A bank or brokerage account that is shared between two or more individuals. Joint accounts are most likely to be used between relatives, couples or business partners who have a level of familiarity and trust for each other, as this type of account typically allows anyone named on the account to access funds within it.
Joint accounts can be established on a permanent basis, such as an account between a couple where their salaries are deposited, or may be temporary, such as an account between two parties who contribute funds for a short-term purpose. In the event of a death of one of the account holders, the remaining account holders will have sole access to the funds, as well as any debts associated with the account.
Investment dictionary. Academic. 2012.