The use of Revolut’s Joint Accounts more than doubled globally in 2024, with Spain leading the charge in bringing true financial transparency to their relationship, where the increase was almost 300%. The European younger generation (25-34 year olds) leads the way, representing more than a third (39%) of the total number of joint account users, according to the press release.
When it comes to spending, Revolut’s data shows that European couples have a clear favourite: food. Groceries and restaurants ranked on the top of their joint account spends, showcasing how food plays a vital role in shared experiences and day-to-day living. British couples, on the other hand, stood out for focusing their sharing habits on transportation and shopping.
Almost half of Spanish (49%) and Portuguese (48%) couples declared they have joint bank accounts, the highest across Europe, based on the latest Revolut research investigated how open European couples across 21 countries are when it comes to discussing their finances. Here’s what Revolut discovered:
Till money do us part?
Two-thirds of European couples (66%) are clear about one thing: they’re comfortable discussing money. It’s not just about agreeing in theory – they’re happy to share everything related to finances, believing that being open about money is key to a strong relationship. Nearly half of Italian (45%), German (45%), and French (44%) lead the charge in having open conversations, noting it helps prevent arguments over money.
Trouble in paradise?
But not everyone feels the same way and for some, when it comes to finance, living happily ever after may not be as easy as it seems. In Latvia, one in every five couples (20%) prefer to avoid the subject, admitting they feel uncomfortable discussing money with their partner.
Similarly, 4 out of 10 Romanians (41%) confessed to having arguments about money with their partners because of different points of view on spending and 14% of Dutch couples avoid conversations about money with their partners completely.
In Southern Europe, “what’s mine is yours” is the rule
When it comes to money, Revolut’s research has shown that Spaniards and Portuguese are not only open to discussing it, but also to taking action. Almost half of Spanish (49%) and Portuguese (48%) couples declared they support joint bank accounts, believing they provide maximum transparency to their relationship.
In Southern Europe, the data also revealed that both men and women think joint accounts are a good idea, but Spanish (56%) and Portuguese (59%) men are more into it than women (42% and 38%, respectively). This trend also prevails in Greece, where almost half of men (47%) are keen to have joint accounts, compared to a third (32%) of women.
On the findings, Josh Moloney – Product Owner of Head of Joint Accounts at Revolut, said: “There is no right or wrong way for couples to approach their finances, but the consensus seems to be that most individuals want to be open and honest with their partner when it comes to money. Joint accounts are a great way of opening the conversation about financial goals, spending habits and long-term financial planning, and they are growing in popularity with Revolut customers.
„However couples and loved ones choose to manage their money – whether that is through a joint account or regular financial check ins – the key is to find a level of openness that works for you and your partner, set clear joint money goals and align on your expectations.”
Banking 4.0 – „how was the experience for you”
„So many people are coming here to Bucharest, people that I see and interact on linkedin and now I get the change to meet them in person. It was like being to the Football World Cup but this was the World Cup on linkedin in payments and open banking.”
Many more interesting quotes in the video below:
