Opening and making changes to a joint bank account

When you have a joint current account with Nationwide, it means:

• any money in your account belongs to both of you
• you can both spend and take money out using separate cards
• if there is an overdraft on the account, the new account holder will be jointly responsible for it, even if it’s already in use
• if we need to ask you to repay your overdraft, we can ask either or both of you
• if either of you die, the other person takes full control of the account and any money
• if you have different addresses, we’ll send paperwork to the first named account holder, unless you ask us to send it to both of you
• if the relationship breaks down, either of you can ask to freeze the account. This means neither of you can withdraw any money until you both agree to stop the freeze
• you’ll both be members of Nationwide, but only the first named account holder will have the right to vote on Nationwide matters.

If you're applying for a new account with us, you can set it up as a joint account during your application.

To change your sole current account to a joint account by adding another person to your account, you’ll need to give us a call. Make sure both the existing and new account holders are on the call together. This can be either in person or on a conference call.

For your new joint current account, you can choose from the following types of Nationwide current account:

• FlexPlus, our current account with worldwide family travel and mobile phone insurance, plus UK and European breakdown cover. Pay just £13 a month for maintaining the account. Conditions apply
• FlexDirect, our online current account with access to in-credit interest and an interest-free arranged overdraft for the first 12 months. Conditions apply
• FlexAccount, our everyday current account where you can bank your way with no monthly fee
• FlexBasic, our basic current account for people who don't hold another UK current account or don't qualify for our other current accounts.

You can apply for any of these current accounts as joint accounts online. You may also be able to apply over the phone or in branch.

Another option you might want to consider is arranging third party access. Third party access is the term we use to talk about the options you have to get help managing your money where you’re supported by someone you trust. This includes getting a Third Party Mandate, power of attorney or Court of Protection Order.

Or, if you're not sure what's best for you, you can contact your local branch to discuss your options.

To remove someone from a joint account, download our Removal of Account Holder form. Each account holder must complete and sign the form.

All forms must be returned to your local branch by the account holder who is remaining on the account.

You can also collect a form by visiting your local branch.

If you have any questions about removing an account holder, or if contacting the other account holder causes concerns, visit us in branch or call us on 03457 30 20 10.

You can close your Nationwide current account, including joint accounts, online using the Internet Bank, by visiting us in branch or by post.