How to open a joint bank account

A joint bank account can provide you and your partner, family member or friend, somewhere to deposit and store joint funds. You’ll also be able to withdraw money and make payments if needed.

Opening a joint account can give you access to online banking and secure banking apps which can help you and the other account holder/s manage your joint money more easily. All account holders will have a bank card and be able to view any transactions made.

To be eligible, most banks will require each of the joint applicants to be 18 years or over and both currently live in the United Kingdom (UK) or in the European Union (EU).

Non-UK nationals from outside the EU may need to provide a visa or residential permit.

If you decide to open a joint account with other people, you’ll need to provide proof of identification and proof of address. Depending on your bank, you may need to provide more than one proof of address document.

There are a number of different documents you can use which are accepted, some common types include:

• Passport
• Driver’s licence
• EU Identity Card
• Utility bill
  
• Council tax bill
• Mortgage statement or rent agreement 
  

Some banks may also require you to provide proof of income and/or your expenses. Accepted documents include:

• Payslip or P60
• Bank statement 
• Letter from your employer

The bank you’re applying for a joint account with may check your credit score, using information from three credit reference agencies: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.

You may want to check your credit scores and the information these credit agencies hold to make sure it is accurate and up to date. There may be a small fee for doing this.

It’s important to be aware that the credit record of the person you're applying with will impact your own score.¹

Before merging your money there are some things you need to consider to make sure you’re fully aware of the pros and cons associated with it.

¹https://www.moneysupermarket.com/current-accounts/joint-bank-accounts/