There are many reasons for having a joint bank account. Whether you’re living with your partner or in a shared house, having a joint account can enable you to pool together your funds for things like rent or household bills.
There are many different banking options out there, and it’s important to have a solid understanding of them before you open an account.
Knowing what type of features are most important to you in an account will help you when you're comparing your options.
Take a look at these best joint bank account options in the UK to help find the right one for you.
| Provider | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Starling Bank | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 2. Zempler Bank | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 3. Revolut | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 4. Santander | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 5. HSBC | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 6. First Direct | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 7. Lloyds Bank | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 8. Barclays | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 9. Royal Bank of Scotland | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
| 10. NatWest | ★★★★★ | Learn more |
What is a joint bank account and is it better for couples?
A joint bank account is an account shared by at least two people and can be a convenient way for you to manage your finances. Each account holder will have their own debit card linked to the account and can access the funds as needed.
However, each account holder will also share responsibility for the account so if you have an overdraft, you'll both be responsible for repaying the debt. That means if one account holder spends too much and borrows on the overdraft, the other account holder might be asked to repay it.
How you use and manage the account is really up to all of the joint owners. These accounts function just like any other bank account.
Not everyone needs a joint bank account, but there are certainly instances in which they can be convenient or helpful.
However, once you open an account with someone else, you will be financially linked which means lenders will look at both of your credit histories if you apply for credit. If your partner has poor credit, this could affect your own chances of acceptance.
It's common for couples to have a joint bank account and it can make it a lot easier to pay for things when you're in a couple. However, if you split up, you will both remain jointly liable for the account – including anything you owe the bank such as money in an overdraft.
Also Read: How to Open a Joint Bank Account
Who should consider opening a joint bank account?
There are many reasons why a joint bank account can be a great financial tool. You may consider opening one in the following scenarios:
- With a partner
- A family member
- Your housemate
- A close friend
What are the benefits, rewards and main features of a joint bank account?
A joint bank account allows two people to be named on one bank account. They both have access to the account, have their own debit or credit cards, and are also jointly liable for it – including any money owed. Joint current accounts are common, as are joint credit cards and savings accounts.
It's important to consider this carefully when opening a joint account. Do you trust the person you're opening the account with?
In some cases, you might be able to have a ‘two-to-sign' setup, where both of you will need to be present in a branch if you want to access the funds in the account or make payments. But this usually means you won't have a debit card or be able to access the account online, and it's not a common practice.
The following features are usually included in most joint bank accounts:
- Two people will own it: they will both be named on the account and be jointly liable for it
- Deposits and withdrawals: both parties can put money in and take it out
- Debit cards: there will be two cards to use, each with the individual member's name on
- Protection: if you've chosen a UK bank you'll be protected under the FSCS
- Jointly responsible: both people are responsible for the account, and its overdraft
What rewards or perks are included?
Consider whether earning rewards and cashback on your spending is important to you both, or whether you'd prefer a basic everyday bank account with limited features and no monthly fees.
If you'd like to earn rewards, consider what type of reward would be most useful. Some banks offer cashback on spending at certain stores, while others offer reward points or Avios.
Others also offer travel insurance and mobile phone insurance as part of the package. Applying for a joint account offering these features can be beneficial, as you'll only have to pay one monthly fee but you could both benefit from the perks available.
What features do you need in a joint account?
Remember that every bank is different, and what they offer to their customers will be different too.
Most banks have mobile banking and digital banking solutions to make things easier. At the same time, not all of these platforms are the same, and some are more user-friendly than others.
Take a look at the features, and maybe even do some research to see if they are going to be what you want or need when you open an account.
Don't forget about account fees
Account fees vary depending on the account. Some accounts charge monthly or annual fees, while others don't. But there might also be fees for spending on your card abroad, or for going over your overdraft limit. Make sure you check the small print carefully to help you decide which account is best for you.
There are times when the fees might provide substantial benefits that appeal to you. There are also times when meeting certain rules or balance requirements could get the fee waived, and that’s important to know too.
The pros and cons of a joint account
Here are some of the pros and cons of opening a joint account:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Easier to manage bills through one account. | ❌️ The account links both people together which can be difficult if the relationship breaks down. |
| ✔️ Often access to higher interest rates and rewards. | ❌️ It can negatively affect one person's credit score. |
| ✔️ One fee for a packaged account but both people can access the benefits. | ❌️ Both people are jointly liable – even if one takes out all of the money in the account. |
| ✔️ It can help to improve one member's credit score – if the account is used responsibly. |
10 Best Joint Bank Accounts in the UK
1. Starling Bank Joint Account
Starling Bank brings you the best of modernization and technology for your joint account. Its Bills Manager feature will automatically set aside money and pay your household bills from a separate savings space, making it easier to budget.
What's more, there is no monthly fee to pay and you'll also earn interest on your balance of up to £5,000.
However, the bank is app-based so you'll need to be happy banking without a branch. The app includes payment notifications and tools to help you budget.
You'll also be able to set aside money for joint savings goals, such as a deposit for a house. And its round-ups feature will automatically save the change from every transaction you make. You can also spend on your card fee-free abroad.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Top notch customer service | ❌️ Cash withdrawals are limited each day |
| ✔️ Budgeting and spending tools in the app | ❌️ Interest charged on overdraft |
| ✔️ Savings spaces to help you meet savings goals and pay bills | |
| ✔️ Fee-free spending abroad |
2. Zempler Bank Joint Account
Zempler is a straightforward bank account with a prepaid contactless Mastercard – you can add an additional cardholder so they can also access account funds.
One of the big benefits of this account is there are no credit checks, so it could be ideal if you have no credit history or a poor credit score.
The account can be managed via the app and you'll get real-time balance information and statements. You can also set up direct debits and deposit cash into any Post Office branch.
If you choose to add the credit builder feature to the account (Activeplus), Zempler lends you the equivalent of 12 months in account fees that you then repay in 12 monthly payments. Zempler reports your payments to the credit reference agencies and as long as you meet these payments each month, your credit score should start to improve.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Could help you to improve your credit score | ❌️ There is a 0.3% charge applied to all cash deposits made to any account |
| ✔️ When a direct debit payment is due, payment alerts will notify both account holders | |
| ✔️ You could choose to add a US dollar and euros currency card to your account for free | |
| ✔️ FSCS protection |
3. Revolut Joint Account
Revolut is still in the process of obtaining a UK banking licence, which means it's currently an electronic money institution and doesn't offer FSCS protection.
However, it offers a range of competitive features and you don't even need to be living with the other account holder to open an account together.
You can choose from five different plan options, including a free plan. The paid-for accounts offer a greater range of features, including travel insurance and airport lounge access.
Revolut is also a handy account if you need to carry out transactions overseas, as you can send and receive money in multiple currencies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ When you create a joint account, you are both considered account holders and have equal rights to the funds in the account | ❌️ To access the best features, you'll need to pay a monthly fee |
| ✔️ Easy to open the account in-app | ❌️ Fee-free ATM withdrawals are limited per month |
| ✔️ Can send and receive money in multiple currencies | |
| ✔️ Range of plans to choose from |
4. Santander Joint Account
Santander is one of our top choices. It offers a number of different joint account options, depending on what you're looking for.
If you want a simple and straightforward account, the Everyday current account could be ideal. There's no monthly fee and you'll get a contactless debit card each.
Alternatively, the Santander Edge and Edge Up accounts pay cashback on selected household bills, at supermarkets and on travel costs. The Edge Up account also pays interest on balances. But you'll need to pay a fee for both of these accounts.
Santander has an arranged overdraft option but interest rates are high.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Range of accounts to choose from | ❌️ Some of the perks are only available if you pay a monthly fee |
| ✔️ Easy to apply | |
| ✔️ Extra features available, such as cashback | |
| ✔️ Arranged overdraft options |
5. HSBC Joint Account
Next up is HSBC’s Advance Account. This account offers an arranged overdraft and you will also be able to access a competitive regular saver account.
If you open an account, you can also apply for a Global Money account that lets you convert, hold or send money in 50 currencies across 200 countries and regions worldwide.
This account has no monthly fees and you can also get discounts on shopping, travel and other experiences through its Home&Away offers programme.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Simple account | ❌️ The APR for arranged overdrafts is 38.9% |
| ✔️ Arranged overdraft available | |
| ✔️ No monthly fees | |
| ✔️ Rewards programme |
6. First Direct Joint Account
First Direct is renowned for its excellent customer service and offers telephone and internet banking options.
First Direct is part of HSBC and its 1st Account is easy to open and often comes with a welcome bonus. It also offers a £250 interest-free overdraft which could be ideal if you dip into the red from time to time. What's more, if you use your debit card for spending or cash withdrawals overseas, no fees apply.
There's no monthly fee for the account and you'll also get access to a regular saver account paying 7.00% AER. The app also offers a range of budgeting tools, ideal for joint account holders.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ No account fees to worry about | ❌️ No cashback or reward features |
| ✔️ Interest-free overdraft of £250 | |
| ✔️ No fees for spending abroad | |
| ✔️ Excellent customer service |
7. Lloyds Bank Joint Account
Lloyds Bank has a number of accounts to choose from and these can be opened on a joint basis. If you want to open an account with more than two people, you'll need to go into your local branch. Otherwise, you can apply online.
Its Classic Everyday account is a free account that meets your basic banking needs and you can also earn cashback when you spend. Alternatively, you can pay a monthly fee and choose one of its reward accounts that offers a range of benefits.
Depending on the account, these perks can include travel insurance, breakdown cover and mobile phone insurance, as well as cinema tickets, 12 months of Disney+ and interest on your balance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Earn up to 15% cashback | ❌️ There is a monthly fee on some accounts |
| ✔️ You could earn interest on your balance | |
| ✔️ If you pay a fee, you'll get access to a range of benefits | |
| ✔️ Multiple account options to choose from |
8. Barclays Joint Account
Barclays is another great option to consider for joint bank accounts. You can choose from the straightforward Barclays Bank Account that meets your everyday banking needs. Or, if you meet certain criteria, you can open a Premier account.
The Premier account has a lot of great benefits, including being able to collect Avios and get exclusive rates on savings and mortgages. But you must have a gross annual income of at least £75,000 paid into the account or a total balance of at least £100,000 in savings with Barclays.
The bank's mobile app offers a great range of features too, such as spending insights and security controls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Different account options | ❌️ Premier account has stringent eligibility requirements |
| ✔️ Option to earn rewards | |
| ✔️ Mobile app with a range of features |
9. Royal Bank of Scotland Joint Account
With Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), you can choose from its Select, Reward, Premier Select or Premier Reward accounts if you want to open a joint account. You will need to open the account in a sole name and then request to add someone else to make it joint.
The Select account is a straightforward account for your everyday banking needs and has no monthly fee.
The Reward account, on the other hand, charges a monthly fee but lets you earn rewards as you spend.
The Premier Reward account is a step up from this and offers even more rewards, but you'll need to pay in a joint income of £120,000 a year, or have £500,000 mortgage borrowing with the bank or £100,000 in savings. The Premier Select account has the same eligibility criteria, but no monthly fee. It offers fee-free foreign spending and an interest-free overdraft of £500.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Range of accounts to choose from | ❌️ Some accounts have strict eligibility criteria |
| ✔️ Benefit from perks and rewards | ❌️ Some accounts have a monthly fee |
| ✔️ Bank online or in branch |
10. NatWest Joint Account
NatWest and RBS are part of the NatWest Group, so you'll find the same range of joint accounts with NatWest as you'll get at RBS.
One thing to be aware of here is that a joint account at NatWest cannot have more than two people.
Every account user gets a contactless debit card, plus the ability to access the account through the mobile app and online. Again, to open a joint account, you'll need to open it in a sole name and then add the second person to the account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Simple and reliable banking | ❌️ Monthly fees apply to some accounts |
| ✔️ Range of accounts to choose from | ❌️ No more than two account owners |
| ✔️ Some accounts offer perks and rewards |
Compare Features of the Best Joint Bank Accounts
Account Name | Max Account Holders | Monthly Cost | Interest Rate | FSCS Protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Starling Bank Joint Account | 2 (Starling personal account customers) | Free | 3.25% AER / 3.19% Gross (variable) interest on balances up to £5,000 | Yes |
2. Zempler Bank Joint Account | 4 (each additional card costs £5.95) | No monthly account fees for each card – just one low annual fee on the primary account | N/A | Yes |
3. Revolut Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the plan | No |
4. Santander Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
5. HSBC Joint Account | 2 | Free | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
6. First Direct Joint Account | 2 | Free | Access to 7.00% AER/gross Regular Saver Account | Yes |
7. Lloyds Bank Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
8. Barclays Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
9. Royal Bank of Scotland Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
10. NatWest Joint Account | 2 | From £0 | Depends on the type of account | Yes |
How to compare joint bank accounts?
There are lots of joint bank accounts to choose from, and it can be a challenge to find the right one for you. Using a comparison website is one way to quickly see the features on a range of different accounts. When you find an account you think is right for you, remember to keep an eye on the small print, including any fees that are applied.
You may also want to consider the following questions before you make your final choice:
- How well do you trust the person you want to open an account with?
- Do you want extra features such as cashback or interest paid on your balance?
- Are you happy paying a monthly fee for an account, and if so what benefits will you get in return?
- How will you do your banking? Online, through an app, or will you need branch access?
How does a joint current account affect my credit score?
When you open a joint account, both people named on the account are liable for the account. This means if one person spends too much, or eats into the account's overdraft, both are still responsible for paying the money back.
If it gets to the point when it's not possible to repay the money, and you miss a payment and run into debt on the account, this will affect both people named on the account.
A joint account can also be beneficial when it comes to credit scores. If one person has a poor credit score, they may be able to access more competitive accounts – which they wouldn't be accepted for on their own. If the account is used responsibly, this can also boost both member's credit scores over time.
How to open and set up a joint bank account?
It's easy and quick to open up a joint bank account. The specific way you do it will depend on the bank account you've chosen but most will follow this process:
- Compare joint accounts and find the best one to suit you both
- If it's a new account you will need to apply together
- Applications can usually be made online but a bank may ask for you to come into a branch too
- Both people will need to show proof of their identity, such as a UK passport or driving licence
- A credit check will also be run on both members
- If you're both eligible, and the bank accepts you, your account will be approved and opened
- You can then set up any direct debits or standing orders from the account and you'll receive debit cards to start using
Who owns a joint bank account?
Anyone named on the account – so you and your partner if you've set it up together – will own any money that is in the account. This means one person could legally take the money out of the account if they wanted to. Similarly, both people are also responsible if the account is overdrawn.
Also Read: Best Joint Business Bank Accounts
Frequently asked questions
Finally, we'll take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions on joint bank accounts.
What happens if an account holder dies?
Usually, if an account holder dies any money within the account will pass to the surviving member. A bank may ask to see a death certificate before this happens.
Does a joint bank account have two ATM cards?
A joint bank account will have two ATM, or debit, cards provided.
Can I also have my own personal current account?
Yes, members of a joint bank account can also have their own personal current accounts in their name.
How much money is safe in a joint bank account?
If the bank is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) it will be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and up to £85,000 will be protected, per person, if a bank were to go bust.
Can I open a joint bank account online?
Some banks will allow you to open a joint account online but others may require you to visit a bank branch.
How do you close a joint bank account?
Both members of a joint bank account will usually need to give their approval for a joint bank account to be closed. However, there are some circumstances whereby a bank may agree to close an account if just one person has requested it.
