Making My Existing Bank Account a Joint Account

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Making your existing bank account a joint account can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to understand the implications and requirements first.

You'll need to provide identification for both account holders, and some banks may require a joint account application form.

To add a joint account holder, you'll typically need to visit a bank branch in person, as this process often requires a face-to-face meeting with a bank representative.

The bank may also require a minimum balance or other conditions to be met before a joint account can be opened.

Adding a Joint Holder

Adding a joint holder to your existing bank account is a relatively straightforward process, but it's essential to consider the implications before making a decision.

First, you'll need to have the necessary information ready, including the account number and a clear photo of the joint account holder's valid ID.

To add a joint holder, scroll down to the "Add Joint Owner" link and click on it. You'll then need to provide the required information and wait for the bank to contact you if any additional details are needed.

Close-up image of a shiny pink piggy bank surrounded by US hundred dollar bills, symbolizing savings and finance.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up image of a shiny pink piggy bank surrounded by US hundred dollar bills, symbolizing savings and finance.

The processing time is typically 2-3 business days, and once the joint account holder is approved, they'll receive an email and a debit card notification from the bank.

It's also worth noting that a joint account holder cannot be removed from an account. If you want to remove someone, you'll need to close the account and open a new one in your name.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when adding a joint holder:

  • A joint account holder has equal access to the account and can help pay bills and monitor account activity.
  • Adding a joint holder means you're essentially "giving" them access to the account, so choose someone you trust.
  • Joint account holders can also be responsible for creditor issues and judgments, so be aware of the potential risks.
  • If the joint account holder is approved, they'll receive an email and a debit card notification from the bank.

In some cases, it may be better to leave your existing account alone and open a new joint account for shared expenses and goals. Alternatively, you can maintain separate accounts and link them, allowing you to easily send money to each other without being able to access or spend money from the other account.

Understanding Joint Options

A joint account is a great way to share financial responsibilities and goals with someone, but it's essential to understand the implications. Adding a joint account holder means they'll have equal access to the account.

A vibrant red piggy bank against a minimalist and contrasting studio background, ideal for finance themes.
Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant red piggy bank against a minimalist and contrasting studio background, ideal for finance themes.

You'll need to provide the account number and a clear photo of the joint account applicant's valid ID to add someone to your existing account. This information will be used to process the request.

A joint account holder can help pay bills, monitor account activity, and provide a safety net if something unexpected happens. However, they'll also have complete access to the account while you're living and after your death.

To add a joint account holder, follow these steps: scroll down to "Add Joint Owner" and click the link. You'll need to complete a new form for each person being added.

A joint account must be closed, and a new account opened with you as the sole owner, to remove a joint account holder. The only exception is in the event of the death of a joint account holder.

Here are some key things to consider when deciding whether a joint bank account is right for you:

  • If there's any debt on the account, everyone named on the account is responsible for it.
  • Other account holders can withdraw money, arrange overdrafts, and make other changes without asking.
  • Some changes need permission from all account holders.
  • Credit references often link joint accounts, which means the other holder's actions could affect your credit score.

Having a joint savings or checking account can be beneficial in several ways:

  • You and another can pool money and work together on goals, like maintaining a checking account balance or building an emergency fund.
  • Shared checking and savings accounts can make managing finances easier since you'll both have equal account access.
  • You can supervise loved ones, like a teen or aging parent, and intervene if necessary.
  • Sharing an account might make it more feasible to meet savings account requirements and avoid fees.
  • Joint accounts are insured up to $250,000 per owner, meaning up to $500,000 in coverage.

Adding Someone to Your Account

Cute pink piggy bank isolated on white background representing savings and finance concepts.
Credit: pexels.com, Cute pink piggy bank isolated on white background representing savings and finance concepts.

Adding someone to your bank account can be a great way to share financial responsibilities and goals, but it's essential to understand the implications and rules involved.

You can add a joint account holder to your existing account by following the steps outlined in the bank's instructions. Typically, you'll need to provide the account number, a clear photo of the joint account applicant's valid ID, and complete a new form for each person being added.

Before adding someone to your account, consider how it'll work and what rules you'll both live by. For example, how will you two communicate about spending and ensure neither triggers an overdraft?

To add a joint account holder, you'll need to have the following information ready: the account number, a clear photo of the joint account applicant's valid ID, and any other required documents. The bank will contact you if they need any additional information.

Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.
Credit: pexels.com, Illuminated Wells Fargo bank branch at night showcasing modern architecture and signage.

Adding a joint account holder means that both parties have equal access to the account, so it's crucial to choose someone you trust. You can find the account number by clicking the account tile and then the Details and Settings link while logged into your online banking account.

If you want to remove a joint account holder, you can't simply remove them from the account. Instead, you'll need to close the joint account and open a new account with you as the sole owner. The only exception is in the event of the death of a joint account holder, where the surviving owner may keep the account open.

Here are some common reasons to add someone to your bank account:

  • Your spouse, especially if you share many expenses
  • Your child, if you want to monitor their usage
  • An aging parent who needs help paying bills and/or who is experiencing memory problems and needs someone to monitor their spending

It's not a casual thing to share a financial account, so it may not be wise to add a friend, roommate, or new love interest.

Who to Add

Adding a joint account holder to your existing bank account can be a great way to share financial responsibilities, but it's essential to consider who you should add. Your spouse is a common choice, especially if you share many expenses.

Smiling Woman Holding a Bank Card
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling Woman Holding a Bank Card

It's also a good idea to consider adding your child if you want to monitor their usage. However, if you want to be able to set spending limits or other controls, it's probably better to get a kid-friendly bank account.

An aging parent who needs help paying bills and/or is experiencing memory problems and needs someone to monitor their spending may also benefit from being added as a joint account holder.

You may want to think twice about adding a friend, roommate, or new love interest, as it's a huge responsibility with major repercussions.

Here are some people you might consider adding to your joint account:

  • Your spouse
  • Your child
  • An aging parent who needs help paying bills and/or is experiencing memory problems

Removing a Joint Holder

Removing a joint holder can be a bit of a challenge, and it's not as simple as just going to the bank and saying you want them off. You usually can't remove someone from a joint checking or savings account without their permission, even if you're getting divorced.

A Person Holding a Bank Card
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding a Bank Card

You'll likely need to visit a branch or call the bank together and sign paperwork. Some states or banks allow just one person to close an account, so review your account agreement or contact your bank about requirements.

If the person who's being removed has passed away, the situation is different, but it still depends on your state's laws and account terms. If the account agreement has "right of survivorship", the account's funds go to the surviving owner.

Switching Banks

You can switch a joint account to TSB if you already have one with another provider. This means you don't have to start from scratch. It's easy to move it to TSB.

Carole Veum

Junior Writer

Carole Veum is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial journalism. Her work has appeared in several notable publications, covering a range of topics including banking and mergers and acquisitions. Veum's articles on the Banks of Kenya provide a comprehensive understanding of the local financial landscape, while her pieces on 2013 Mergers and Acquisitions offer insightful analysis of significant corporate transactions.

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