Despite the lengthy delay, 59% of people think having a joint account makes managing finances easier.

However, one in 10 people said it made managing money together more difficult, with nearly half saying their partner spending money without discussing it first caused problems.

Other people said joint accounts led to more arguments about money and difficulty agreeing on what to spend money on.

Nearly half (47%) of 18-24-year olds said they felt anxious when opening an account with their partner – more than all other age groups combined.

The survey by MoneySuperMarket found major life decisions often prompted couples to open a joint bank account, with 39% opening one after they got married, 27% taking the plunge when they moved in together, and 22% waiting until they bought a property.

More than two in five (42%) couples have never had a joint bank account.

Sally Francis-Miles, money spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Opening a joint bank account is an important decision in a relationship. It requires trust and honesty and shouldn’t be made lightly.

“A vital thing to remember is that you will be financially linked to the other account holder. In other words, if they have a poor credit rating, yours is likely to suffer as a result. Similarly, if the other person makes the account go overdrawn, both account holders are liable. If either of these are a concern, it may not be the right option for you.”

For more, see: The pros and cons of joint bank accounts