I have a joint checking account with my spouse. I would like to remove my spouse from the account. Can I do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (2024)

FAQs

I have a joint checking account with my spouse. I would like to remove my spouse from the account. Can I do that? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau? ›

In Most States, Banks Do Not Let You Remove a Spouse Without Their Consent. The vast majority of banks do not allow account holders to remove a spouse from a joint checking account without their consent, though there are some exceptions, depending on your state and the nature of the account.

Once a person has agreed to become a joint owner or signer on a checking, savings, or credit card, they can't be removed from the account. If you want an account in your name only, you'll need to close the account and apply for a new one.

To remove someone from a joint account, initiate contact with your bank, obtain the necessary forms, provide identification and secure consent from all account holders. Follow your bank's procedures and be prepared for potential account closure and reopening if required.

Take care of your joint accounts

In some cases, your bank will need to speak to both you and your partner before they can remove someone from an account. If the other person is refusing to give authorisation, you could freeze the account.

Some banks allow one person to close a joint bank account, while others require all involved parties.

Similarly, even if the account is community property, a spouse may be able to withdraw money for reasonable living expenses, legal fees, and children's expenses. However, if one spouse empties the marital property joint bank account without sound justification, they could face repercussions.

The first step in removing the name of a joint bank account holder is to obtain the form for account deletion from the bank or from the website. All other account holders, including those whose names are being deleted, must complete and sign the form.

Can I do that? Generally, no. In most cases, either state law or the terms of the account provide that you usually cannot remove a person from a joint checking account without that person's consent, though some banks may offer accounts where they explicitly allow this type of removal.

By my signature below, I request that my name, _____________________________________, be removed from the below referenced account(s). I understand that by being removed from the account I can no longer transact business on this account. I also relinquish my rights to any and all assets held in this account.

Each account owner can get a debit card, write checks and make purchases. Both account holders can also add funds or withdraw them from the account. The money in joint accounts belongs to both owners. Either person can withdraw or spend the money at will — even if they weren't the one to deposit the funds.

How do I change a joint account to a single account? ›

Talk to a bank employee and let them know you want to take someone off your joint account. Complete and sign the form they give you. You'll just have to fill out basic info like the account number and the account holders' names and addresses. Some banks have this form available to download online.

Please print the form, fill out the required fields and come into any branch with your ID. Providing all paperwork is correct, it will normally take between 5-7 working days for a party to be removed from an account. Find your nearest branch using our branch locator.

Open a new account first

Before moving to close your joint account, open a new account in your name only and use it for your everyday expenses, says Kimberly Foss, a certified financial planner and founder of Empyrion Wealth Management in Roseville, California.

You May Need Consent to Close the Account

While some banks have policies that allow one of the account owners to close the account individually, it's sometimes the case that you'll need signatures from both owners to close a joint account.

Some banks will only allow you to close the joint account and each reapply for separate accounts. Other banks will allow you to remove yourself as a joint account holder but require you to come in person.

Joint bank accounts

If one dies, all the money will go to the surviving partner without the need for probate or letters of administration. The bank may need the see the death certificate in order to transfer the money to the other joint owner.

In many cases, a judge overseeing divorce proceedings will award each member of a splitting couple 50% of what's in a joint bank account. There can be exceptions, but your best bet is to leave that money alone until you receive instructions on what to do with it.

Talk to a bank employee and let them know you want to take someone off your joint account. Complete and sign the form they give you. You'll just have to fill out basic info like the account number and the account holders' names and addresses. Some banks have this form available to download online.

Only the account holder has the right to access their bank account. If you have a joint bank account, you both own the account and have access to the funds. But in the case of a personal bank account, your spouse has no legal right to access it.