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How a joint account works in Canada for 2024
Opening a joint account is best for people who are working towards similar financial goals together. Here's how to get started with a joint chequing or joint savings account.
A joint bank account is generally used by family members, couples or business partners who trust each other. This is because anyone on the joint account has access to it. A joint account can be a chequing or savings account. It can be through a traditional bank, a credit union, a fintech or an online or digital bank — as long as two or more people are on the account.
Learn more about how to open a joint account online, the pros and cons of opening a joint bank account in Canada with two people, and joint accounts for multiple people, in our guide below.
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A joint account is any type of bank account that’s held in two or more names. Everyone named on the account has equal access to the money and can use the funds however they see fit. Although in Canada these accounts can be opened by any two people regardless of relationship, they’re generally used by family members, couples or business partners who trust each other.
Two types of joint accounts in Canada
There are two main types of joint bank accounts in Canada:
This type of joint account is most commonly used by couples and close family members. If one account owner dies, the account is still open and accessible to the other account holder and 100% of the funds go to the surviving account owner. In most circumstances, funds held in a joint tenancy account do not pass through probate.
This type of joint bank account is most commonly used by the elderly or incapacitated individuals who need someone to act on their behalf or by roommates or groups of individuals that need to pool resources and access funds for shared expenses. This type of joint account does not provide survivorship rights, so the money is divvied up according to the estate plan once the account owner dies and does not pass automatically to the surviving joint account holders.
Two options for access to funds with a joint account
There are two methods of setting up a joint bank account in Canada that can impact accessibility to funds.
Requiring both account holders to sign for withdrawal is a good option if you value peace of mind over ease and accessibility. This type of joint account requires both account holders to sign for the approval of a transaction before it can be completed. This structure is popular with business accounts, or accounts held by volunteer groups.
However, the drawback to this extra layer of security is a lack of easy accessibility. For instance, if you’re away and your partner needs money urgently, a withdrawal or payment can’t be made without your signature. As such, you need to decide whether the added level of security is worth it.
For a joint account where either party can sign, anyone named on the account can perform a transaction on their own, without the knowledge or approval of the other person.
How to choose the best joint account in Canada
As with any bank account, you’ll want to find a bank that offers joint accounts with as few fees as possible. It’s preferable to find one that won’t charge you transaction fees, will give you easy access to your funds and will offer a reasonably good interest rate on the funds you have in your account.
Considering the following factors will help you narrow down your options for the best joint account in Canada for your specific needs:
Account maintenance fees. Look for an account with low or no monthly account fees. You can compare the best no-fee chequing accounts here to learn more.
Transaction limits and fees. With several people accessing the account, there may be many more transactions than with a single account. Make sure you’re not charged any unnecessary transaction fees.
ATM fees. Look for an account that offers fee-free ATM withdrawals, so you’re not hit with a fee each time one of the account holders withdraws some cash.
Easy online access. Make sure the account is easily accessible for everyone on the account, for example, with an easy-to-use mobile banking app.
Number of linked debit cards. If more than two people are requesting a linked debit card, make sure you’re not charged extra fees for the additional debit cards.
Is it best to have separate or joint savings accounts?
Joint savings accounts are a great way to reach your financial goals together. Consider a long-term account if you’re a couple trying to save up to buy a house together or for home improvements, for example. Alternatively, consider opening a joint account for a set amount of time if you want to achieve short-term financial goals, like saving for a vacation.
Compare joint bank accounts in Canada
While some accounts are specifically branded as joint bank accounts in Canada, many regular chequing and savings accounts allow you to add one or more people as additional account holders. Some banks require you to add a joint account holder at the time of application, while others will allow you to add (and remove) account holders at any point in time.
The following bank accounts allow you to add multiple account holders.
While joint accounts can be very useful, most Canadians don’t have these useful banking products at the top of their list. Based on survey results from the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q1, only 1.86% of respondents planned to open a joint bank account, between January and March 2023. This dropped to 0.72% of Canadians who plan to open a joint bank account between April to June 2023.
What banks offer joint accounts in Canada?
It’s safe to say that all Canadian banks offer joint accounts. Big banks like RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, TD and National Bank all offer joint chequing and savings accounts. You can also get joint accounts from digital banks in Canada, like Tangerine, EQ Bank and Simplii Financial.
You also typically have the option to switch your current single account to a joint account. To make that switch, you and the person you want to add to your account will have to visit your local bank branch with valid pieces of ID.
Pros of opening joint bank accounts in Canada
Save together. Good for couples that have joint financial goals and share spending and saving habits.
Fewer fees. Opening a joint bank account in Canada can help you save money instead of paying multiple monthly fees.
Full transparency. Since you’re both on the account, you can always see how and where the other is spending.
Easier to pay and schedule bills. With all the money in one place, it’s much easier for couples to manage personal finances and bills.
Easier to coordinate. If you share a lot of expenses with a number of people, it can be easier if you all have access to one bank account to manage them.
Accessible in an emergency. With more than two joint holders, the funds in the account are accessible even if some of the account holders are unavailable.
Cons of opening joint accounts
Complete access to all money. If you opt for a joint bank account where both of you can withdraw money freely, be sure to discuss large or unnecessary purchases.
Splitting up. If there’s a breakup, both of you can access the account. You may hope you can amicably split the funds, but in the case of a dispute, court can be a long and arduous process.
Complete transparency. This is a double-edged sword; while you have complete transparency, you may lose some of your financial privacy.
Less control. Other account holders can withdraw money without your consent.
Difficult to manage. With multiple individuals making deposits and withdrawals into the joint account, it can be difficult to keep track of the account balance.
Joint account promotions available now
Here is a sampling of bank promotions available now in Canada for joint accounts:
KOHO Earn Interest:Earn up to 5.00% interest with a high interest savings account. Pick a KOHO plan and opt-in to Earn Interest.
EQ Bank Joint Account:Earn a bonus interest rate of 4.00% (the Base Rate plus an additional 1.5%) for a maximum period of 12 consecutive months when you add and maintain qualifying recurring direct deposits of at least $500 per month
EQ Bank Personal Account:Earn up to 4.00% interest. Get 2.50% interest on your savings, plus 1.50% bonus interest when you direct deposit your pay.
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account:Earn $400 when you become a new client and set up a direct deposit of at least $100 for 3 months. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
BMO Performance Chequing Account:Get up to a $600 cash bonus. Earn $350 when you open a new BMO Performance Chequing Account and $200 when you open a Savings Amplifier Account. Plus, earn an additional $50 when you add a second member and make it a BMO Family Bundle. Valid until July 2, 2024. Plus, earn a 5.50% promo interest rate when you open a Performance Chequing and a Savings Amplifier Account.
RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account: Get the new Apple Watch Series 9 when you switch to RBC & open an RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account. Valid until June 3, 2024.
Who should consider joint accounts?
A joint bank account requires trust. If you’re thinking of opening a joint account in Canada – let’s say with a roommate or someone you’re dating – think about the future and if you have similar goals. But also consider the past. Figure out if this person has a history of bad financial choices.
Joint bank accounts for partners
If you’re in a long-term relationship and you trust your significant other, a joint bank account can be an excellent tool to help you manage your money effectively and achieve shared financial goals.
You won’t have to pay bank fees twice, and it can be convenient if one of you has to be away for an extended time, the other person can take care of all the financial responsibilities.
The key to a successful joint bank account is trust. It’s important that both account holders establish clear ground rules and have open lines of communication. Drawing up a budget and sticking to it might be easier when you pool your money together.
If you have even the smallest doubt about your partner, don’t give them full access to your money with a joint bank account. Instead, consider keeping your primary salary account separate, but use a joint account for a limited amount of shared funds.
Joint bank accounts for married couples
Marriage represents the merging of two lives, often combining finances to make paying bills easier and saving up for financial goals. But just because you tie the knot doesn’t mean you have to open a joint bank account.
If you and your spouse aren’t on the same page financially, you may be better off keeping your accounts separate and opening one shared account where you deposit money for bills and other routine payments.
If you decide to open a joint bank account with your spouse, make sure you and your spouse communicate frequently. Minimize any potential disagreements by discussing your saving and spending expectations beforehand.
Joint bank accounts with a child
Opening a joint bank account with your child can be a great way to monitor their account activity and help them develop basic money management skills. However, not all banks or fintech companies allow a minor to be added as a joint account holder. Read our guide to opening kids bank accounts in Canada to learn more.
Be sure to ask what the rules are around opening a joint bank account in Canada with a minor and consider opting for a money app or bank that offers parents and children this type of joint account option.
Joint bank accounts with a Power of Attorney
It can often be convenient to open a joint account with someone who is playing the role of a primary caretaker. For example, older parents may open a joint account with an adult child, or whoever is acting as Power of Attorney, to help them pay bills and manage their money as they age.
The bank will typically require both the Power of Attorney and primary account holder to be present and provide all required ID documentation when signing up for the account.
The amount of authority the bank gives the Power of Attorney will extend only as far as the original Power of Attorney agreement allows – which often means access to all general banking tasks, but could mean access to only select, limited tasks.
Setting up a joint account with your Power of Attorney can be a wise step in your estate planning and getting yourself financially prepared for whatever the future holds. Just make sure to have detailed conversations with your primary caretaker on a regular basis to ensure you’re both on the same page about who will manage which financial tasks.
How to open a joint bank account in 5 easy steps
It’s the same process to open a joint bank account in Canada as it is to open a chequing account or savings account on your own. The main difference is that both account holders must go through the process, usually at the same time.
Apply for the account online, by phone or in person at a local branch. Be sure to check the box that states you’re opening a joint account.
Verify your identity and the identity of anyone else on the account.
Fund the account by making your initial deposit.
Start using your account by setting up direct deposits, scheduling automatic savings transfers, paying bills and more.
The majority of banks in Canada will let you signup online, saving you time and the work of coordinating a face-to-face meeting with the bank. To compare online options, check out our full guide to online bank accounts in Canada.
Requirements to opening a joint account
Everyone listed on the account should have the following information on hand before you start the signup process:
Full name
Canadian residential address
Date of birth
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Government-issued photo ID
Can you open a 3-way joint bank account in Canada
Yes, you can open any eligible joint account with three or more people by following the same steps as you would to open a standard joint account. Each account holder will need to provide personal information and ID, typically from a passport, driver’s license or provincial/territorial ID card.
Some common reasons for using a 3-person joint account include:
Business situations, where partners, treasurers, bookkeepers and other employees must be able to move money in and out of the account
Youth accounts, where both parents are listed as account holders with the child to ensure that if one parent is absent, the account is still accessible
Roommates who pay for shared living expenses and rent
Family members who want shared access to an emergency fund
Friends who want to pay for an event or vacation
Complications with joint accounts
Here are a few questions you might have about common complications you could come across with a joint account.
What happens to a joint bank account when one person dies in Canada?
Most joint accounts opened between a married couple have automatic right of survivorship for the remaining spouse after the other dies. That means that the surviving spouse can continue to use the account and account funds as normal after their partner’s death, without having to transfer ownership or worry about the account funds going into probate or being frozen until the estate is settled.
If you want someone other than your spouse – like an adult child, Executer of the Will or Power of Attorney – to have unhindered access to a joint account after you die, it’s a good idea to contact the bank to set up a right of survivorship on the account for that person. That is true even if that person was a joint holder on the account before the other dies. That’s because courts in Canada don’t automatically assume right of survivorship for anyone other than a spouse after someone dies.
If you close your joint account or withdraw a large sum during a divorce, a judge could require you to return the funds. That’s why most lawyers recommend not doing anything drastic with joint accounts until the divorce is final and a plan has been made.
Joint accounts are a mess to separate after divorce. Each spouse is typically entitled to 50% of the account balance, but this doesn’t always work out. If one person has bank statements proving they entered the marriage with more money, they could leave with more than half of the funds.
Are joint account holders responsible for each other’s debts?
In Canada, any debt linked to a joint account is the responsibility of both account holders. In most cases, either account holder is free to attach a debt to the account without the other knowing – and then you’re both stuck with repayment and poor credit if you have trouble paying back the dent.
Some important implications for joint account debts include the following:
If one account holder misses debt repayments or defaults altogether, then both account holders’ credit scores will go down.
Both account holders are responsible for overdrawn funds, regardless of who went into the overdraft.
If one account holder goes bankrupt or has outstanding debt linked to the account, creditors could claim funds from the account to pay back the debt.
Should I open a joint account with my partner?
It’s critical that partners and couples are completely open about their spending habits. If one person is committed to saving, and the other can’t keep their spending under control, there are bound to be issues.
Some couples are hesitant to open a joint account because things can get complicated if they separate – but it’s important to agree on a strategy before opening a joint bank account in Canada.
You need to be careful if someone is trying to push you into opening a joint bank account. Someone who might have money problems could see you as the answer to their problems and try to use emotionally persuasive language to convince you to grant them access to your funds.
Bottom line
Joint accounts can be a good idea, but only if you and the other account holder have the same financial goals and spending habits. If you’re simply opening the account for the sake of convenience, remember that other options can provide the same level of convenience without the risk. However, if the trust is there, a joint bank account can make life easier, especially when working together to achieve certain financial goals.
Usually, no, though some banks will have accounts that allow for removal. The reason why it's generally not permissible to remove someone from an account is fraud prevention. Banks don't want to be responsible for helping someone steal money from other account holders by blocking them from the account. Check with your bank to find out what options are available to you.
Yes, most banks will let you turn your existing account into a joint bank account in Canada by adding someone to the account.
Yes, the CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation) offers up to $100,000 of insurance coverage on joint accounts, regardless of how many people signed up for the account and which of those people make the deposits.
To decide how much will be deposited in the account, work out a fair, realistic percentage of your income that you can put in the account each payday. This percentage should be determined by how much you each make, the nature or purpose of the items in your budget and your goals. However, talking through your financial plan of action and clarifying your goals can prevent misunderstandings and money issues.
Some banks will allow you to have additional debit cards. While not strictly a joint account, it still gives another person power over your money. So, make sure you do the following to ensure things go smoothly:
Never give out cards to people you don't know or trust.
Remember that in most cases, you are the only one responsible for obligations or debts on the account. No matter who spends the money, you'll still have to pay it back, so think twice before giving out cards.
An alternative to opening a joint account that you share completely is to open one account that you share only for bills. That way, you deposit just the money needed for bills, and the rest is yours to spend or save.
Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University.
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