The BBA is the voice of the banking industry for all banks who operate within the uk
You and your joint account
September 2008
Code: AE221
Download a sample copy of the leaflet in PDF format.
A joint account is an account opened in the names of two or more people. In this leaflet we assume there are just two: you and the other joint account holder. You can have a sole account as well as your joint account. A sole account is held by just one person.
This leaflet covers personal joint accounts for current accounts, savings accounts and personal loans. It does not cover joint business accounts. It does not cover joint account mortgages either, but the information in the leaflet is relevant to customers with a joint current account mortgage.
Credit card accounts are different. They usually involve a main (or principal) cardholder and secondary or additional cardholders, rather than joint account holders. Generally, only the main cardholder is responsible for repaying money owed on the credit card.
Not all banks or building societies offer all the products and services listed in this leaflet. If in doubt, you should ask your bank or building society.
Joint accounts are useful where the finances of two people are closely linked. But with the added convenience come extra responsibilities. Some of these are important and may not be obvious. This leaflet explains some of the things to look out for.