How to Change a Joint Bank Account to a Single: 7 Easy Steps (2024)

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A simple guide to removing someone from a joint account

Reviewed byAlex Kwan

Last Updated: December 17, 2023

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  • Getting the Account Ready
  • |
  • Removing Someone
  • |
  • Tips
  • |
  • Warnings

There are a number of reasons you may have a joint bank account with someone. For example, maybe you share an account with a significant other or business partner. Other times, groups of roommates or siblings decide to open a joint account for shared expenses. Whatever your case may be, if you end a relationship with some kind of partner or go your separate way from a group of people, you’ll want to change your joint bank account to a single one. Don't worry if you're not in a good place with an ex-significant other because you don't necessarily have to see them to change the account's status. Just make sure to pay off any debts and divide the remaining money fairly before you remove yourself or someone else from the account.

Things You Should Know

  • Pay off any overdraft fees and loans on the account. Then, split the money fairly with the other account owner.
  • Go to your bank in person with the other account owner if you want to keep the account, or by yourself to close it.
  • Tell the bank teller that you want to remove someone from your account. Then, fill out the removal request form.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Getting the Account Ready to Change

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  1. 1

    Pay back any debts on the account. Pay off any overdraft fees, credit loans, and home loans that you owe on the account. This is the only way you will be allowed to change the ownership status of the account.[1]

    • Basically, the account has to be “in credit” before you can change it to a single account. This means that you don’t owe the bank any money through that account and that the balance is $0.00 or above.
  2. 2

    Cancel any automatic payments if you're closing the account. Make sure to cancel automatic payments like rent, phone plans, utility bills, and anything else you pay from the account. This will avoid any overdraft fees or other additional fees on the account that could cause the balance to drop into the negative zone.[2]

    • Remember to set up alternative payments from another account or to pay your bills in-person, so you don’t accidentally skip any payments.
    • This is only necessary if you won't be using the account to pay bills any longer.
    • If you're separating from a partner and you both have cards for the account, make sure to talk to them and agree that neither of you will use the cards any longer. This applies to both business partners and relationship partners.

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  3. 3

    Split any money in the account fairly if you’re separating from a partner. Divide the money equally between both of you if it seems fair. Split the money based on how much each person has contributed if it's fairer to divide it that way.[3]

    • For example, if you contributed 2/3 of the monthly deposits to the account, you might agree with your partner to only give them 1/3 of the money in the account.
    • If you are splitting the money with a business partner, dividing the money equally might be the fairest way to do it. If you're splitting with a relationship partner, it might make more sense to divide the money by contribution.
    • If you can’t agree with your ex-partner on how to divide the money after a split, you will, unfortunately, have to let the courts settle it for you before you can proceed.
  4. 4

    Divide money in the account by contribution if you share it with a group. Calculate how much money in the account was contributed by each person if you share the account with a group, such as siblings, friends, or roommates. Give each person their share of the money in the account before you change the account’s ownership status.[4]

    • For example, if you share the account with 2 of your siblings and you each made an equal monthly contribution, you can just divide the money 3 ways.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Removing Someone from the Account

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  1. 1

    Visit the nearest branch of your bank. Most banks require you to request the removal of someone from an account in-person. You don’t usually have to go with the other person or people on the account if you just want to remove yourself. Go with both parties if you want to remove the other person and keep the account in your name.[5]

    • Keep in mind that specific procedures for changing the status of an account vary from bank to bank. You can find more specific information on your bank’s website or by calling the customer service line.
    • Make sure to bring your photo ID with you when you go to the bank.
  2. 2

    Fill out a form to request the removal of someone from the 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.[6]

    • 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. You can try to find it on your bank’s website, then print it out and fill it out at home if it’s available.
    • If you don't want to bring the other person with you, such as if you're on bad terms with your ex-significant other, you can just request to remove yourself from the account.
  3. 3

    Return the form to the bank to change the account ownership status. Double-check that you filled out all the required info on the form and have the required signatures. Give the form back to a bank employee and wait for them to close your account.[7]

    • Occasionally, banks will let you mail or fax the request form in. If you’re short on time, you can ask an employee at the bank if this is an option.
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      Tips

      • Every bank has different procedures and requirements. The best way to find out how exactly you can change a joint account to a single is to call your bank and ask or just go into a branch and talk to someone in person.

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      • As an alternative to removing someone from a joint bank account, you can just empty it out and close it. Then, you can open a new single account if you want to.

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      Warnings

      • Always agree on how to divide any money in the account before you change the ownership status of the account.

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      • Remember to cancel any automatic payments from the account to avoid overdrafting or accumulating fees after you split up the money and pay off debts to the account.

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      About This Article

      How to Change a Joint Bank Account to a Single: 7 Easy Steps (27)

      Reviewed by:

      Alex Kwan

      Certified Public Accountant

      This article was reviewed by Alex Kwan. Alex Kwan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the CEO of Flex Tax and Consulting Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has also served as a Vice President for one of the top five Private Equity Firms. With over a decade of experience practicing public accounting, he specializes in client-centered accounting and consulting, R&D tax services, and the small business sector. This article has been viewed 106,155 times.

      47 votes - 74%

      Co-authors: 8

      Updated: December 17, 2023

      Views:106,155

      Categories: Finance and Business

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,155 times.

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      How to Change a Joint Bank Account to a Single: 7 Easy Steps (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Change a Joint Bank Account to a Single: 7 Easy Steps? ›

      Fill out a form to request the removal of someone from the 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.

      How do I change my bank account from joint to single? ›

      How do you remove someone from a joint account? 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.

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

      Here is the step-by-step guide on joint bank account separation. After visiting the bank, the authorities will provide you with a form to delete the name of the other bank account holder. You can also download the form from the bank's website. The deletion form should be signed and filled out by both account holders.

      How do I take my name off a joint bank account? ›

      While most banks won't let you remove the other joint account holder without their permission, many will allow you to remove yourself. Your bank can walk you through removing yourself from a joint bank account. You may need to submit a written request or go in person for a scheduled appointment.

      How to write a letter to bank to change joint account to single account? ›

      Dear Bank Manager, I am writing to request the conversion of a joint account to a single account, effective [DATE]. The account in question is account number [ACCOUNT NUMBER], which was previously held jointly by [PREVIOUS ACCOUNT HOLDERS]. I, [YOUR NAME], would like to become the sole owner of this account.

      Can my husband take me off our joint account? ›

      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.

      How do I take my parents off my bank 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.

      Can a joint account be transferred to one person? ›

      Yes. Unless there are some special conditions on your account, any signatory on a joint account can withdraw money from it (and hence can transfer money out into a single account). A joint account is a bank account opened in more than one person's name (typically held by couples, though can be any two or more people).

      Can you switch from a joint account? ›

      Ensure your new account is in joint names before completing your switch. You can't switch a joint account into a sole account until the second party has been removed from the account.

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

      If you have questions, please send us a secure message on chase.com.
      1. Tell Us About Your Account. Primary Account Holder Name. Account Number.
      2. Tell Us About the Joint Account Holder(s) to be Removed.
      3. Account Holder Signature(s) and Identity Verification.

      How long does it take to remove a name from a joint bank account? ›

      You'll need to appear with the appropriate individual at a branch of your bank. You'll both require two forms of legal identification. Finally, you'll both need to sign a piece of paper that makes the move official. The entire process should take a matter of minutes.

      Can you get in trouble for taking money out of a joint account? ›

      You can withdraw the entire balance from a joint account. You might have to face challenging inquiries in court. Unmarried partners' joint credit cards are regarded as joint debt. Even if one party exceeds the credit limit, both parties are liable for the debt.

      How to write a letter to bank manager to remove one person from joint account? ›

      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.

      What happens to a joint account when one holder dies? ›

      Most joint bank accounts include automatic rights of survivorship, which means that after one account signer dies, the remaining signer (or signers) retain ownership of the money in the account. The surviving primary account owner can continue using the account, and the money in it, without any interruptions.

      How do you write a letter to change a joint account holder name? ›

      Add [New Account Holder's Name] as a joint account holder. I kindly request that you update the account records to reflect these changes. I have attached the necessary documentation for your reference, including my identification documents and the identification documents of [New Account Holder's Name].

      How can I interchange primary and secondary names in a joint account? ›

      Just give a written request at your account maintaining branch, stating a clear valid reason for interchange of names. The application must be signed by both the parties.

      Can you close a joint bank account without both signatures? ›

      Can one party with a joint bank account close the account? Generally, no. Banks require that both account holders consent to closing the account. It may be possible in some cases for one account holder to remove themselves from the account, though, without the explicit consent of both parties.

      Can you transfer money from a joint account to a single account? ›

      Unless there are some special conditions on your account, any signatory on a joint account can withdraw money from it (and hence can transfer money out into a single account). A joint account is a bank account opened in more than one person's name (typically held by couples, though can be any two or more people).

      Can one person withdraw money from joint 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.

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