How to remove myself from a joint bank account

Joint bank accounts are those that two people share. They make it easy for couples to manage their money, as both individuals have full access to the account and can deposit or withdraw funds as needed.

That being said, closing a joint bank account when it no longer serves you is a financially smart and relatively painless activity. Understanding when and how to close a joint account can help you terminate yours without hassle.

Reasons to Close a Joint Bank Account

Terminating a shared account makes sense if you have an unresponsive or uncooperative co-owner on the account, or simply no longer need it (your banking needs changed or the relationship ended, for example). In these scenarios, it may be tempting to leave an account open and stop using it, but closing your joint account as soon as possible can protect you in several ways:

Prevent Penalties

Closing a joint bank account prevents the co-owner from using the account irresponsibly and incurring overdraft and other fees. If you leave the account, the co-owner could try to spend money in excess of the balance. If the bank pays the transaction on your behalf, the account balance will go negative, and you could incur an overdraft fee. You’ll have to bring the account balance to zero to close the account.

Minimize Fees

You also put an end to monthly maintenance fees and inactivity charges when you close a joint bank account. That way, you won't be paying for something you’re not using.

Reduce Legal Liability

Even if you’re the only one actively using the account, and you trust the other person, joint account holders technically own funds in the account equally. If another account holder gets sued because they have unpaid debts or an automobile accident, for example, creditors can potentially take your money.

Make a Clean Break

If a relationship ends, you might want to put the past behind you. Closing an old joint bank account can provide emotional relief and eliminate unwanted reminders.

Revoke Full Shared Access

Joint accounts generally allow each account to move money or close the account. As a result, one individual can spend the money in an account without approval from others. That’s convenient for busy families and business partners who want to operate efficiently, but things can get complicated when partnerships end. Closing a shared account can provide both owners with financial independence from one another.

Note

Before you withdraw money or close an account, determine how other account holders may react if you move forward without their input.

Joint Bank Account Closure Methods

The process for closing an account depends on your bank. While some banks require both account holders to provide their consent to add or remove a person from a joint account, most banks allow any account holder to close a joint account individually. Some, however, limit you to less-convenient methods of closure; reading your account agreement can help you identify the right approach.

Your bank's account agreement will spell out how you’ll need to submit instructions to request a closure. You may be able to close a joint bank account in one of several ways:

Online

Some banks allow you to close a joint account online, either through an automated process or by messaging the customer service department while logged into your account. Depending on the bank, both account holders might be asked to log in separately to request the closure.

Mail

Other banks take instructions in writing (with one or more original signatures required).

Phone

It may be possible to call a customer service representative and close your account verbally.

In Person

The most cumbersome requirement is when one of the account owners needs to visit a branch in-person and provide a signature to close the joint bank account. If that’s the case, bring an ID and allow for plenty of time to complete the process.

Note

It generally only takes one person to close a joint bank account, and that person can be either co-owner.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Close a Joint Account

Terminating the account can have consequences. If things go badly, you may miss payments, bounce checks, and pay unnecessary fees. To avoid costly surprises, follow this checklist for switching banks:

1. Bring Your Account Balance to Zero

Deposit funds to make up for any shortfall, or decide how you’d like your bank to distribute any money left in the account upon closing. Banks can generally wire money and mail checks, or you can transfer the money out yourself.

2. Stop Withdrawals

Prevent expensive overdrafts and delays in closing your account and ensure that all outstanding checks have settled. Likewise, cancel any automatic bill payments. Research the past 12 months of activity so you won’t forget anything. Destroy debit cards and checks linked to the account to prevent mistakes when closing your joint bank account.

3. Get Your New Account Ready

Open another account, if you don't already have one. You’ll need to be able to receive payments, spend money, pay bills, and store cash in the new account. It could take up to one month after you redirect your payments for them to switch over successfully to the new account, so don't rush to close the old account until then.

4. Ask Your Bank to Close the Old Account

Find out what the requirements are—who can request the closure and how to communicate your request, for example. Then, bring your ID and any necessary forms and submit your request to close the joint account.

Avoiding Legal Trouble

Because each account owner typically has full access to the money in a joint bank account, anybody can empty an account without permission from the other account owners. That can cause two key problems:

You Might Not Have a Legal Right to the Money You Take

This might be true even though your bank gives you the authority to withdraw the money and close the account. For example, a divorce decree might say that funds belong to an ex-spouse.

The Co-Owner Can Drain Your Account Without Your Knowledge

If you don’t trust your joint account holder, speak with a local attorney to discuss options to protect yourself.

Communication can go a long way toward reducing your legal bills. If possible, discuss how to split funds from a joint account so that things don’t get any worse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I remove my name from a joint bank account?

You can ask the bank for a form to relinquish your rights to the account. Keep in mind that removing your name from a joint bank account won't help you avoid sharing responsibility for any overdrafts incurred while you were a joint owner of the account. Removing your name from the account will only help you avoid sharing responsibility for future obligations.

Who pays income tax on a joint bank account?

Joint bank account owners share responsibility for income tax incurred by the account. This is easy for married couples who file joint tax returns. For business partners or others who share bank accounts without filing joint returns, the income tax burden should be shared according to their share of ownership in the account.

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