Joint bank accounts

Joint or separate accounts: Which is right for you?

You share everything, from your home to that side of fries that they said they didn’t want. Should you share a bank account, too? If you’re asking this question, you’re in the right place. 

Joint or separate accounts checklist:

The case for joint accounts

If the fact that couples who combine finances tend to be happier doesn’t sway you, consider this: Joint bank accounts can make money matters simpler and more convenient for everyday life. Plus, having two sets of eyes on the account can mean more frequent talks about your money as a couple—and fewer surprises, like that streaming subscription one of you keeps forgetting to cancel.

Not ready to combine?

Some people like their independence—even (or especially) in a relationship—and joining accounts means losing a bit of that. If combining accounts isn’t for you and your partner, no judgment! One or both of you just might not feel ready to share the deets of every little transaction. Still, it’s important to build trust with each other and come up with a game plan for your money goals. Who knows—maybe a joint account will make more sense down the road. 

Relationship satisfaction ratings

Ways to meet in the middle

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can choose to combine some of your assets without cramming everything together. It may make sense to open one account together for shared expenses—like your rent or mortgage payments—but still each have your own accounts for individual spending, like for clothes and hobbies. 

 

Download Super budget worksheet (XLSX) Download Super budget worksheet

Questions to ask your partner first

Before surprising your partner with an account in both your names, talk about any accounts you want to share to make sure you’re both on the same page. Some questions to kick-start that conversation:

  • What’s our plan to tackle our debts?
  • Where will we keep our emergency fund? And how much should we save?
  • How do we want to share everyday expenses?
  • What are our long-term savings goals? And where do we keep our money for those goals? 

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Savings goal calculator

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Everyday checking made easier.

Truist One Checking makes it easy for you and your partner to manage your money. You can both make deposits, check balances, and more through the app—no matter where life takes you. 

No overdraft feesDisclosure 1

That’s right. No overdraft fees—ever. And if you accidentally spend more than you have, Truist One Checking gives you a $100 balance buffer.Disclosure 2

Waive the monthly feeDisclosure 3

There are multiple ways to avoid the monthly fee with qualifying activities, so you can save more for #couplegoals. 

Your benefits grow with you

We’ll automatically adjust your Truist One Checking benefit level based on your total monthly average balance to give you the best bang for your buck. You don’t have to do a thing.