Account models for couples - The perfect account system for marriage or partnership

According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 40% of all marriages in Switzerland end in divorce. If "normal" partnerships were included, the figure would be even higher.

This has to do with money and finances insofar as money is known to be one of the most common reasons for disputes in relationships and families.

So if you want to have a long-term, happy partnership or marriage, you should Solve joint finances in your relationship intelligently. To exaggerate somewhat, you could say that choosing the right account model in a partnership is almost as important as love itself.

It's about achieving joint financial goals without losing individual freedom. In this article on the account model for couples, you'll find out how to manage your Manage money harmoniously, transparently and fairly with savings pots and account models for families can.

Overview of the various account models:

Single account model for couples:

Everyone keeps their Own account. Ideal if you and your partner want to keep your finances separate. You might split the bills, but otherwise everything you earn is yours and everything your partner earns is his.

Joint account for couples:

One account for all joint expenses. From rent to grocery bills - this model ensures transparency and simplification of your joint finances.

The "three-account model for couples":

A Combination of individual and joint accounts. You each keep your personal accounts for individual expenses and also set up a joint account for everything you share. The 3-account model for couples offers you a good A mixture of independence and togetherness.

Introducing Zak and the money-saving pots:

Zak brings a breath of fresh air to traditional account models. With the innovative savings pots Zak offers free, virtual sub-accounts that you can set up as you wish for your individual or joint savings goals. Without such free accounts, an account model would quickly become an expensive affair if monthly fees were incurred for all accounts.

Whether for the next big trip, the shared dream car or the savings goal "wedding" - the virtual savings pots make it possible to work towards goals together and keep an overview at the same time.

You can find out exactly how you can use Zak and avoid account management fees for your joint account model in a moment.

Top recommendations for 2026

Your key to success! Discover our top recommendations from real testimonials.

In-depth consideration of the joint account models:

Share single account model:

This model is perfect for couples who value Financial independence lay. You and your partner can spend your own money as you see fit without having to account for it. The disadvantage? You would have to agree on who pays which joint bills, which can sometimes lead to confusion.

So you will be talking a lot about your expenses and Maintain good money communication have to. If you want to split all amounts directly, you'll have a lot of work to do. This is because you will then have to split all joint expenses directly and carry out transactions to achieve a fair balance.

A big advantage? If there is no joint account, there is a clear separation for every expense. For each payment, you can decide how much each individual should contribute to this sum.

Advantages and risks of a joint account:

The Joint account for couples is probably the ideal solution for anyone who wants to manage their expenses together without much effort. You simply decide how much each of you pays into the joint account each month.

The catch? It requires a High level of trustas both partners have equal access to the account. Even without Marriage contract of course.

Accordingly, you need to agree on which expenses are okay and which don't feel right for one person. Especially if you have very different salaries, it's better to talk too much than too little about your money and your joint expenses. More tips on this below.

Another major disadvantage, or rather The great danger is dependence. If something goes wrong with the account, both people are insolvent. This becomes clear in the event of death. In such cases, the bank often blocks joint accounts until the rightful heirs have been identified. A second account, for example for the nest eggshould therefore be listed in your individual names.

The "three-account model for couples":

The The golden mean is probably a three-account model for couples. Here you enjoy both the autonomy of your personal accounts and the simplicity of a joint account for shared spending. However, this model may be a little requires more coordination and communicationto ensure that all finances are in balance and always fair.

Incidentally, you can customise the 3-account model for couples as you wish and add custody accounts for your investments, for example. Here is one Instagram post to that.

Guide: How to choose the right account system for couples with Zak

Deciding on the right account model depends on your personal preferences, financial goals and life situation. Zak makes it easy for you to choose a model that suits you, while offering the flexibility to customise it as required.

Sit down together and discuss your financial goals: Do you want to save for a future together, or do you value individual financial freedom? Your goals determine the right model.
Use the savings pots from Zak: Zak offers you the option of creating virtual sub-accounts that are tailored to your joint and individual savings goals.
Set up your savings pots: Name each savings pot after your common goals - for example "Household", "Wedding", "Holiday" or "New car".
Share your savings pots: You can create shared spending pots directly as shared savings pots.
Assign common expenses: If a person then makes an expenditure for this joint pot, the amount can be split individually. For example, a split of 50:50 or in another ratio.
Equalisation by the second person: The second person sees the joint expenditure and can settle the split amount owed with one click.
Customise your model if necessary: Your financial goals and circumstances can change. Zak gives you the freedom to adjust your accounts and savings pots at any time.

Our financial tips for 2026

"Intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others".

We have compiled our top selection for you from all our tests and experience reports:

Case studies and examples of the family account models

Case study 1: Equal income

Anna and Remo both work full-time and earn roughly the same amount. They decide in favour of the 3-account modelto manage their finances.

Joint account: They set up a joint account into which they both pay the same amount of money for joint expenses such as rent, food and holidays. Each transfers CHF 1,500 per month to this account.
Own accounts: Anna and Remo keep their personal accounts for individual expenses such as hobbies, personal savings goals or gifts.
Zak Saving Pots: To save for specific joint goals such as a honeymoon or renovation work, they use the Zak savings pots. They set up a separate savings pot for each goal and save the monthly contributions there.

Case study 2: Different incomes

Carla and David have significantly different incomes. Carla earns significantly more as a doctor than David, who works as a teacher.

Joint account: Instead of paying in fixed amounts, they decide to use a percentage of their income for joint expenses. Carla pays 70% and David 30% of the joint costs, adjusted to their income ratio. David works a lower salary and would like to do more work for the joint household.
Own accounts: They also keep individual accounts for personal expenses, their respective nest eggs and personal projects and hobbies.
Fairness through the Zak savings pots: In order to maintain fairness and at the same time achieve joint savings goals, they use savings pots. In addition to the joint savings pots, they agree that Carla will set up a personal savings pot for David, into which she will pay a fixed amount each month to compensate for David's lower income. This amount can be used for David's personal goals or larger joint purchases.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can we also set up the Zak savings pots for the family? Sure, you can share the savings pots with up to 10 people and thus conveniently share family expenses or costs in a shared flat.
Can we both access the savings pots? Yes, both partners have access and can see how the savings goals are progressing at any time.
What happens when our relationship ends? Joint savings pots can be easily adjusted or cancelled.

In the event of a separation, you should ensure that the joint pots are balanced and that no more amounts are owed.

If an amount is still outstanding, person A could send a reminder to person B via "Zak Instant" ("Request money" function then triggers an SMS) and ask them to pay the remaining amount. As soon as the debt has been settled, the shared pot can be deleted.

As both people have their own Zak account, nothing else needs to be arranged.

Our financial tips for 2026

"Intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others".

We have compiled our top selection for you from all our tests and experience reports:

Conclusion on the account model for couples

The choice of a suitable account model can strengthen your relationship and Minimise financial disputes. The statistics clearly show that financial disagreements are often a reason for separation. A clever account model, such as the 3-account model supplemented by Zak's Saving Pote, makes it possible for you, organise joint finances fairly and transparently.

Whether with similar or different incomes, the aim is to create a Balance between joint expenditure and individual freedom to find. The examples presented show how each partner can be treated fairly by adapting the joint account model to your needs.

In short, the right financial strategy will allow you to grow together and realise your joint dreams faster without giving up your personal independence.

How are you currently approaching the topic of finances in your partnership? Feel free to share your strategy and account model in the comments!

Sources:

FSO Divorce frequency in Switzerland

Transparency note: This article was created in collaboration with Zak from Bank Cler. The content and presentation have nevertheless been freely and independently created by Schwiizerfranke.

The information on Zak is intended exclusively for persons domiciled in Switzerland. A Zak account can only be opened with domicile in Switzerland.

4 responses

Felix Uehlinger says:

14. August 2024 at 11:48

Hello Eric
What I'm missing is the information in the event of death. In most cases, the joint account is blocked for a certain period of time and the surviving dependant has to ask the bank for every franc.
We therefore recommend the 3-account solution with a sufficient nest egg.
But I don't know what it looks like with the Zak account.
Greetings

Reply
1. Eric says:
  
  15. August 2024 at 7:40
  
  Hello Felix,
  This always depends on the case (and the bank), but it is an important point.
  As a couple or family, you should therefore never have all your money in one account. Separate accounts and accounts that are only in the name of one person are therefore very important. To prevent the costs from getting completely out of hand, I recommend Accounts with free account management (and good interest rates) to use.
  
  Reply
Andre says:

14. August 2024 at 11:41

What is the situation with Zak if you have a joint account and you need one or two credit cards to make payments? Is there an annual fee on the cards (Visa or Mastercard)?
Can I pay at Zak with Twint from my joint account?

Reply
1. Eric says:
  
  15. August 2024 at 7:38
  
  Hello Andre,
  Visa debit is free of charge. However, the situation is different with a fully-fledged credit card, including when it comes to sharing with Zak savings pots.
  
  Reply

Write a comment