How to set up a joint checking account
It's easy to open a joint checking account. Setting up a joint checking account is very similar to opening a regular checking account. Choosing joint checking is as simple as selecting this option when filling out the application in person or online at the credit union or bank of your choice.
A joint checking account may be opened by spouses, a parent and their minor or adult child, or business partners.
To open a joint checking account, you'll need to provide on the application the names, address, contact information, and identification for all of the people who will be named on the account.
Read on to learn more about how to open a joint bank account.
Call 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn about our mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, checking and savings accounts, and other banking products. As a full-service financial institution, we look forward to helping you with all your banking needs.
Get Started on Your Checking Account Today!
What is a joint checking account?
There are several types of checking accounts available at credit unions and banks. A joint checking account is different from a traditional checking account because the account will be owned jointly and equally by more than one person.
All parties associated with a joint account are able to write checks from the account and will receive a debit card. Account holders can use the account to pay bills, receive direct deposit of funds, and utilize other typical checking account features.
How to open a joint checking account
It's easy to open a joint checking account. Some banks and credit unions may provide an option to open an account online; however, most traditional banks will require a visit to a branch office where the joint account holders will need to provide their signatures.
Opening a joint checking account requires the following:
- Proof of identification, typically a government-issued ID.
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Social Security number.
- An opening deposit to fund the new account.
- Signatures accepting the bank's policies and terms for the account.
Advantages of joint checking accounts
There are several advantages to opening a joint checking account with someone you trust to share your finances:
Convenience. Opening a joint account can be convenient for anyone who regularly shares financial responsibility with another person.
Large account balance. Financial institutions typically allow joint account holders to maintain higher balances.
Additional Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance coverage. The FDIC is an independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system. The FDIC insures deposits, and examines and supervises financial institutions for safety, soundness, and consumer protection, in addition to other responsibilities. As long as the account meets FDIC requirements, each account holder may be insured for up to $250,000 of the total account balance. This means the total account would have $500,000 coverage. The
National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) was created by Congress in 1970 to insure Members' deposits in federally insured credit unions. The NCUSIF insures individual accounts up to $250,000.
Easier to plan for large purchases. Higher allowed account balances make it easier to save for a large purchase using one convenient account into which both account holders can make deposits.
Disadvantages of joint checking accounts
Although joint checking accounts have many advantages, they have some disadvantages as well.
Potential for overdrafts. Having a joint checking account requires excellent communication between the account owners. For example, if two people both write checks from the account and there is not sufficient funds to cover the withdrawals, the account will go into overdraft. Signing up for
overdraft protection can help prevent costly overdraft fees.
Lack of privacy. Sharing a joint account means that all account owners will be aware of all deposits, withdrawals, and other transactions.
Potential conflicts if relationship ends. If the relationship between the account holders ends, there could be a disagreement over the money owed to one person or another and how to split the money when the account is closed. Avoid conflicts by creating a contractual agreement between account holders prior to opening a joint account.
Debt responsibility. All individuals named on a joint account are fully responsible for the account. If one or more account holders incurs debt or has a lien placed on their finances, creditors may have the right to collect from the account.
Joint account rights
Opening a joint account means more than simply sharing the funds, it means sharing the right to the funds, and there are laws that govern how the money in a joint checking account is distributed if one or more of the account holders dies.
- Joint tenants with rights of survivorship (JTWROS). Two or more people may be joint on the account form of co-ownership. It may involve two or more owners. If one or two of the account holders dies, ownership automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s). The deceased owner(s) share of the account balance does not transfer to the estate of the deceased.
- Tenants in common (TIC). This means that after the death of one of the owners, that person’s share of the account passes to their heirs, either as described in their will or per their state’s laws.
- Joint tenants option. If a joint tenant dies, the other joint tenant becomes the owner of the account, even if the deceased joint tenant's will states all of their money goes to one or more heir.
How do I close a joint checking account?
The process for closing a joint checking account may differ depending on the policies of the credit union or bank. First, the bank will need to verify there are no pending transactions. All account holders named on the account may be asked to sign a form consenting to the closure of the account.
Can I open a joint checking account with anyone?
Yes, you do not need to be related to someone to open a joint checking account with that individual. More than two people can open a joint account, but the maximum number of people on a joint checking account may be dictated by the policies of the credit union or bank where the account is held.
Do both parties need to be present when opening a joint checking account?
This may depend on the policy of the credit union or bank, and whether the financial institution is online only (with no brick-and-mortar branch locations) or has branch locations. Online accounts do not require that both parties be present, but most traditional banks require a visit to a branch and the signature of both parties.
Is opening a joint checking account a good idea?
If you frequently need to do banking transactions for someone else, such as deposit a check for someone else, you may want to consider a joint checking account with the other party. Because both account owners will share financial responsibility, it is important to have a trusting relationship with the person whom you will open the joint account.
Why savvy consumers choose CU SoCal
For over 60 years CU SoCal has been providing financial services, including mortgages, Home Equity Loans, HELOCs, car loans, personal loans, credit cards, and other banking products, to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County.
Please give us a call today at 866.287.6225 today to schedule a no-obligation loan consultation with a CU SoCal Member Services specialist.
Get Started on Your Checking Account Today!