Joint Account Guide

A joint bank account has two or more named people on the account. Each owner has the right to deposit, withdraw, and manage the account. Bank fees may be applied to joint accounts, for example if the account is overdrawn. All named parties are held liable for these fees and any debt, even if it was one person who caused the account to be overdrawn. Joint accounts can also be accessed via online banking, where transactions can be made and observed by anyone with the account information.

• If you have moved and then use the joint account, any transaction will be recorded on the account and the other person named on the account will be able to see this information. All transactions from that card, whether it’s a purchase in a shop, online or withdrawing cash, will store location information, and may alert your partner/ex-partner to where you are.  
• If the other named person on the account spends more money than is in the account, it may be pushed into an overdraft, and both parties are liable for this debt. 
• If you have your wages or benefits paid into a joint account, the other person named on the account would be able to spend this money or remove it all from the account without legal repercussion. 
• A joint account creates a ‘Financial Association’ on each named person’s credit reports – this means your credit score could be impacted by the other account holders credit score – read more in our Credit Report guide.

• We recommend that you apply for a separate bank account in your sole name as early as is safe to do so. This way you have complete control over your income and spending. 

• If you think you may have a joint account, but you do not have access to it or any of the details about the account, like online banking log in details or telephone banking passwords, contact the banking provider as soon as possible. 

If you are comfortable to do so you should disclose the situation to your bank and request details of any accounts under your name. If you are a named account holder, then you have a right to the information about that account.

• If you have a joint account and the other party is taking actions that you have not agreed, for example taking out an overdraft or spending joint assets, you can request that a joint account is frozen. This means no one party can remove funds from the account – this may stop them from creating debt, but will also limit your access to the money in the account. It may be a good idea, if you are safe to do so, to withdraw any money that is legally yours as long as it will not put the account into arrears, and then request the account is frozen.
• If a joint account balance is below zero already, it may be more challenging to get the account closed. In these circumstances we suggest that you speak to the bank and explain your circumstances to them. They may have a vulnerable customers team that you can speak to, who should have a better understanding of economic abuse.

Important note – if you freeze an account, any direct debits are stopped, you may need to contact creditors or service providers you make regular payments to, in order to set up a new method of payment whilst the joint account is frozen.

Once frozen or suspended, the bank will need all people named on the account to agree to unfreeze an account or close it.

You will need to have a conversation with your bank about closing your joint account. It will be helpful if you are able to disclose to your bank that you have been/are experiencing economic abuse, if you are comfortable to do so. Some banks will have a vulnerable customers team that you can speak to about the issues faced with the joint account.

If you’re trying to close a joint account that is already overdrawn, the overdraft repayment will be the responsibility of both account holders. This does not mean that the bank or any other body should encourage you to liaise with someone who is harming you. If you feel comfortable, you can ask the bank to follow up with the other account holder to recover payments.

Most UK banks will advertise how to contact them online and on any correspondence they send to you. Some banks have specialist teams that support their customers who have or are experiencing economic abuse. Some also have an online form that you can use to explain that you have experienced economic abuse.

Halifax – Moment of truth team: 0800 085 4475

Lloyds – Financial abuse team: 0800 066 5703 

NatWest – Vulnerable customer and financial abuse team: 0800 051 4176

Barclays – Vulnerable customers line: 0333 202 7418

HSBC – Vulnerable customer support team, contacted via main helpline: 0345 740 4404

Santander – Main customer contact number: 0800 9 123 123

Further information about banks and best practice:

The financial abuse code of practice outlines best practice for banks when supporting a victim of financial abuse. To find out more about what this involves, please see the information on the link below: 

Financial-Abuse-Code-2021_Updated_2022.pdf (ukfinance.org.uk)

Before Following a link:

If you think someone may be accessing your phone or computer, Or you’re in a space where you could be disturbed, please do not follow this link: Websites we signpost you to may not have a quick exit button, and will open in a new tab. Visit us again from a safe device or safe space at a later date. If you need immediate support please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.