and cons before creating an account.
Pros
- Easily pay for shared expenses like your monthly mortgage, rent, utilities, etc., without the need to split the bill
- Collaborate on savings goals like a down payment for a home
- Teach children about banking responsibly while monitoring their activity
- $250,000 FDIC or NCUA insurance per account holder ($500,000 total for two account owners)
Cons
- Shared liability means if one person overdraws the account you're both on the hook to pay overdraft fees
- Your partner's spending is out of your control
- Both parties can view all account activity, so you forfeit your financial privacy when using this account
- Creditors and debt collectors can collect funds from a joint account if either party has unpaid debts
Types of Joint Bank Accounts
Let's take a look at the different types of joint bank accounts to make sure you open the right one for your situation.
Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship Account
This is the most common type of joint bank account and is especially popular with couples.
Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship accounts provide equal ownership and access rights to both parties and 100% of the balance passes to the surviving owner if the other passes away.
Debt collectors can access funds, regardless of which owner owes the debt or who deposited funds into the account.
These accounts are not subject to probate.
Probate is the collection of a deceased person's assets for redistribution according to their will and testament.
If an account is subject to probate, the funds in the account are not guaranteed to the surviving co-owner in the event that one owner dies. If an account is not subject to probate, the surviving co-owner is automatically granted legal ownership of the funds.
Tenants by the Entirety Account
This type of account is only available to married couples, domestic partners, and partners of civil union.
With a Tenants by the Entirety account, both owners must sign off on every transaction and debt collectors can only access funds in the account with the permission of both owners.
This type of account is not subject to probate.
Convenience Account
Convenience accounts are commonly used to manage the money of a dependent relative and are used to pay for their bills and day-to-day expenses. Upon the death of the owner, funds are allocated according to the owner's will.
This type of account is subject to probate.
Joint Tenants in Common Account
Common with business partners (but open to anyone), the ownership and access rights for a Joint Tenants in Common account can be divided equally, or not, depending on the owners' preferences.
Debt collectors can access the funds, regardless of who owes the debt, and these accounts are subject to probate.
Joint Payable-on-Death Account
These accounts allow two equal owners to agree upon a beneficiary. Upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner acquires 100% of the account. After the passing of both owners, the balance is transferred to the previously agreed upon beneficiary.
These accounts are subject to probate and debt collectors can access the funds.
How to Use a Joint Bank Account
Joint bank accounts are best used to pay for shared expenses. These include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, streaming services, groceries, dining, etc.
It is recommended that you maintain a personal bank account for splurge spending, to pay for surprises such as gifts for the other person, and as a financial fallback plan in the event that your relationship with the other owner ends poorly or they prove to be financially unreliable.
FAQs about Joint Bank Accounts
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Joint bank accounts simplify finances but they are unfamiliar territory to many people. Here are some of the most common questions people want to know about joint bank accounts.
Should married couples have joint bank accounts?
According to a 2019 survey conducted by TD Bank, a significant majority (57%) of married couples share at least one bank account. [1]
But ultimately, this decision is completely up to you and your partner.
A joint bank account can simplify your shared finances and make managing your money easier. However, there are risks associated with joint accounts as well, such as privacy loss and joint responsibility for debt.
Who owns the money in a joint bank account?
In most cases, both individuals retain ownership of the account and can deposit and withdraw money. However, keep in mind that ownership, responsibility, and access rights can vary by account type and by the bank.
How do you close a joint bank account?
If you are closing an account due to an impending divorce, it is highly recommended that you wait for legal advice before closing any joint accounts to avoid possible penalties. [2]
If you wish to close your account, simply follow these steps:
- Cancel all your automated payments
- Switch your direct deposit
- Ensure all pending payments have cleared
- Withdraw and divide your resources and transfer them into your personal accounts
- Contact your bank to request the closure of your account
Can one person close a joint bank account?
The process for closing your account depends on the account type and your banking institution.
Check with your bank or credit union to determine if both parties need to sign off on the account closure or if only one owner is required.
The Best Joint Bank Account Options 2021
Does a joint bank account seem right for you? Compare the top accounts currently available below.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and Standard Savings - Up to $700 Bonus
Earn up to $500 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s) totaling $3,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $100, $5,000 to $9,999.99 to earn $300 or $10,000 or more to earn $500
Earn up to $200 with a new Standard Savings account.
- Make new money deposit(s) totaling $15,000 or more by July 17, 2024
- Maintain that balance until October 31, 2024
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $250 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking account and get a $250 cash bonus when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 5/31/2024.
- To qualify, open a Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more into that new account within 90 days of opening.
- Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
- Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
- Open your account online now
- Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
- Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
BMO Smart Money Checking - $250 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Money Checking account and get a $250 cash bonus when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.
The Bottom Line
Joint bank accounts can be a great way to symbolize a financial union with your spouse, teach your children about money management, or help an aging relative meet their financial obligations.
Be mindful of the risks and do your homework to select the right type of account and banking institution for your particular needs.
References
- ^ "How to Manage Joint Accounts After Marriage": TD Stories, 2019.
- ^ "How to close a joint bank account": Bankrate, 2021.
Write to Justin Barnard at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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