Joint bank account: how it works and is it worth it
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A joint bank account is an account that two people have access to. It suits handling shared costs, such as rent and groceries, but it comes with questions of responsibility that are worth sorting out first.
The responsibilities and access rights on a joint account are set by the bank's terms, so read them before opening the account.
How do I open a joint bank account?
You usually open it in the bank's online service or at a branch, and both account holders must identify themselves. Check beforehand what the bank requires and what the account costs.
| Bank | Package | Price / month |
|---|---|---|
| S-Bank | Everyday services for an owner-customer | €0.00 (member price; others pay €15.00) |
| Revolut | Standard | €0.00 |
| N26 | Standard | €0.00 |
| bunq | bunq Free | €0.00 |
| Wise | Wise account | €0.00 |
| OP | Everyday services package, owner-customer (OP Debit, OP Classic or OP Basic) | €3.95 (member price; others pay €8.25) |
| Nordea | Blue package | €4.99 |
| Danske Bank | Danske Silver, benefit level 1 | €7.80 |
| Säästöpankki | Everyday services (example: Säästöpankki Optia) | €10.00 |
| Oma Säästöpankki | Everyday services priced separately | €10.50 |
| POP Bank | Everyday services (example: POP Bank Suomen Osuuspankki) | €10.70 |
| Aktia | Everyday services priced separately | €11.00 |
| Ålandsbanken | Everyday services priced separately | €11.00 |
The member price at S-Bank requires a refundable membership contribution (€100). Other customers pay €15.00.
The member price at OP requires a refundable membership contribution (€100). Other customers pay €8.25.
What does the price of a joint account depend on?
The price depends on whether each person needs their own card and online banking, and whether the account is part of a package. Compare the banks' cheapest packages and ask the bank for the exact pricing of a joint account.
Is a joint account always the best solution?
No. For many people separate accounts and an agreed split of costs work better, or a shared expenses account where each person transfers an agreed amount every month.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I open a bank account together with someone else?
Many banks offer a joint account where both account holders have access rights. Check the bank's terms and prices.
Are both account holders responsible for the account's debts?
The responsibilities are defined in the joint account terms. Read them before you open the account.
What alternatives are there to a joint account?
Alternatives are separate accounts with an agreement on sharing costs, an authorisation to use another person's account, or a family account at a digital bank.