{"type":"document","data":{"contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"description":"Learn how a joint account works. Understand account access, joint liability, powers of attorney, benefits and important considerations before opening one.","robotInstruction":{"noFollow":false,"noIndex":false}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Depending on the arrangements agreed for the joint account, each account holder may have access to the account and be able to carry out certain transactions. For most joint accounts opened by couples, each account holder can perform transactions independently.</p><p>A joint account is practical, but it requires trust and clear agreements.</p>"},"title":"In summary"},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What is a joint account?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>A joint account is a <strong>current account held in the name of two or more people</strong>.</p><p>Each account holder has access to the account and can independently make payments.</p><p><strong>Everyone can act, but no one is exempt from the consequences.</strong></p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Liability: who is responsible?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>This is the most important aspect to understand.</p><ul><li>Each account holder is <strong>jointly and severally liable</strong></li><li>Debts or negative balances apply to <strong>all account holders</strong></li><li>The bank does not take into account who carried out the transaction</li></ul><p>In other words, even if you did not perform a transaction yourself, you remain jointly responsible.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Access to the account: who can do what?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Each account holder can:</p><ul><li>make payments*</li><li>check the account balance</li><li>use cards linked to the account</li></ul><p>Access rights are generally equal for all account holders, unless different arrangements have been explicitly agreed through powers of attorney or account mandates.</p><p>* Subject to the powers and authorisations agreed when opening the account. Consult the <a href=\"https://assets.ing.com/m/a1a3fae4571a0503/original/BCA-LijstVanToegelatenVerrichtingenEN.pdf\">list of authorised transactions</a>.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Advantages and drawbacks of a joint account"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><strong>Advantages</strong></p><ul><li>Everything is managed through a single account</li><li>Convenient for shared household expenses</li><li>Both account holders have access</li></ul><p><strong>Points to consider</strong></p><ul><li>Full joint liability</li><li>Less individual control</li><li>Trust is essential</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Checklist: powers and agreements"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Looking for more control? Consider the following points:</p><ul><li>Who is allowed to carry out which transactions?</li><li>Have spending or transaction limits been agreed?</li><li>What happens in the event of separation or death?</li></ul><p>Where possible, put agreements in writing. This helps avoid misunderstandings later.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"When is a joint account a good choice?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>A joint account is particularly suitable if:</p><ul><li>you pay regular expenses together</li><li>transparency is important to you</li><li>you establish clear agreements from the start</li></ul><p>Not sure whether a joint account is right for you? A separate current account with specific powers of attorney may be an alternative.</p>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"<p>👉 Want to open a current account together? <a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/individuals/current-accounts-packs/compare-packs\">Compare ING current accounts</a> and choose the solution that best matches the way you manage your finances together.</p>"}}]},"hasMacro":false,"id":"3201ffd9-b377-4a98-b30a-6e264ccaa116","localeString":"en-GB","mainHeaderZone":{"backLink":{"textLink":{"text":"Current accounts and packs","url":"/en/individuals/current-accounts-packs"}},"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"headerImage":{"extension":"jpg","original":"https://assets.ing.com/asset/e5f31dcb-5b39-4ff1-b224-3f820ef37cb5/A-happy-couple-sits-on-the-couch-laughing-as-they-watch-something-on-their-laptop.jpg","publishedAt":"2025-03-04T14:06:16Z","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e5f31dcb-5b39-4ff1-b224-3f820ef37cb5/A-happy-couple-sits-on-the-couch-laughing-as-they-watch-something-on-their-laptop","type":"image","updatedAt":"2025-03-04T14:06:26Z","width":3000},"title":"How do liability and access work with a joint account?"},"date":"2026-10-12","readingTime":5},"publishDate":"2026-10-12T10:38:44.604+02:00"}}