Joint bank accounts | Opening a joint account | Barclays (2024)

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Joint bank accounts | Opening a joint account | Barclays (1)

Opening a joint account

A joint bank account is no different to a sole current account except that either account holder controls it and can sign cheques, pay in cash and make payments.

No fees to open or use your account.

What is a joint bank account?

A joint bank account is a current account you share with another person. For many people, the account is shared with their spouse or partner. Some people open a joint account to share bills, like people sharing a house. You can usually manage a joint account with an app, online, by phone or at a branch

How does a joint account work?

  • Both people can have their income paid into the account. Both can make debit card or contactless payments and pay their bills with regular Direct Debits and standing orders
  • You can also choose to have separate bank accounts for your personal spending and a joint one for household bills, such as your rent or mortgage, utility bills and the weekly shop
  • You'll both need to go through a credit check to open a bank account. It’s a good idea to be open and honest about your finances from the start to avoid having your application rejected

Is a joint account right for you?

  • It's a good idea to agree how much you’ll both be paying in each month. You should also set some ground rules for what you’ll be using the account for
  • If you have money left over at the end of the month, discuss how you’ll spend or save it
  • It’s important to make sure you trust the other person before applying. This is especially true with flatmates you’ve not known for long. If you go overdrawn, your bank will hold all account holders liable for paying off the debt
  • Decide what would happen to the account if you were to split as a couple or go your separate ways as friends. It might not be an easy conversation but it could save a lot of arguments later, especially if one of you contributes more than the other.

How to close your joint bank account

  • Before you contact us, agree how you’re going to manage any regular payments from the account. You’ll need to cancel any Direct Debits or standing orders, or move them to another account
  • You’ll also need to agree how you’ll pay off any overdraft
  • If there’s a dispute between you and the other person, cancel the joint account mandate straight away so neither of you can use the account until you’ve reached a settlement
  • You can open most of our current accounts as a joint account either online or in branch, but if you're applying in branch, you’ll each need to bring 2 forms of ID with you.

    Full list of acceptable identification

    Look at our current accounts online and choose one that's right for you. You’ll also both need to be UK residents with regular incomes or salaries that you can pay into the account. Neither you or the person with whom you're opening the account needs to be an existing Barclays customer.

    If you're moving from another UK bank, it'll also help if you can provide statements from the last 6 months – we'll look to match any existing features such as overdraft limits.

  • Can both people register a joint account with the Barclays app?

    Yes, both joint account holders can register their account on the Barclays app on different phones, as long as the other account holder is happy for them to do so.

    Will both account holders be able to view joint account statements online and in the Barclays app?

    Providing you’re registered for Online Banking or the Barclays app, you’ll be able to view recent transactions for the joint account. Both account holders will be able to view joint account bank statements at any time.

    Can I join Barclays Blue Rewards with my joint account?

    Only one person can choose a joint account to join Barclays Blue Rewards. If the other person has already chosen your account, we'll let you know and tell you when you try to select it.

    You can join Barclays Blue Rewards if you have another current account that's suitable and meets the eligibility criteria.

    Can joint bank accounts have overdrafts?

    You can apply for an arranged overdraft on a joint account. If you do, we’ll make a decision based on your financial circ*mstances and borrowing history. Please remember that both account holders are liable for money borrowed as an arranged overdraft.

    Do I have to be married to apply for a joint account?

    No – you can apply with any other person , provided they’re over 18 and living full-time in the UK. You’ll both need to meet the eligibility criteria for the account.

    Can we each have our own debit card?

    Yes – both account holders will receive their own debit card.

    Can I have my own separate bank account as well as a joint bank account?

    Yes, providing you meet the eligibility criteria for each account.

Important information

Joint bank accounts | Opening a joint account | Barclays (2024)

FAQs

Joint bank accounts | Opening a joint account | Barclays? ›

It only takes a few minutes online, but you'll need to have your addresses for the past 3 years and income and employment details for both people applying to hand. If you're applying in branch, check the proof of identity documents we'll need for each person applying to open the account.

What are the requirements to open a joint bank account? ›

To open a joint account, you'll need:

Personal information for both account owners, including your date of birth, Social Security number and current address. Funding your account at opening will allow you to begin enjoying the benefits immediately.

Can my girlfriend and I open a joint bank account? ›

One of the most common ways for couples to combine finances is by opening a joint bank account where both parties can deposit and withdraw funds. You can open a joint bank account regardless of your marital status. Although keeping joint accounts works well for some couples, it can be risky for others.

What do banks check when opening a joint account? ›

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.

Can you open a joint bank account without both parties present? ›

One person cannot open a joint checking account without the other person present, if the account is opened at a branch. If you open the account online, one person alone can do this. However, they will need to provide personal information, such as social security number and ID, for both account owners.

What are the rules of a joint account? ›

Following are the Joint Bank Account Rules in India per the account mode. Joint: All transactions in the account must be approved and signed by all the account holders. If any one of the account holders dies, the account will be deemed inoperable, and the bank will pass on the balance in the account to the survivor.

What are the disadvantages of opening a joint bank account? ›

Drawbacks:
  • Shared Responsibility: Joint accounts require a high level of trust and financial responsibility. ...
  • Ownership and Liability: Both account holders are equally liable for any overdrafts, debts, or liabilities associated with the account. ...
  • Privacy Concerns: Joint accounts lack privacy.
Sep 27, 2023

Why are banks not allowing me to open a joint account with a friend? ›

You can open a joint account with a friend. Both of you have to fulfill the KYC requirements of the bank. Most banks can open joint accounts for unrelated individuals. Savings account doesnt allow too many transactions and offers higher interest rate than current accounts which allow more transactions.

Who pays taxes on a joint account? ›

If you have a joint account, you both may have to pay taxes on a portion of the interest income. However, the bank will only send one 1099-INT tax form. You can ask the bank who will receive the form because that person has to list the income on their tax return.

Which bank is best for joint accounts? ›

  • Featured Partner.
  • Our top joint bank accounts.
  • First Direct 1st Account.
  • Starling Bank.
  • Barclays Premier.
  • Nationwide FlexDirect.
  • HSBC Advance Account.
  • Halifax Rewards Account.

Why are joint bank accounts bad? ›

Lack of privacy: While keeping secrets is never a great idea in relationships, you and your partner may want some degree of privacy in how you spend your money, which you won't get from having joint accounts. It could also be harder to pull off gifts for each other if your partner can see every purchase you make.

Can I open a joint account with bad credit? ›

There are a few important things to consider before opening a joint bank account. Joining your financial records together may negatively affect your options for opening new accounts and getting credit in the future. This is because if one of you has a poor credit score it may have a negative impact on the other.

Can you still withdraw money from a joint account if one person dies? ›

Joint bank accounts

If one dies, all the money will go to the surviving partner without the need for probate or letters of administration. The bank may need the see the death certificate in order to transfer the money to the other joint owner.

What are the two types of joint accounts? ›

In the United States, there are typically two types of joint accounts: survivorship accounts and convenience accounts.

What do you need to start a joint bank account? ›

Most banks will require some form of government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or a passport, from all parties opening the account. And some may require a utility bill or other proof of address. You'll also need each person's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information.

Who is the primary account holder on a joint account? ›

Primary account holders are legally responsible for the account. Primary account holders can name others as "authorized users" on the account, but they remain responsible for it. Joint account holders share responsibility for that account and both are considered primary account holders.

What documents required for joint bank account? ›

What documents are required to open a joint bank account? Each account holder must provide valid identity proof and address proof documents, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or driver's license. Additionally, passport-size photographs of all account holders may be required.

Which bank is best to open a joint account? ›

In India, several banks offer Joint Account options. For instance, Axis Bank offers Joint Savings Accounts that you can open with your spouse or other family members. The Axis Bank Family Bank also allows family members to open individual accounts for each of the family members and link them together as a family.

Can I open a joint account without my husband? ›

You don't have to be married to open a joint bank account. Regardless of your relationship (married, cohabitating, siblings, parent-child), you'll need to follow the same process.

Does a joint bank account need two signatures? ›

Bank accounts held jointly between two parties may be titled with an "and" or an "or" between the account holders' names. If the account is listed as an "and" account, then both/all parties must sign to access the funds. If it is an "or" account, only one party must sign.

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