5 must-read tips before opening a joint bank account
Consider taking your relationship to the next level? Financial compatibility plays a big part in relationships, so when it comes to opening a bank account with your partner it’s important you're on the same page.
But what exactly are joint bank accounts? Simply put, they are accounts that two people can deposit into and withdraw money from. These can be used to manage short term shared expenses such as household bills, or to save for long-term goals like buying a car or house.
While joint accounts can be very practical, there are risks involved that should be considered before you dive in. So make sure you read through our list of tips to know before opening a joint account.
1. Do your research
The first thing you'll need to do is compare and research the types of joint bank accounts on offer and consider the benefits each type. There are two kinds of joint savings accounts, each with a different way of accessing your money.
Both to sign: To make a transaction through this account, both parties must sign. This option may offer you more peace of mind, however, if one person is away the other won’t be able to withdraw emergency funds. This is a popular choice for people going into business together or flatmates paying rent.
Either to sign: This account allows either person to withdraw funds at any time without the permission of the other person. It's a flexible option and is good for people who can share their funds freely, like a long-term couple with kids might choose to.
2. Know your partner’s financial values
When it comes to deciding whether to open up a joint account, you should both be on the same page. Know where you get your money from, how each of you value money, and what your spending history is like.
According to Mozo’s report on Australia’s biggest financial relationship dealbreakers, four in five people said excessive spending on gambling, smoking and alcohol would be a relationship-ender. So goes to show why having a conversation beforehand could be vital.
Likewise, if one of you is more money savvy than the other, you’ll need to draw up a strategy and set some boundaries to avoid financial arguments.
3. Set up a realistic budget and savings goals
It is important to identify your shared goals and spending habits, and then together work out a budget so you can achieve them. Opening a joint account could be a great idea if you have similar savings goals and can agree on what expenses should be shared.
Setting up a budget is a good place to start, as is working out how much you’ll both contribute to a shared savings goal. For example, you might split it evenly or go 60/40 depending on income.
4. Understand the risks that come with join bank accounts
Having a joint bank account can be a great way to manage shared expenses, but there can be risks. There's a potential loss of privacy as everyone who has their name on the account can see the transaction history of all people using it.
As a type of safeguard, everyone should have their own individual bank account as well as a joint bank account. The money in your personal account can be used for discretionary or non-essential spending, not affecting the funds used to pay household bills.
Having this stash saved up can also act as an emergency fund. This means you can leave an unfulfilling relationship with enough to cover basic living costs like rent, bills and groceries while you get back on your feet.
5. Compare accounts
Once you’ve considered these tips, you’ll be ready to open a joint bank account. But there's one more step to consider first, and that’s grabbing a great rate to maximise your savings success.
But just how much could a different rate affect your balance? Let's take a shared savings account as an example.
Our example couple, Ben and Will, want to deposit $10,000 in a joint account, with combined monthly contributions of $500. According to Mozo’s savings goal calculator, if they were to put their deposit in an account with an interest rate of 1.00%, after five years they would have a balance of $39,034. If they had an account getting 2.15%, they would end up with $41,011 after the same period.
Just looking to open joint account for everyday shared spending? Head to Mozo's bank account comparison page, or check out some of the options below.
Compare bank accounts - last updated February 27, 2021
Glide Account
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, Garmin0% p.a.Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees or ATM fees.
CompareCompareGlide Account
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees or ATM fees.
- ATM networks
- MyState
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free internet transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Glide Account
Everyday Global Account
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID0% p.a.No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app.$100 Bonus for new HSBC customers and earn 2% cashback on tap and pay under $100 (T&Cs apply)
CompareCompareEveryday Global Account
No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app.$100 Bonus for new HSBC customers and earn 2% cashback on tap and pay under $100 (T&Cs apply)
- ATM networks
- HSBC
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $9,000: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from HSBC ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, Bank@Post, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Global Account
Everyday Options
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID0.01% p.a.An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget and save better. Create up to 9 sub accounts.
CompareCompareEveryday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget and save better. Create up to 9 sub accounts.
- ATM networks
- Suncorp, RediATM
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Options
& Transaction Account
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay0% p.a.An everyday transaction account where you can enjoy fee-free transactions and a range of convenient payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Open your account online and instantly access your card details securely to transact online or add to your Digital Wallet to make purchases instore.
CompareCompare& Transaction Account
An everyday transaction account where you can enjoy fee-free transactions and a range of convenient payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Open your account online and instantly access your card details securely to transact online or add to your Digital Wallet to make purchases instore.
- ATM networks
- None
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from EFTPOS, network ATMs, counter withdrawals, phone, internet, BPAY and visa transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the & Transaction Account
Classic Banking Account
with Standard Visa Debit Card
account fee
Payment Options
interest rate
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay0.01% p.a.No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
CompareCompareClassic Banking Account
No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
- ATM networks
- NAB
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit or
EFTPOS
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.01% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone, internet and Visa debit purchases
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Classic Banking Account