Before you merge your money, it’s important to look at the pros and cons of opening different types of accounts together.
A joint current account can be useful for handling shared expenses with your partner.
If you’re both earning, you can decide whether you’ll each pay in your full salary or just part of it. It’s best to agree this before opening a joint account.
If you do open a joint current account, there are some things you need to bear in mind. For example, if one of you makes the account overdrawn, you’ll both be responsible for repaying the money. You’ll also lose some privacy, as you'll both be able to see what’s happening on the account.
If you want to build up some savings together, opening a joint savings account can be a way to earn interest and separate your money from your everyday spending.
Like with a joint current account, there are risks involved when opening a savings account with someone. For example, if your partner takes money out of the account and spends it on something you’re not happy with, you won’t necessarily be able to get the money back.
Taking out a joint loan or another form of joint debt can be useful for paying for something you need quickly if you don’t have time to save up for it.
Remember, you’ll both be responsible for paying back the money. If one of you stops doing so for whatever reason, the other person will still be responsible for making the full payment.
When it comes to a credit card, you can add an extra cardholder, but the main credit card account holder will be responsible for paying the amount due.
When you borrow money together, your credit history will also be linked. This means if you borrow money in the future, in your own name, the lender can take into account the other person’s credit score as well as your own.
You don’t need to merge all your finances if you don’t want to, or feel you’re not ready.
You can also start slowly, perhaps by keeping your own current accounts and using a joint account as a place to pay bills from. If you do want to merge your money, or some of it, opening a joint bank account may be a good next step.
