Joint account?

[DustyLee123]

DM is unable to sort her own money on the iPad now. I’m NOK and have both POA’s. She wants us to have a joint bank account so that I can sort her money for her, we’d open one and I’d transfer money as necessary from her own account. Is this allowed? If so, which banks will do it?

Third party authorisation allows you to do all of what you are wanting. And it’s much easier to set up than registering POA. Just need to go into the bank with your mother and various bits of ID and she gives permission for you to have access. You get a debit card and internet access. Can pay bills and transfer etc. the only thing you can’t do is open and close accounts or change addresses.

She’s too ill to go in to the bank, and I’ve already got POA.

Your mum doesn't need to be there. When I activated POA for my parents I just went to the bank. They were so helpful. They didn't contact my parents at all so it wouldn't matter that your mum is in hospital.

I went to the bank with the POA doc any my IDs etc. I now have a card on the account and all statements come to me plus I have telephone banking set up. I haven't got round to internet banking yet as it hasn't been necessary.

Don’t just go into the bank. Ring them first, or look online on the bank’s website for information about what to do. You’ll probably need to make an appointment, and you’ll need to find out what ID is required. But honestly, just use the POA.

Is the PoA registered with the Office of the Public Guardian?

if it is, then all you need to do is take it into the bank and get them to register it on her accounts. Some banks need you to make an appointment to do this. Check their website before making a trip to a branch.

For registration of an LPA some banks let you do this online now so might be worth looking at the website for your mum's bank (and if they don't do online they'll tell you what their requirements are regarding ID etc for registration and account access

DH was named as joint holder on MILs bank current account. He did also have POA, but the advantage explained by the bank was that the account was not frozen when she died, allowing him to pay for funeral and household bills directly. The solicitor doing the estate settlement was aware, and DH kept records/ receipts etc. He left her savings account in her name only.
While she was alive it meant he was able to review her statements. It worked well and there were no tax issues as he took no income from it and no benefits to consider etc.