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How to open a joint bank account

A joint bank account is a shared bank account that allows 2 people to manage money together.

Whether you’re opening a joint bank account with a partner, family member or friend, both account holders can deposit money, pay shared bills, save towards common goals and manage everyday spending. 

This guide explains how a joint bank account works, who can apply, what documents you’ll need, how to open a joint account, and the key things to consider before applying. This includes shared responsibility and how a joint account may affect your credit history.

In this guide we will cover:

What is a joint bank account and how does it work?

What do you need to open a joint bank account?

How does opening a joint bank account affect your credit score?

What should you consider before setting up a joint bank account?

What is a joint bank account and how does it work?

A joint bank account is a bank account shared by 2 people. It can make it easier to pay shared bills, manage everyday spending and save for things together.

You can usually open a joint account with a partner, family member or friend. Before you open one, it helps to know how it works. In most cases:

  • Both account holders can pay money in and take money out
  • Both can access the account, including online banking
  • Both are responsible for any overdraft or debt on the account
  • Opening a joint account may create a financial link between you, which could affect future credit applications

Who can open a joint bank account?

With most banks, each of the joint applicants will need to:

  • Be aged 18 or over and eligible to open a UK current account
  • Meet the UK residency requirements and provide proof of identity and proof of address
  • Apply with a partner, spouse, family member or friend, provided both applicants meet the eligibility criteria
  • Complete identity checks before the account can be opened
  • Understand that both account holders are responsible for the account, including overdraft or borrowing
  • Be aware that opening a joint account may create a financial link between both applicants, which could affect future credit applications
  • Choose the right type of joint account for your needs, whether you’re managing shared bills, everyday spending or saving towards common financial goals

What do you need to open a joint bank account?

Each applicant will have to provide proof of identity and proof of address. Depending on your bank, you may need more than one proof of address document.

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

Proof of identity

  • Passport
  • Driver’s licence
  • EU identity card

Proof of address

  • Utility bill
  • Council tax bill
  • Mortgage statement or rent agreement

Proof of income

Some banks may also ask you for proof of income and your expenses. This would typically be:

  • Payslip or P60
  • Bank statement
  • Letter from your employer
  • Tax return (if you're self-employed)

How does opening a joint bank account affect your credit score?

When you apply for a joint bank account, the bank may carry out a credit check using one or more of the credit reference agencies. This helps assess your application and create a financial link between both applicants.

Which credit reference agencies may be used?

  • TransUnion
  • Equifax
  • Experian

Before you apply

What should you consider before setting up a joint bank account?

Before opening a joint bank account, consider how you’ll use the account and whether sharing financial responsibility is the right option for everyone involved.

Before you open a joint account

Benefits of a joint account Things to consider With an HSBC joint account
Manage shared household bills more easily. Both account holders are responsible for any overdraft or borrowing. Manage your account on the go with the HSBC UK mobile banking app and online banking.
Save towards common financial goals together. Opening a joint account may create a financial link between both applicants. Each account holder gets their own debit card and can access the account independently.
Both account holders can deposit, withdraw and manage money. Either account holder may be able to withdraw funds independently. Access a range of secure digital banking tools to help you manage everyday finances.
Simplify day-to-day budgeting and shared spending. Agree how you'll manage payments and spending before opening the account. Eligible customers can access additional HSBC products and services, including savings and borrowing options.
Share visibility of account activity and transactions. Consider whether a joint account is the right option for your financial circumstances. Dedicated UK-based support whenever you need help.

Before you open a joint account

Benefits of a joint account Manage shared household bills more easily. Manage shared household bills more easily.
Things to consider Both account holders are responsible for any overdraft or borrowing. Both account holders are responsible for any overdraft or borrowing.
With an HSBC joint account Manage your account on the go with the HSBC UK mobile banking app and online banking. Manage your account on the go with the HSBC UK mobile banking app and online banking.
Benefits of a joint account Save towards common financial goals together. Save towards common financial goals together.
Things to consider Opening a joint account may create a financial link between both applicants. Opening a joint account may create a financial link between both applicants.
With an HSBC joint account Each account holder gets their own debit card and can access the account independently. Each account holder gets their own debit card and can access the account independently.
Benefits of a joint account Both account holders can deposit, withdraw and manage money. Both account holders can deposit, withdraw and manage money.
Things to consider Either account holder may be able to withdraw funds independently. Either account holder may be able to withdraw funds independently.
With an HSBC joint account Access a range of secure digital banking tools to help you manage everyday finances. Access a range of secure digital banking tools to help you manage everyday finances.
Benefits of a joint account Simplify day-to-day budgeting and shared spending. Simplify day-to-day budgeting and shared spending.
Things to consider Agree how you'll manage payments and spending before opening the account. Agree how you'll manage payments and spending before opening the account.
With an HSBC joint account Eligible customers can access additional HSBC products and services, including savings and borrowing options. Eligible customers can access additional HSBC products and services, including savings and borrowing options.
Benefits of a joint account Share visibility of account activity and transactions. Share visibility of account activity and transactions.
Things to consider Consider whether a joint account is the right option for your financial circumstances. Consider whether a joint account is the right option for your financial circumstances.
With an HSBC joint account Dedicated UK-based support whenever you need help. Dedicated UK-based support whenever you need help.

Still deciding?

Use our budget planner to understand your shared finances or read our guide to saving money as a couple before opening a joint account. 

This article was last updated:19/10/2026, 04:14

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