Pick the right structure
Choose between a fully joint chequing for shared bills vs. a "yours-mine-ours" model (keep personal accounts + one shared).
Define rules up front
Agree on contribution amounts, spending thresholds for approvals, and emergency use policies.
Set permissions & alerts
Both parties should have equal online access, individual cards, and real-time notifications.
Protect each other
Use overdraft prevention, keep an emergency fund, and document what happens if the relationship changes.
Keep a paper trail
Use memos/tags and monthly reviews to avoid misunderstandings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will both credit scores be affected?
Joint credit products can impact both; deposit accounts typically don't, but negative events can.
Can one person drain the account?
Joint owners usually have full access—set norms and alerts to mitigate risk.