Joint Current Account applications

Joint bank accounts, including joint current accounts, are designed to help people manage their money together. This makes paying for joint bills much easier and can save you the task of transferring money between accounts.

Below is everything you need to know about applying for one of our current accounts.

In this article

What is a joint bank account?

A joint account is a type of bank account where more than one person is responsible for the account and its management. There are generally no restrictions in regards to the relationship between the two people opening a joint bank account, meaning you may share a bank account with a friend, a partner or a spouse for example.

Everyone named on the account has equal access to the joint bank account, but also equal responsibility. This can make it easier to manage shared bills such as rent, mortgage repayments or utility bills, but may also give you less control of the money leaving the account. Keep in mind that both of you may need to meet the provider’s eligibility criteria to be able to open the account. Both of you may also need to pass credit checks.

Joint accounts are not suitable if you need long-term access to help manage someone else’s money. For example, if you need to help an elderly relative look after their finances. You don’t have to open a joint bank account to help someone with their finances. If a bank account needs to be cared for by a person other than the account holder, registering a Power of Attorney or Court of Protection may be an option. All account holders will need to have full mental capacity to enter into the joint account.

What are the benefits of a joint bank account?

If you live with another person, a joint bank account can be used to cover shared expenses, making life a little more straightforward.

When it comes to managing a joint account, it is important that you find a way that works for both you and the other account holder, as a joint account can be managed in a number of ways. Many people opt to deposit a percentage of their monthly income into their joint account for their shared bills, and keep the rest for their personal spending.

Remember, with a joint bank account, you will both have full visibility of how much each person is paying in and what is coming out.

Are joint bank accounts a good idea?

If you’re looking for an account that offers a straightforward way of sharing money and managing expenses, a joint bank account may be right for you.

You will both have the ability to manage the account, deposit money, set up payments and withdraw cash. With this in mind, it is important to think carefully before entering into a joint account with someone.

Things to look out for

There are a few important things to consider before opening a joint bank account. Joining your financial records together may negatively affect your options for opening new accounts and getting credit in the future. This is because if one of you has a poor credit score it may have a negative impact on the other.

Opening a joint bank account often involves consent, allowing both of you to instruct on the account. This means that either of you may be able to apply for additional services and facilities, such as an overdraft, without obtaining additional consent from the other person.

It is important for you both to monitor the account closely as you might not always know of the other account holder’s spending. This could result in missed payments or the account going overdrawn. If this happens, both account holders will be equally liable for the whole debt, and it can affect both parties’ credit score.

A joint bank account can also affect the privacy of your spending habits, as bank statements for that account may be visible to both account holders.

Apply for our Joint Current Account

To apply, you both need to be:

  • Aged 18 or over.
  • A UK resident.
  • As the main joint applicant, you also need to earn a gross annual income of at least £6,000.

  • Approval is subject to status. This means we'll complete credit checks and an assessment of your financial circumstances.

Terms explained

Gross Annual Income (GAI) is the amount you make each year, before tax.

Credit check is where we check your credit history, which includes carrying out searches through a Credit Reference Agency.

What you need to apply

  • How much you earn, including income, pension etc.
  • Any previous addresses from the last 3 years.
  • The name and address of your employer.
  • Your current bank details.

How long applications will take

If you have all your information to hand, the application will take you about 10 minutes.

We'll be in touch to let you know whether or not your application has been successful.

How the credit check works

A credit check looks at the information held on your credit file by the Credit Reference Agencies. This is used to decide whether to provide products and services to you, including the level of any lending.

What to do if you haven't heard anything

If you have any questions about your application, please call us on

+44(0)3457 212 212

(Call charges)

What to do if you've been refused

Customers that are not approved will have a note placed on their credit record that an application has been submitted and declined.

Being refused a current account can have a negative effect on your credit rating. If this happens, you should avoid applying for the same account again. All applications, positive and negative, will show up on your credit file.