More than half of French couples own a joint account. If you think you know everything about this ultra-common banking product, it may still hold some surprises for certain people.
Discover the characteristics of the joint account: how it works, the accounts and payment methods involved, the cost of such an account, but also of course the advantages and limits of the joint account so you can open one with full knowledge.
Should you open a joint account? Our opinion in 30 seconds
The joint account is particularly suitable for paying shared expenses (housing, groceries, bills, leisure…), provided that the co-holders trust each other and clearly define its operation. It can be used alone or in addition to individual accounts, a setup favored by many couples today.
What is a joint account?
The joint account, a common account to pool incomes, savings and expenses
The joint account is a shared bank account, which means it enables the pooling of income, with the aim typically being to group together expenses or savings.
The joint account can be used by two people, or even more. For example, one can consider opening a joint account for 3 or 4 people. Even though it is largely used by couples (cohabiting, civil partners or married), the joint account can be opened by people with no family ties: friends, roommates, etc.
The purpose of a joint account is therefore to pool on a single bank account the money of several people in order to facilitate the management of shared expenses.
Joint account or separate account: which solution to choose? Café de la Bourse comparison
The joint account is not the only way to organize a couple’s finances. Some prefer to keep separate accounts, while others combine a joint account for shared expenses with a personal account for individual expenses. Each solution has advantages and limits.
| Criterion | Joint account | Separate accounts |
| Management of shared expenses | Very simple | Requires transfers or reimbursements between the holders |
| Financial autonomy | More limited | Total |
| Household budget tracking | Easy thanks to a single account | More complex |
| Expense confidentiality | Low | High |
| Liability in case of overdraft | Jointly liable between the co-holders | Each holder remains responsible for their own account |
| Management in case of separation | May require closure or disassociation of the account | Simpler |
| Suitable for… | Couples living together, married, civil partners or roommates with shared expenses | People seeking to maintain complete financial independence |
The comment by Clémence on joint account vs separated account:
In practice, many couples choose an intermediate solution consisting of each keeping an individual account while opening a joint account dedicated only to shared expenses (rent or mortgage payments, charges, groceries, insurance, leisure…). This arrangement allows enjoying the benefits of the joint account while preserving a certain financial autonomy.
Who can open a joint account?
The joint account is not reserved for married couples. Anyone wishing to manage a common budget with another person can open a joint account, provided the bank accepts it. Depending on your situation, the advantages and precautions to take may vary.
The joint account for a married couple
The joint account is particularly well suited for married couples who want to centralize the household expenses: mortgage repayments, rent, bills, groceries, children’s expenses or leisure. It simplifies daily budget management while allowing each spouse, if they wish, to keep a personal account for their individual expenses.
The joint account for a civil-partnered or cohabiting couple
Civil-partnered or cohabiting couples can also open a joint account to simplify the settlement of shared expenses. It is however recommended to define at opening the ways the account is funded and the expenses that will be debited, especially when both partners’ incomes differ greatly.
The joint account for a shared flat (colocation)
The joint account can be a practical solution to settle shared expenses in a shared flat, such as rent, utilities, internet subscription or groceries. However, since each co-holder is jointly responsible for the account’s debts, this solution requires mutual trust among roommates. In some cases, it may be preferable to use an individual account complemented by a expense-sharing app.
The joint account for family members
A joint account can also be opened between family members, for example between a parent and an adult child or between two siblings, to manage certain shared expenses or fund a joint project. Again, it is important to be mindful of the legal implications of joint liability.
Can you open a joint account with anyone?
In principle, a joint account can be opened between two people, whether they are married, civil partners, cohabiting or not. Some banks also accept joint accounts with more than two co-holders, notably for roommates or property co-owners. Before opening, it is advisable to check the bank’s conditions and the responsibilities of each party in case the account malfunctions.
Clémence’s view on the profile of joint account holders:
In practice, the joint account is particularly suited when holders bear regular shared expenses and trust each other. In other situations, keeping separate accounts or combining joint and individual accounts is often a more flexible solution.
How to fund a joint account?
Opening a joint account does not, by itself, settle the question of how expenses are shared. The co-holders are free to choose the funding method that suits them best, provided it is clearly defined from the start. The goal is to have an account sufficiently funded to cover shared expenses, while maintaining a setup that fits each person’s financial situation.
Funding the joint account in equal shares
The simplest solution is for each co-holder to deposit the same amount each month into the joint account. This arrangement is particularly suitable when incomes are similar and shared expenses are distributed evenly. It also makes budget tracking easier.
Funding the joint account in proportion to income
When the co-holders’ incomes differ greatly, some couples prefer to fund the joint account in proportion to their income. For example, if one earns 60% of the household income and the other 40%, each can contribute according to this split. This solution is often considered more fair, as it accounts for each person’s financial capacity while allowing the funding of shared expenses.
Which expenses should be paid through a joint account?
The joint account is generally used to pay for the household’s shared expenses: rent or mortgage payments, charges, energy bills, subscriptions, insurances, groceries, or children-related expenses. Strictly personal expenses (clothing, individual leisure, gifts, etc.) are most often paid from each co-holder’s personal accounts.
Should you keep a personal account?
In practice, many couples choose to each keep an individual account in addition to the joint account. This arrangement centralizes shared expenses while giving each person financial autonomy for personal expenses. It also makes budget management easier and reduces disputes over individual spending.
Concrete example of using a joint account
A couple has 5 000 € of monthly income, with 3 000 € for one partner and 2 000 € for the other.
If shared expenses amount to 2 500 € per month:
- each could deposit 1 250 € (equal split),
- or contribute pro rata to income, i.e. 1 500 € for the first (60%) and 1 000 € for the second (40%).
Where can you open a joint account?
It is possible to open a joint or common account at all traditional banks but also at all online banks.
Good to know: in online banks, the number of co-holders is generally limited to two.
Be aware, neobanks do not offer joint accounts. However, some historic neobanks that have secured a banking license now offer joint accounts, such as Revolut or N26.
What are the payment methods for a joint account?
The payment methods for the joint account are shared among the co-holders. The names of all the co-holders, separated by the word “or,” appear on the cheques with which the co-holders can issue cheques. Note, however, that most banks provide only one cheque book per joint account, since any co-holder can write cheques. If several co-holders need to issue cheques individually, you must ask the bank to supply additional cheque books.
A co-holder of a joint account can also, with their sole signature and without the other’s approval, sign transfers or direct debit authorizations, fund the account or withdraw all or part of the funds on it.
Attention, a payment method is not shared among co-holders: the bank card, which, as with an individual current account, remains personal, cannot be lent. We warn that many banks provide only one bank card per joint account, and it is most often allocated by default to the man.
What are the fees of a joint account in 2026?
The joint account, like the standard current account, is charged maintenance fees by banks, but also other fees related to payment methods and their use, in France as well as abroad.
There are however certain specificities unique to the joint account. Most often, traditional banks offer the second bank card associated with the joint account at -50 %. But that still means paying the fees for the first card as well as the well-known maintenance fees.
Note: as with individual current accounts, online banks are generally cheaper than traditional banks. The bank card is often free, provided you can prove a minimum income set by the online bank. To obtain a second card, you will usually need to apply, and this new payment method will very often be charged.
How to open a joint account?
Opening a joint account is as simple as opening an individual current account. Easy to access, it only requires presenting to your bank a few documents, a photo ID and proof of address. Each co-holder must also provide a signature specimen. They will then draft the account agreement which sets the rules of the joint account and sign it.
The banking institution will then open the joint account in the names of the holders linked by the word “or” (for example “Mr. Martin” or “Mrs. Martin”).
Opening a joint account will necessarily be online for opening a joint account in an online bank. It can most often be done online or in branch if you opt to open a joint account in a traditional bank branch network.
Comparison of the best joint accounts in France in 2026
Summary table of the best joint accounts in France in 2026
| Bank | Joint account offer | Price | Cards included | Income conditions | Authorized overdraft | Cheque / cash deposits | Mobile app | Our opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BoursoBank | Welcome / Ultim / Metal | Free (conditions apply depending on the offer) | 2 Visa cards | None on Welcome; depending on the offer for Ultim and Metal | Yes | Cheques: Yes / Cash: No | Excellent | The best value for money for most couples |
| Fortuneo | Fosfo / Gold / World Elite | Free under conditions according to the offer | 2 Mastercards | According to the card chosen | Yes | Cheques: Yes / Cash: No | Excellent | Ideal for travelers and couples seeking a premium card |
| Hello Bank! | Hello One Duo / Hello Prime Duo | Free (Hello One Duo) or premium offer | From 3 €/month | None (Hello One Duo) ; income required for Prime Duo | Yes | Yes | Excellent | The best compromise between online banking and BNP Paribas branch network |
| Monabanq | Pratiq+ / Uniq / Uniq+ | From 3 €/month | From 3 €/month | None | Yes | Yes | Good | An excellent solution with no income condition |
| Revolut | Joint Account | Free (Standard offer) | 2 cards | None | No | No | Excellent | Very convenient for day-to-day expenses and travel, but banking features are more limited |
| N26 | Shared spaces / limited joint offer | Free depending on the offer | Individual cards | None | No | No | Good | A solution suited to expense sharing, but less complete than a true joint account |
| Crédit Agricole | Classic joint account | According to the regional caisse | 2 cards of choice | Variable | Yes | Yes | Good | A reference for those who value local branch access |
| Crédit Mutuel | Joint account | According to the caisse | 2 cards of choice | Variable | Yes | Yes | Good | A complete offer with in-branch support |
| BNP Paribas | Joint account | According to the offer | 2 Visa cards | According to the chosen card | Yes | Yes | Good | A complete solution for clients seeking broad banking services |
| Société Générale | Joint account | According to the offer | 2 Visa cards | According to the chosen card | Yes | Yes | Good | Suitable for clients who want the benefits of a branch network and a wide range of services |
Best joint accounts online banks 2026
If you’re in a rush and want the essentials, here is our table comparing the best online banks in 2026 for opening a joint account.
| Top online bank | Annual fees and current offers | See offers |
|---|---|---|
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Up to €300 offered (until 10/08/26)* 0€/year (Hello One card) subject to card usage otherwise 72€ 6€/month (Hello Prime card) Free cash withdrawals at Cash Services ATMs, BNP Paribas and subsidiaries with Hello One and card payments and cash withdrawals abroad free with Hello Prime Insurance included with Hello Prime |
|
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Up to €280 offered* 3 plans at €36/year, €72/year and €144/year Fees on withdrawals and foreign transactions vary by plan Insurance and guarantees vary by plan |
|
| Up to €260 offered and 1st month of subscription free* €60 / year (1st month of subscription free) Free cash withdrawals in the euro zone Insurance included |
||
| Up to €250 offered + Free card (until 23/08/26)* €0 / year Make 1 card operation / month otherwise €3/month, €9/month or €50/quarter depending on the card, Card with no income conditions for the Fosfo Mastercard* Gold and World Elite subject to income (2 200€ for Gold and 4 000€ for World Elite) Cash withdrawals abroad: no fees on all card payments and withdrawals worldwide Insurance and guarantees vary by the card subscribed |
||
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Up to €160 offered + free card* 0 € / year or €118.80 for Metal card Make 1 card operation / month otherwise €5 / month for Welcome card, Make 1 card operation / month otherwise €9 / month for Ultim / 2 400 € net monthly income or 6 000€ in holdings for Ultim deferred debit 6 250 € net monthly income or 10 000 euros in holdings for Metal deferred debit Cash withdrawals abroad: 1 free per month for Welcome card and 1.69% beyond / 3 free per month for Ultim and 1.69% beyond Unlimited free withdrawals for Ultim Cross-border payments free for all cards |
*See conditions on the site.
Best joint accounts with traditional banks 2026
Pressed for time? Here is our comparison table of the best mainstream banks in 2026 for opening a joint account.
| Top traditional bank | Current offers | See offers |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €270 in advantages offered + account and card and essential services free for 1 year (until 15/07/26)* | ||
|
€80 offered (until 31/12/26)* | |
| Discover the 5 online offers tailored to your needs with no commitment or income condition* |
*See conditions on the site.
What are the advantages of the joint account?
The advantages of a joint account are numerous and explain the popularity of this type of account among the French.
The joint account to simplify expense management
Most often favored by couples, it also helps to facilitate the management of expenses within a shared flat, for example. When several people share expenses (rent, electricity, groceries, but also childcare or vacations), the joint account allows a better distribution of shared expenses and makes managing those expenses easier.
The joint account to pool savings
Note that the joint account is not limited to a current account and can concern four types of accounts. Indeed, one can open a joint account for a current account, a bank savings passbook, a securities account, or a term account. It thus enables not only to pool income to better manage shared expenses but also to pool income to accumulate savings, for example to build emergency savings as a couple.
What are the drawbacks of a joint account?
Total transparency involved in the joint account
The co-holder knows everything about the account movements. No surprises possible; you cannot hide anything, including that you spent 500€ at a Montblanc store near their birthday or that you booked a hotel in Corsica for a romantic getaway.
The risk associated with being jointly responsible for the joint account
In another vein, the main drawback of the joint account lies in the fact that the co-holders are jointly liable for its upkeep. Thus, with the joint account there is a risk of being linked to a banking ban and of having to answer for debts incurred by the other co-holder. Indeed, in case of incident, the bank may require any holder to regularize the situation, even if they were not at fault. Fees related to payment incidents such as checks returned for lack of funds, rejected transfers or direct debits, unauthorized overdrafts, etc., can also be deducted from the joint account. Even if you are not at fault, the bank may hold you responsible. It is therefore recommended to open a joint account with someone you trust and to limit its use to the joint expenses of the co-holders.
How to avoid the risks linked to the joint account?
There is a solution specified in Article L131-80 of the Monetary and Financial Code to prevent all co-signatories from suffering from irregularities of one of them. You can, at the time of signing the account agreement or later by sending a joint letter to the branch manager, designate a “account manager” who, if necessary, will be solely responsible for any irregularities that may occur on the account. For example, in the event of a cheque drawn on insufficient funds, the other co-holders will not have to face the banking ban.
Moreover, if there is a overdraft, it is always possible to disassociate yourself from the joint account by informing the bank and the co-holders of your decision via a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt. The person leaving cannot be held responsible for movements on the account from the date of their departure.
How to close a joint account?
A joint account closes in the same way as an individual current account. You must send your request to the bank via a termination letter sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. You must also return the payment instruments related to the account. Note: all co-holders must request the closure of the joint account. A joint account cannot be converted into an individual current account. However, it can be converted into an indivisible account.
Joint account / Indivisible (co-ownership) account: what differences?
A joint account can indeed be transformed into an indivisible account or a co-ownership account. This change involves canceling all direct debits and transfers. In addition, the payment instruments must be returned to the bank.
What is an indivisible account?
But what is an indivisible account? It is a collective bank account for which, unlike a joint account, operations must be approved by all co-holders. Its operation is therefore more restrictive than a joint account but can help avoid surprises.
The names of the co-holders are no longer separated by the word “or” as in the joint account case, but by the word “and.” You indeed need the express agreement of all signatories to carry out any operation.
Transforming a joint account into an indivisible account
The transformation of a joint account into an indivisible account can be done by all co-holders or by a single co-holder. If the transformation of the joint account into an indivisible account is desired by all co-holders, a disassociation letter signed by all must be sent to the bank. If the transformation is desired by a single co-holder, that person must send a notice letter to the bank and to all other co-holders of the joint account.
Who inherits a joint account in case of death of a holder?
Is the joint account blocked upon the death of a co-holder?
Unlike a personal account, the joint account is generally not blocked when one of the co-holders dies. Unless otherwise provided in the account agreement or opposed by the heirs, the surviving co-holder can continue to use the account normally.
However, the payment instruments owned by the deceased person (bank card, chequebook, etc.) stop being usable.
Are the sums on the account automatically owned by the survivor?
No. The fact that the account continues to operate does not mean that all sums belong to the surviving co-holder.
At the time of the estate settlement, the share of funds belonging to the deceased must be determined. In practice, funds on a joint account are presumed to belong equally to both co-holders, unless evidence allows establishing a different distribution (for example when the account was almost exclusively funded by one of the holders). This share then enters the deceased’s estate.
Can the heirs request the account to be blocked?
Yes. Even if the joint account continues to operate normally, heirs can request the bank to block the account to safeguard the estate’s interests, particularly in case of a dispute over the funds’ origin or fear that the surviving co-holder withdraws part of the funds before the estate is settled.
Can the surviving co-holder withdraw all the money?
Technically, the surviving co-holder can continue to perform operations until the account is blocked. However, this does not mean they become the owner of all funds on the account.
If withdrawals concern sums belonging to the deceased, heirs can reclaim them as part of the estate settlement. It is therefore advisable to avoid large withdrawals not corresponding to everyday expenses or the household’s immediate needs.
What happens if the account is overdrawn?
The solidarity among co-holders continues to apply. If the account shows a negative balance at the time of death, the bank may ask the surviving co-holder to reimburse the entire overdraft, in accordance with the joint account rules.
Succession of a joint account: key takeaways
- The joint account is generally not blocked upon the death of a co-holder.
- The survivor can continue to use the account, unless the heirs oppose.
- Funds on the account do not automatically belong to the survivor.
- The share belonging to the deceased is determined during the settlement of the estate.
- In case of disagreement, heirs can request the account to be blocked.
All our information is, by nature, generic. It does not take into account your personal situation and in no way constitutes personalized recommendations for the purpose of carrying out transactions and cannot be equated with financial investment advice, nor with any incentive to buy or sell financial instruments. The reader is solely responsible for the use of the information provided, with no recourse against Cafedelabourse.com. The publisher’s liability cannot be engaged in case of error, omission or inappropriate investment.
