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Best Joint Bank Accounts for Married and UnMarried Couples

Compare the best joint checking and savings accounts for people with shared finances, married or not.

You don’t need to be married (or even dating) to open a joint bank account. A joint checking or savings account can make financial management easier with your spouse, unmarried life partner, roommate, business partner and even your kids. We’ve researched and analyzed over 400 joint accounts, and here are eight of the best.

8 best joint bank accounts

Best overall

SoFi Checking and Savings

4.5
★★★★★

Finder score

Get up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer is available until December 31, 2024.
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on SoFi's secure site
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APYUp to 4.20%
Fee$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open$0
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus when they set up Direct Deposit of at least $1,000 during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period. Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 12/31/24. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi members with Direct Deposit can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.20% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Direct Deposit will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances(including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/31/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Our account fee policy is subject to change at any time.

SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $2M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/terms
See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/receivingbanks


We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.

Best for kids

Finder Award Greenlight

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

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Fee$5.99 per month
ATM withdrawal$0

Best joint business account

Relay

4.8
★★★★★

Finder score

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APYUp to 3.00%
Fee$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open$0
Relay is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services and FDIC insurance are provided through Thread Bank and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC.The Relay Visa® Debit Card is issued by Thread Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted.

Best for couples

Zeta

4.3
★★★★★

Finder score

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APY2.45%
Fee$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open$0

Best for joint savings

Ivella

4.6
★★★★★

Finder score

APYUp to 5.15%
FeeFrom $0

Best for joint checking

Ally Bank Spending Account

4.3
★★★★★

Finder score

APYUp to 0.25%
Fee$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open$0

Best joint credit card

Discover it® Secured

4.4
★★★★★

Finder score

Welcome OfferOther
RewardsUp to 2% cash back
Annual fee$0
Minimum credit score300

Best for roommates

Quontic Cash Rewards Checking

Fee$0 per month
Minimum deposit to open$100

Methodology

Finder’s banking experts research over 400 bank accounts to find the best joint account options. We compare checking, saving, business and kids’ bank accounts to find the best in the current market and update our best picks regularly. We also favor accounts with no monthly fees, no opening deposit requirements, and accounts with joint-specific features such as in-app chats, shared savings goals and budgeting.

How do joint bank accounts work?

Joint bank accounts work just like regular bank accounts — the main difference is that two or more people share the account. For joint checking, each owner gets their own debit card and can access the funds. Both owners are responsible for fees incurred, like overdraft charges, so you should only open a joint bank account with someone you trust.

Although they typically allow up to two account holders, some providers allow three or more people. Most joint accounts give owners equal access, but some banks allow you to add restrictions, such as requiring dual signatures for withdrawals or closures — a particularly common restriction with joint business bank accounts.

How to open a joint bank account

The application process for a joint bank account is nearly the same as opening an account on your own. However, some banks don’t allow you to open a joint account unless you already have an account with them. Some traditional banks might require you to visit a branch to verify the person you’re adding to the account.

To apply for a joint bank account, you and the other intended owner(s) need to show proof of identity and address, provide other contact information and meet deposit requirements, if applicable. Some banks review your bank account history through ChexSystems when you apply.

Are joint accounts a good idea?

Joint bank accounts are a great way for spouses and life partners to manage expenses and get on the same page financially.

Both owners can see transactions, pay bills, keep track of spending and their budget. Joint accounts can also be great for roommates, business partners and family members who share expenses, or caregivers who manage someone else’s finances.

Whoever you choose to get a joint account with, trust is key — co-owners will likely have equal access to the funds unless set up otherwise.

Joint accounts for kids

Joint accounts are also a great idea for parents, as they can open a joint bank account with their kids to monitor their spending and teach them how to manage their money. Parents can also open a shared savings account to set their child up for later.

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Expert tip: How FDIC insurance works with joint accounts

Each co-owner of a joint account is insured up to $250,000 for the combined amount of their funds in all joint accounts at the same institution, according to the FDIC. Simply put, this means you and each joint owner are individually insured up to $250,000. Insurance covers the depositor (you), not the account. If you and one co-owner pool over $500,000 in one bank, consider spreading out funds for full deposit insurance coverage.

— Bethany Hickey, Editor, Banking.

Bottom line

Joint bank accounts are great for couples and can also help anyone looking to share or manage expenses with multiple people. Regardless of where you open your joint checking or savings account, be sure you and the co-owner trust each other.

Alexa Serrano Cruz's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Alexa Serrano Cruz as part of our fact-checking process.
Bethany Hickey's headshot
Written by

Editor, Banking

Bethany Hickey is the banking editor and personal finance expert at Finder, specializing in banking, lending, insurance, and crypto. Bethany’s expertise in personal finance has garnered recognition from esteemed media outlets, such as Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GOBankingRates, SuperMoney, AOL and Newsweek. Her articles offer practical financial strategies to Americans, empowering them to make decisions that meet their financial goals. Her past work includes articles on generational spending and saving habits, lending, budgeting and managing debt. Before joining Finder, she was a content manager where she wrote hundreds of articles and news pieces on auto financing and credit repair for CarsDirect, Auto Credit Express and The Car Connection, among others. Bethany holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan-Flint, and was poetry editor for the university’s Qua Literary and Fine Arts Magazine. See full bio

Bethany's expertise
Bethany has written 435 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Personal finance
  • Banking
  • Auto loans
  • Insurance
  • Cryptocurrency and NFTs

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32 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    khensaniOctober 13, 2018

    Which South African bank can one open a joint account?

      Default Gravatar
      joelmarceloOctober 13, 2018

      Hi Khensani,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      Unfortunately, the banks featured on our website only caters to residents from the US, Australia, UK, Canada and New Zealand. We have no comparison of banks in South Africa yet. You will have to check with your local banks in SA on which banks can help you open a joint account. Sorry about that.

      Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    SirenOctober 6, 2018

    How a non operative joint account of two person can be made operative in absence of one live member away from place of bank

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaOctober 8, 2018Finder

      Hi Siren,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      You would need to abide by the terms and conditions that you agreed upon with the bank. If it really needs two persons to make the joint account work, then you need to follow the requirements of account. However, in some instances, when there’s really a valid reason for one member to be absent, some terms and conditions place a clause where another person can act in behalf of the absent person.

      You may check about this clause with your bank or other options available for you. Get in touch with them and ask about your situation. They should be able to give you a personalized advice.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    FelisterSeptember 21, 2018

    I have one of my friend but not my boyfriend..I want to open an joint account together with him..so I can do that??

      AvatarFinder
      CharisseSeptember 21, 2018Finder

      Hi Felister,

      Thanks for reaching out to finder.

      Though joint accounts are generally used by family members, couples and business partners, you can definitely open one with a friend or with any person you choose to. What’s important is you know and trust that person as there is a certain amount of risk involved in having equal authority in terms of using the money in your account.

      Before you decide to open a joint account with any person, weigh the pros and cons of this action or seek expert advise so you can be guided accordingly.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Charisse

    Default Gravatar
    surajSeptember 18, 2018

    I disabled person from both legs I am not able to walk and I want to change my SBI Joint saving bank account partner. Please. help me advice me

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaSeptember 24, 2018Finder

      Hi Suraj,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)

      If you need to change your SBI joint saving bank account, you would need to directly get in touch with them. The easiest way to do this is to visit an SBI account near you. However, if you are not able to do this, you can simply go online. Visit the State Bank of India homepage.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    AnnJuly 27, 2018

    My partner disconnected our joint account without knowing ,can I we open another joint account immediately and will it still show history of the last like 4 years we had

      Default Gravatar
      nikkiangcoAugust 6, 2018

      Hi Ann,

      Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.

      Yes, you can definitely open a new joint account immediately, however, your credit history will be different and separate from the other joint account you’ve had for the last 4 years. You may ask your bank about this as well as rules on joint accounts varies from bank to bank.

      Hope this helps!

      Regards,
      Nikki

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