AboutRyan White Expertise I can answer any questions about banks, policies, regulations, or electronic services. As well as general banking questions, regarding deposit products and miscellaneous services, for both consumer and business banking. I am not able to answer lending questions, this includes credit cards.
Experience Five years in teller, new accounts, call center, and branch operations.
Education/Credentials BS Business Management
Various regulatory training
Expert: Ryan White Date: 8/24/2008 Subject: Joint Checking
Question Recently I opened a joint checking account with a friend who was going though a hard time. The account was basically his, I only signed on so I could be able to withdraw cash when it was time to pay bills. He has since moved out of our apartment and has run the account into the negative, about $200 actually. I was wondering if there is any way that I can drop my name off of the account? If not, is there anything I can do to keep from paying that money while also not ruining my credit? What should I do about this?
Thanks,
Kim
Answer Hi Kim,
Unfortunately when you opened the joint account you became a legal owner of the account and can not be removed from the account. The best thing to do would be to pay the account back to a zero balance and close it. This way you are no longer linked to you friend financially.
