Open and manage joint current accounts (2024)

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How to open a Nationwide current account jointly, add someone to your current account or remove someone from your current account.

What happens when you have a joint bank account?

When you have a joint current account with Nationwide, it means:

  • any money in your account belongs to both of you
  • you can both spend and take money out using separate cards
  • if there is an overdraft on the account, the new account holder will be jointly responsible for it, even if it’s already in use
  • if we need to ask you to repay your overdraft, we can ask either or both of you
  • if either of you die, the other person takes full control of the account and any money
  • if you have different addresses, we’ll send paperwork to the first named account holder, unless you ask us to send it to both of you
  • if the relationship breaks down, either of you can ask to freeze the account. This means neither of you can withdraw any money until you both agree to stop the freeze
  • you’ll both be members of Nationwide, but only the first named account holder will have the right to vote on Nationwide matters.

How to set up a joint bank account

If you're applying for a new account with us, you can set it up as a joint account during your application.

Changing your sole current account to a joint account

To change your sole current account to a joint account by adding another person to your account, you’ll need to give us a call. Make sure both the existing and new account holders are on the call together. This can be either in person or on a conference call.

Call us

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
Closed Sundays and bank holidays

03457 30 20 10

What bank accounts can be joint accounts?

For your new joint current account, you can choose from the following types of Nationwide current account:

  • FlexPlus, our current account with worldwide family travel and mobile phone insurance, plus UK and European breakdown cover. Pay just £13 a month for maintaining the account. Conditions apply
  • FlexDirect,our online current account with access to in-credit interest and an interest-free arranged overdraft for the first 12 months. Conditions apply
  • FlexAccount, our everyday current account where you can bank your way with no monthly fee
  • FlexBasic, our basic current account for people who don't hold another UK current account or don't qualify for our other current accounts.

You can apply for any of these current accounts as joint accounts online. You may also be able to apply over the phone or in branch.

Needing help managing your money

Another option you might want to consider is arranging third party access. Third party access is the term we use to talk about the options you have to get help managing your money where you’re supported by someone you trust. This includes getting a Third Party Mandate, power of attorney or Court of Protection Order.

Or, if you're not sure what's best for you, you can contact your local branch to discuss your options.

How do you remove someone from a joint account?

To remove someone from a joint account, download our Removal of Account Holder form. Each account holder must complete and sign the form.

All forms must be returned to your local branch by the account holder who is remaining on the account.

You can also collect a form by visiting your local branch.

If you have any questions about removing an account holder, or if contacting the other account holder causes concerns, visit us in branch or call us on 03457 30 20 10.

How do you close a joint bank account?

You can close your Nationwide current account, including joint accounts, online using the Internet Bank, by visiting us in branch or by post.

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Open and manage joint current accounts (2024)

FAQs

Open and manage joint current accounts? ›

Joint bank accounts.

As with anything in a relationship, communication is especially important when it comes to joint accounts for couples. Make sure to stay on the same page as your partner about what is being funded from the joint account and when, that way there are no misunderstandings.

How do couples manage joint bank accounts? ›

Joint bank accounts.

As with anything in a relationship, communication is especially important when it comes to joint accounts for couples. Make sure to stay on the same page as your partner about what is being funded from the joint account and when, that way there are no misunderstandings.

How to open a joint current account? ›

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. Look at our current accounts online and choose one that's right for you.

What do you need to open a joint current account? ›

You can share a joint account with one other person. Both account holders need to come to a post office with proof of identity to open the account. You'll share the same account number (IBAN) but will have your own unique current account card, user ID, online PIN and 16-digit card number.

What's the best bank to open a joint account? ›

Compare the Best Joint Checking Accounts
CompanyMinimum DepositATM Access
Capital One Best for Parents & TeensNoneNationwide
Axos Bank Best for Frequent ATM UsersNoneNationwide
Wells Fargo Best for Branch Banking$25Nationwide
Presidential Bank Best for High Interest$100+Nationwide
3 more rows
Apr 21, 2024

Are joint bank accounts the secret to a happy marriage? ›

However, research from MarketWatch Guide shows that joint banking could lead to fewer arguments and increased relationship satisfaction. According to the study, 55% of couples who use solely joint bank accounts claim they never fight about money, compared to only 39% of partners who have personal accounts.

Can a spouse take all money out of a joint 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 are the disadvantages of a joint 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.

Who pays tax on joint accounts? ›

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.

Who owns a joint account when one person dies? ›

Joint bank account holders generally have the right of survivorship, which grants the surviving account holder ownership of the entire account balance. The surviving account holder retains ownership regardless of which owner contributed the money, and the account doesn't go through the probate process.

Do you need both parties to open a joint account? ›

Key Takeaways

Couples, parents with teenagers, and adult children with aging parents can benefit from the conveniences of a joint checking account. Opening a joint account is similar to opening a personal account and will require information from both partners.

How to manage a joint account? ›

Each account owner can get a debit card, write checks and make purchases. Both account holders can also add funds or withdraw them from the account. 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.

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.

Which bank is best for a joint account in Canada? ›

Best Joint Savings Accounts In Canada For April 2024
  • Best Joint Savings Accounts In Canada For 2024.
  • EQ Bank - Joint Savings Plus Account.
  • Oaken Financial Oaken Savings Account.
  • Peoples Bank of Canada - e-Savings Account.
  • Laurentian Bank - High Interest Savings Account.
  • Alterna Bank - High Interest eSavings.
Apr 1, 2024

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

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. First, both account holders can spend from joint accounts without limit, regardless of how much each has contributed.

Is it worth opening a joint account? ›

Joint bank accounts offer more ways to manage day-to-day finances. Joint bank accounts will usually let you set up direct debits and standing orders, come with debits cards that you are both able to use, but won't pay much – if anything – on any cash balances sitting in your account.

Is a joint bank account a good idea for a couple? ›

Previous studies have shown a link between holding a joint bank account and having a higher quality relationship. Perhaps couples with a shared account might prompt each other to consider how their purchase will affect their partners or might facilitate transparency around finances.

What are the rules for joint bank accounts? ›

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.

Are couples with joint bank accounts happier? ›

Key Findings. Respondents who used only joint bank accounts were also the most likely (60.3%) to say that they were “very satisfied” with their relationships. 55% of couples who use only joint bank accounts say they never fight about money, while only 39% of partners who have personal accounts can say the same thing.

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.

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