Could Joint Banking Be The Key To A Happy Marriage?
Joint banking could lead to fewer arguments and increased relationship satisfaction.

Sean Jackson
One of the most common arguments among married couples is about finances, particularly budget and spending challenges. However, research from MarketWatch Guide shows that joint banking could lead to fewer arguments and increased relationship satisfaction.
According to the study, 55% of couples who use solely joint bank accounts claim they never fight about money, compared to only 39% of partners who have personal accounts. And financial conflict between spouses, along with these common money mistakes couples make, can result in serious consequences, like foreclosure or divorce. For this reason, joint banking could benefit many couples.
Couples' biggest financial arguments
What specifically do couples often fight about regarding finances? MarketWatch found the top financial arguments among couples.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- Not adhering to a budget: 25.5%
- Spending on things you cannot afford: 24.3%
- Having differing savings goals: 15.1%
- Unequal involvement in handling money: 11.4%
- Dishonestly about what you're buying: 10.9%
- Who makes more money: 6.7%
The top two reasons couples argue about finances: Not sticking to a budget and spending money on things they can't afford. And financial infidelity is more common than you may think. According to Bankrate, about one-third of those in couples say they have committed some form of it, typically spending more than their partner would be okay with.
Luckily, there are ways of addressing any financial miscommunications that might arise. One of the easiest solutions is using budgeting apps.
There's an app called Honeydue, which is perfect for couples. How it works is you both download it to keep track of bank accounts, credit cards and investments. It allows both parties to be on the same financial page.
Also a sore spot for couples is an unequal involvement in handling finances. MarketWatch found that 43% of men claim to be the financially-savvy spouse, while only 18% of women claim the same. Typically, its important that both parties have an equal say in decision making when it comes to finances, so making time to have regular financial check-ins with your spouse can be beneficial.
David Straughan, MarketWatch Guides financial writer tells Kiplinger: "Sharing a checking account with your partner can give visibility into where money is being spent, thus making it more difficult to deviate from a budget or make unwise financial decisions." Plus, it helps both partners take a more active role in the managing of household finances.
Find a new account you both will like with our Bankrate tool:
Joint banking could lead to a happier marriage
Overall, having open communication about finances is essential for any relationship, and having a joint banking account can help facilitate these types of conversations. And while perspectives on finances between you and your spouse can differ, it’s possible to get on the same financial page as a couple.
The 2024 MarketWatch Guides Joint Banking Survey found that 60.3% of couples who use only joint bank accounts were the most likely to claim they were "very satisfied" in their relationship, compared to 57% who use personal accounts only and 54.4% who use both joint and personal accounts.
"Most of the experts we talked to told us that one of the reasons couples use a joint banking model tend to be happier is that it improves their communication around money issues and encourages honesty and transparency" says Straughan. "Some even suggested that these developments can often bleed over into other areas of the relationship, improving communication beyond just the financial realm."
Fidelity's 2021 Couples & Money Study found that couples who communicate well are more likely to expect to live comfortably in retirement, rate their household's financial health as excellent or good and say that money is not their greatest relationship challenge.
Of course, joint banking may not be the right fit for all marriages, and in certain cases it can be better to keep at least some of your finances separate. However, it's still important to discuss, and having a candid discussion regarding finances can help your relationship succeed.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.
- Sean JacksonPersonal finance eCommerce writer
-
Here's Why Walmart Deals are Better Than Amazon Prime Day
With sales for Walmart Deals and Amazon Prime Day running comparable on price, one factor separates them.
-
How to Get Rid of the Things Your Kids Don't Want While Downsizing
Whether moving by necessity or choice, downsizing means deciding what to do with your stuff. Here's what to do if the kids and grandkids don't want it all.
-
Here's Why Walmart Deals are Better Than Amazon Prime Day
With sales for Walmart Deals and Amazon Prime Day running comparable on price, one factor separates them.
-
How to Get Rid of the Things Your Kids Don't Want While Downsizing
Whether moving by necessity or choice, downsizing means deciding what to do with your stuff. Here's what to do if the kids and grandkids don't want it all.
-
When It's Worth Spending Money on Beauty and Skincare — and When You Can Save
Smart Shopping Experts agree that while you don't have to spend three figures on your products, some higher-priced items have value.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel Destinations
You don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
My First $1 Million: Retired Self-Employed Attorney, 75, Coast of Washington
Ever wonder how someone who's made a million dollars or more did it? Kiplinger's My First $1 Million series uncovers the answers.
-
Walmart Takes on Prime Day With Competing July Deals Event
Walmart is launching its own multi-day sales event to rival Amazon Prime Day — and it could be a smart time to shop, even if you're not a member.
-
7 Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the Crowds
Beat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
A Financial Expert's Three Steps to Becoming Debt-Free (Even in This Economy)
If debt has you spiraling, now is the time to take a few common-sense steps to help knock it down and get it under control.