Joint Account vs Separate Accounts: What's Best for Couples?

The eternal couple question: merge everything, keep it separate, or somewhere in between?

Option 1: Fully Joint

Pros:

• Complete transparency
• Simpler to manage
• True "we" mentality

Cons:

• No financial independence
• Can't buy surprise gifts easily
• Challenging if relationship ends

Option 2: Fully Separate

Pros:

• Financial autonomy
• No money arguments
• Simple if you split up

Cons:

• Complex bill splitting
• Can feel less unified
• Hard to track shared goals

Option 3: Hybrid (Most Popular)

Joint account for shared expenses, personal accounts for individual spending.

• Both contribute percentage of income
• Shared expenses clear and transparent
• Personal spending remains private

Partner Mode Works for All

Whatever structure you choose, track together with Pocket Clear.