Opening and making changes to a joint bank account
How to open a Nationwide current account jointly, add someone to your current account or remove someone from your current account.
How to set up a joint bank account
If you're applying for a new account with us, you can set it up as a joint account during your application.
Changing your sole current account to a joint account
To change your sole current account to a joint account by adding another person to your account, 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.
Which bank accounts can be joint accounts?
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 £18 a month for maintaining the account. Conditions apply
- FlexDirect, our online current account with access to in-credit interest and cashback on debit card spending 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.
Needing help managing your money
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.
How to remove a joint holder
Complete and return our removal of an account holder form. You can download a copy here or collect one from any Nationwide branch.
Both holders need to complete and sign the form. If you’re concerned about speaking to the other holder and sharing your contact details with them, come into a branch or call us on 03457 30 20 10.
Things to know before removing a joint holder
- There could be a delay if the personal details we have for the remaining account holder don’t match what’s on the form. For information on how to update, see Your details help.
- The holder being removed should check their incoming and outgoing payments and make new arrangements if needed.
- If a holder is being removed from a FlexPlus account, they’ll no longer be covered by the insurances.
If a third party has access to the account
If someone else helps manage the account (for example, a power of attorney) we might need to contact them, or the account holder, to talk about the request. This means it could take a little longer to complete your request.
Return the form to us
Return it to a branch
You can return the form to any Nationwide branch.
Return it by post
Send your completed form to:
Nationwide House
Pipers Way
Swindon
SN38 1NW
Are you being pressured to set up a joint account?
Remember: a joint account gives the other person equal control of your money. Only open or add someone to a joint account if you know them and are comfortable sharing your finances.
If you feel pressured to set up a joint account, or are struggling with one you already have, it could be financial abuse. We're here to help. Whether it's coming into a branch, calling us, or having us call you, you can speak to us safely and in confidence.
How do you close a joint bank account?
You can close your Nationwide current account, including joint accounts, online using the internet bank, by visiting us in branch or by post.