Joint bank accounts
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
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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 circumstances 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.
Can I switch my old account to Barclays?
If you're moving your account from another UK bank, it'll also help if you can provide statements from the past 6 months – we'll look to match any existing features such as overdraft limits.
Find more information on the current account switching service
