I have a joint checking account with my spouse. I would like to remove my spouse from the account. Can I do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

I have a joint checking account with my spouse. I would like to remove my spouse from the account. Can I do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

In Most States, Banks Do Not Let You Remove a Spouse Without Their Consent. The vast majority of banks do not allow account holders to remove a spouse from a joint checking account without their consent, though there are some exceptions, depending on your state and the nature of the account.

Fill out a form to request the removal of someone from the account. Talk to a bank employee and let them know you want to take someone off your joint account. Complete and sign the form they give you. You'll just have to fill out basic info like the account number and the account holders' names and addresses.

Take care of your joint accounts

In some cases, your bank will need to speak to both you and your partner before they can remove someone from an account. If the other person is refusing to give authorisation, you could freeze the account.

If the funds in your joint bank account are considered separate property and owned exclusively by your spouse, they may legally be able to drain the account. Similarly, even if the account is community property, a spouse may be able to withdraw money for reasonable living expenses, legal fees, and children's expenses.

Generally, yes. Either account holder can close the account.

You'll need to appear with the appropriate individual at a branch of your bank. You'll both require two forms of legal identification. Finally, you'll both need to sign a piece of paper that makes the move official. The entire process should take a matter of minutes.

Transfers between Joint and Individual Accounts

You can transfer money from the individual account to the joint account. You cannot transfer money from the joint account to the individual account.

Can I do that? Generally, no. In most cases, either state law or the terms of the account provide that you usually cannot remove a person from a joint checking account without that person's consent, though some banks may offer accounts where they explicitly allow this type of removal.

To separate the joint account holder's name you need to delete the name of the second account holder. Here is the step-by-step guide on joint bank account separation. After visiting the bank, the authorities will provide you with a form to delete the name of the other bank account holder.

The money in joint accounts belongs to both owners. Either person can withdraw or spend the money at will — even if they weren't the one to deposit the funds. The bank makes no distinction between money deposited by one person or the other, making a joint account useful for handling shared expenses.

Can I be removed from a joint bank account without my permission? ›

The vast majority of banks do not allow account holders to remove a spouse from a joint checking account without their consent, though there are some exceptions, depending on your state and the nature of the account.

Many married couples have joint bank accounts. Each spouse has the right to make deposits into the account, and, each spouse has the right to withdraw from the account any amount up to the total balance. It's common for married spouses to have joint accounts for practical and romantic reasons.

What should I do if my ex-partner takes money from our joint account or runs up debt on our joint credit card without my permission? If your ex-partner takes money from your joint account or runs up debt on your joint credit card without your permission, you may be able to sue them in court.

You May Need Consent to Close the Account

While some banks have policies that allow one of the account owners to close the account individually, it's sometimes the case that you'll need signatures from both owners to close a joint account.

To remove someone, you'll need their consent. You'll both need: A selfie (front and side profile) Photo ID (e.g. passport, driving licence or EU ID card)

When a married couple opens a joint account together, they both have equal access to funds without each other's consent. Regular bank accounts, on the other hand, are owned by one person who has complete control over the account. Only the account holder can authorize transactions to and from that account.

Many banks and especially online vs. traditional banks let you close your joint account after you log into your account online. The steps to do so may vary: Some may require you to submit a form via an automated process, or you may have to contact customer service through secure messaging.

In Most States, Banks Do Not Let You Remove a Spouse Without Their Consent. The vast majority of banks do not allow account holders to remove a spouse from a joint checking account without their consent, though there are some exceptions, depending on your state and the nature of the account.

A joint account might damage your credit score

Opening a joint account adds a financial link to the other person. This means companies will look at both of your credit histories as part of any credit checks. If they have a poor credit history, this might lower your chances of acceptance.