When you buy something using?links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content?is reviewed &?supervised by?The?Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.

Best Joint Checking Accounts of November 2024

  • Joint checking accounts make it easier to manage shared expenses.
  • Joint account holders may find it easier to meet minimum balance and deposit requirements together, potentially earning more account rewards or higher interest.
  • Trust is critical in managing a joint checking account, as all account owners have equal control over the funds.
  • You can open a joint checking account with anyone—you don’t have to be related to them.
  • Our top picks for joint checking accounts come from Axos Bank, Quontic, Chime, SoFi and Upgrade.

Our top picks for the best checking accounts

What is a joint checking account?

A joint checking account is an account owned by two or more people. All the owners of the account have equal rights to the funds in it and the same level of control and access.

How does a joint checking account work?

With a joint checking account, all owners can make deposits and withdrawals, write checks against the account, use debit cards to make purchases and sign up for online account access or mobile banking. Good management of an adult account requires the owners to communicate with each other, track expenses and deposits together and trust each other. No owner can remove another from the account without the other person’s written consent.

Are joint checking accounts safe?

Whether you set up an online joint checking account or an account with a local branch, make sure you choose a bank that’s FDIC-insured. This insures your account for losses of up to $250,000 per person if the bank experiences a financial disaster.

You should also only open a joint checking account with someone you trust. Since the other person has equal control over the funds in the account, your balance is only safe if you can trust them to manage it well.

Pros and cons of a joint checking account

Pros
  • It can be more convenient to manage expenses when you have a single shared account
  • You can work together to establish higher deposit and balance amounts for better rewards
  • You get more FDIC insurance for each person on the account
  • Joint accounts can offer more transparency about money matters, which may be beneficial for relationships
Cons
  • Lack of communication can lead to issues with account management
  • Funds in accounts are at risk if any account holder is dealing with creditors
  • You may have less privacy about money matters as someone else has access to all your spending and deposit details

Who should get a joint checking account?

A free joint checking account may be a good option if you’re:

How to choose the best joint checking account

Finding the best joint checking account for you involves the same considerations that are relevant when shopping for the best checking account for an individual.

You may want to consider:

1

Fees:

Look for options that don’t include a monthly maintenance fee, and read the fine print on all other fees to ensure your account won’t cost a lot to manage. Determine whether fees depend on deposit or balance thresholds and whether you and other account holders can meet those costs together.

See More See Less
2

APY:

Some checking accounts are interest bearing. Find out how much you might be able to earn on the balance in your joint account.

See More See Less
3

Branch and ATM availability:

Consider whether you want in-person service at a local branch or can manage your funds fine via a mobile app. You should also look into network ATMs and whether you’ll pay bank fees each time you make a withdrawal at such machines.

See More See Less
4

Customer service:

Review the customer service options to ensure you’re comfortable getting assistance via methods offered by the bank. If you’re going with an online-only bank, look for ones that provide chat, email and phone support.

See More See Less
5

Mobile banking capabilities:

Consider what you can do with the bank’s mobile app. At minimum, you’ll likely want each person to be able to view balances and account transactions, make mobile deposits and initiate transfers.

See More See Less

How to open a joint checking account

Once you determine the best bank for joint checking accounts for your needs, it’s typically easy to open an account.

If you opt for a bank with local branches, you and the other intended account holder(s) can go into the bank and ask to open an account. Some banks offer the option of opening this type of account online.

In both cases, you’ll need a government-issued ID and Social Security or Tax ID number for all intended account holders. You’ll also need to provide information about each person, including their full name, residential address and date of birth.

Finally, you’ll need a way to fund your initial deposit. You can do that using cash at a physical branch location or with an electronic funds transfer if you open a joint checking account online.

How to close a joint checking account

To close a shared checking account, you must contact your online bank, go into a branch location, or initiate account closing in your banking mobile app. The exact requirements for closing an account vary by bank. Some may allow one account holder to close the account, though most require at least a signed consent form from all account holders before the process can be completed.

Joint checking account alternatives

There are many alternatives to joint checking accounts, including:

Our top picks for the best checking accounts

FAQ: Joint checking accounts

How many joint owners can be on a checking account?

While having two account holders is most common, you can have more. The maximum number of account holders allowed may vary between banks.

Can I open a joint checking account with anyone?

Yes, you can open a joint checking account with anyone you choose. These accounts aren’t limited to married couples. However, banks may limit joint accounts with minor owners to children and their parent(s) or guardian(s).

Can I open a joint checking account with someone with bad credit?

Yes. Plus, if you have good credit, it may offset any detriment to account options that the other person’s bad credit causes. Alternatively, someone with bad credit may be interested in a second chance checking account.

How do I remove one of the owners from a joint checking account?

To remove a joint owner from a banking account, you’ll need written permission. The person can go to the bank and ask to be removed or sign a request to be removed and send it in.

What happens to a joint account after one of the holders dies?

In most cases, joint checking accounts are considered payable on death accounts with a right of survivorship. That means the funds in the account become the property?of the remaining account holder. Some banks may simply remove the deceased account holder’s name?once you present a death certificate, whereas others may require that you open a new account for the funds to be transferred into.

Is a joint checking account part of an estate?

This depends on how the account is set up and applicable state laws. However, joint accounts usually don’t go through probate. If the remaining account holder has a right of survivorship, the funds in the account belong to them upon the death of the other owner.

About the Author

Sarah Stasik
Sarah Stasik Personal Finance

Sarah Stasik is well versed in personal finance thanks to her previous role as a Revenue Cycle Manager for a Fortune 500 healthcare company. Using her inside knowledge and expertise, Sarah often covers topics ranging from insurance and the economics of private healthcare to personal finance and small business management.

With more than a dozen years of writing experience, Sarah has tackled niches that range from technical advances in fintech to personal budgeting challenges. She has covered topics such as insurance and the economics of private healthcare, small business management and accounting, and credit and savings. Her writing focuses on making complex or seemingly daunting financial topics more accessible and providing helpful and relevant resources for readers.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken
Blake Esken Los Angeles Times

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

BACK TO TOP
seductrice.net
universo-virtual.com
buytrendz.net
thisforall.net
benchpressgains.com
qthzb.com
mindhunter9.com
dwjqp1.com
secure-signup.net
ahaayy.com
tressesindia.com
puresybian.com
krpano-chs.com
cre8workshop.com
hdkino.org
peixun021.com
qz786.com
utahperformingartscenter.org
worldqrmconference.com
shangyuwh.com
eejssdfsdfdfjsd.com
playminecraftfreeonline.com
trekvietnamtour.com
your-business-articles.com
essaywritingservice10.com
hindusamaaj.com
joggingvideo.com
wandercoups.com
wormblaster.net
tongchengchuyange0004.com
internetknowing.com
breachurch.com
peachesnginburlesque.com
dataarchitectoo.com
clientfunnelformula.com
30pps.com
cherylroll.com
ks2252.com
prowp.net
webmanicura.com
sofietsshotel.com
facetorch.com
nylawyerreview.com
apapromotions.com
shareparelli.com
goeaglepointe.com
thegreenmanpubphuket.com
karotorossian.com
publicsensor.com
taiwandefence.com
epcsur.com
mfhoudan.com
southstills.com
tvtv98.com
thewellington-hotel.com
bccaipiao.com
colectoresindustrialesgs.com
shenanddcg.com
capriartfilmfestival.com
replicabreitlingsale.com
thaiamarinnewtoncorner.com
gkmcww.com
mbnkbj.com
andrewbrennandesign.com
cod54.com
luobinzhang.com
faithfirst.net
zjyc28.com
tongchengjinyeyouyue0004.com
nhuan6.com
kftz5k.com
oldgardensflowers.com
lightupthefloor.com
bahamamamas-stjohns.com
ly2818.com
905onthebay.com
fonemenu.com
notanothermovie.com
ukrainehighclassescort.com
meincmagazine.com
av-5858.com
yallerdawg.com
donkeythemovie.com
corporatehospitalitygroup.com
boboyy88.com
miteinander-lernen.com
dannayconsulting.com
officialtomsshoesoutletstore.com
forsale-amoxil-amoxicillin.net
generictadalafil-canada.net
guitarlessonseastlondon.com
lesliesrestaurants.com
mattyno9.com
nri-homeloans.com
rtgvisas-qatar.com
salbutamolventolinonline.net
sportsinjuries.info
wedsna.com
rgkntk.com
bkkmarketplace.com
zxqcwx.com
breakupprogram.com
boxcardc.com
unblockyoutubeindonesia.com
fabulousbookmark.com
beat-the.com
guatemala-sailfishing-vacations-charters.com
magie-marketing.com
kingstonliteracy.com
guitaraffinity.com
eurelookinggoodapparel.com
howtolosecheekfat.net
marioncma.org
oliviadavismusic.com
shantelcampbellrealestate.com
shopleborn13.com
topindiafree.com
v-visitors.net
djjky.com
053hh.com
originbluei.com
baucishotel.com
33kkn.com
intrinsiqresearch.com
mariaescort-kiev.com
mymaguk.com
sponsored4u.com
crimsonclass.com
bataillenavale.com
searchtile.com
ze-stribrnych-struh.com
zenithalhype.com
modalpkv.com
bouisset-lafforgue.com
useupload.com
37r.net
autoankauf-muenster.com
bantinbongda.net
bilgius.com
brabustermagazine.com
indigrow.org
miicrosofts.net
mysmiletravel.com
selinasims.com
spellcubesapp.com
usa-faction.com
hypoallergenicdogsnames.com
dailyupdatez.com
foodphotographyreviews.com
cricutcom-setup.com
chprowebdesign.com
katyrealty-kanepa.com
tasramar.com
bilgipinari.org
four-am.com
indiarepublicday.com
inquick-enbooks.com
iracmpi.com
kakaschoenen.com
lsm99flash.com
nana1255.com
ngen-niagara.com
technwzs.com
virtualonlinecasino1345.com
wallpapertop.net
casino-natali.com
iprofit-internet.com
denochemexicana.com
eventhalfkg.com
medcon-taiwan.com
life-himawari.com
myriamshomes.com
nightmarevue.com
healthandfitnesslives.com
androidnews-jp.com
allstarsru.com
bestofthebuckeyestate.com
bestofthefirststate.com
bestwireless7.com
britsmile.com
declarationintermittent.com
findhereall.com
jingyou888.com
lsm99deal.com
lsm99galaxy.com
moozatech.com
nuagh.com
patliyo.com
philomenamagikz.net
rckouba.net
saturnunipessoallda.com
tallahasseefrolics.com
thematurehardcore.net
totalenvironment-inthatquietearth.com
velislavakaymakanova.com
vermontenergetic.com
kakakpintar.com
jerusalemdispatch.com
begorgeouslady.com
1800birks4u.com
2wheelstogo.com
6strip4you.com
bigdata-world.net
emailandco.net
gacapal.com
jharpost.com
krishnaastro.com
lsm99credit.com
mascalzonicampani.com
sitemapxml.org
thecityslums.net
topagh.com
flairnetwebdesign.com
rajasthancarservices.com
bangkaeair.com
beneventocoupon.com
noternet.org
oqtive.com
smilebrightrx.com
decollage-etiquette.com
1millionbestdownloads.com
7658.info
bidbass.com
devlopworldtech.com
digitalmarketingrajkot.com
fluginfo.net
naqlafshk.com
passion-decouverte.com
playsirius.com
spacceleratorintl.com
stikyballs.com
top10way.com
yokidsyogurt.com
zszyhl.com
16firthcrescent.com
abogadolaboralistamd.com
apk2wap.com
aromacremeria.com
banparacard.com
bosmanraws.com
businessproviderblog.com
caltonosa.com
calvaryrevivalchurch.org
chastenedsoulwithabrokenheart.com
cheminotsgardcevennes.com
cooksspot.com
cqxzpt.com
deesywig.com
deltacartoonmaps.com
despixelsetdeshommes.com
duocoracaobrasileiro.com
fareshopbd.com
goodpainspills.com
hemendekor.com
kobisitecdn.com
makaigoods.com
mgs1454.com
piccadillyresidences.com
radiolaondafresca.com
rubendorf.com
searchengineimprov.com
sellmyhrvahome.com
shugahouseessentials.com
sonihullquad.com
subtractkilos.com
valeriekelmansky.com
vipasdigitalmarketing.com
voolivrerj.com
worldhealthstory.com
zeelonggroup.com
1015southrockhill.com
10x10b.com
111-online-casinos.com
191cb.com
3665arpentunitd.com
aitesonics.com
bag-shokunin.com
brightotech.com
communication-digitale-services.com
covoakland.org
dariaprimapack.com
freefortniteaccountss.com
gatebizglobal.com
global1entertainmentnews.com
greatytene.com
hiroshiwakita.com
iktodaypk.com
jahatsakong.com
meadowbrookgolfgroup.com
newsbharati.net
platinumstudiosdesign.com
slotxogamesplay.com
strikestaruk.com
techguroh.com
trucosdefortnite.com
ufabetrune.com
weddedtowhitmore.com
12940brycecanyonunitb.com
1311dietrichoaks.com
2monarchtraceunit303.com
601legendhill.com
850elaine.com
adieusolasomade.com
andora-ke.com
bestslotxogames.com
cannagomcallen.com
endlesslyhot.com
iestpjva.com
ouqprint.com
pwmaplefest.com
qtylmr.com
rb88betting.com
buscadogues.com
1007macfm.com
born-wild.com
growthinvests.com
promocode-casino.com
proyectogalgoargentina.com
wbthompson-art.com
whitemountainwheels.com
7thavehvl.com
developmethis.com
funkydogbowties.com
travelodgegrandjunction.com
gao-town.com
globalmarketsuite.com
blogshippo.com
hdbka.com
proboards67.com
outletonline-michaelkors.com
kalkis-research.com
thuthuatit.net
buckcash.com
hollistercanada.com
docterror.com
asadart.com
vmayke.org
erwincomputers.com
dirimart.org
okkii.com
loteriasdecehegin.com
mountanalog.com
healingtaobritain.com
ttxmonitor.com
nwordpress.com
11bolabonanza.com