What is this friend really after?

If he banks online with any major bank, all he needs is the account number and the routing number for DEPOSIT transfers--and he can use that to make a between bank transfer. He may not want to because some banks charge fees for inter-bank transfers--but oh well. You do NOT have to list him on your account, nor should you. The fact that he is repeatedly asking for this is rather troubling, because while some banks allow people to listed only as depositors to an account, others only allow other listees full account privileges, which would be a violation of your privacy. I would ask your bank if there is a way he can use online banking to deposit the money without having actual access to your balance or account information--with most banks there is, but regulations vary from state to state. I do know that with your account number and the deposit routing number, he can't take money, or see any information-- he can only put it in. My other half does that regularly, when he transfers money from his bank in Tucson to mine in Washington, and the same when I transfer money that way, to him and to other people or companies. I use bill pay online for all my bills--I haven't mailed a physical payment in years.

You are very smart for not adding him to your account. With his name on the account, he would have every right to the money in the account that you do. If he agreed to pay you monthly, not monthly as long as you make things easier for him, then it's his obligation to get the payment to you. Not your obligation to make it easier for him. With that logic, you really don't need to do anything. It is as it is. (Besides that, it's over in less than one month). Bill-pay should be very easy to set up as long as his bank has it. He can simply set up an automatic payment from his account to yours for the exact amount. He should be able to say what day of the month he wants the payment to be transferred. Unless his bank doesn't have it. In which case, he's the one that needs to change, not you. This is how I pay my landlord. In fact in my case, a paper check is cut and mailed to her. I don't have to do anything. I'm not on any of her accounts. I don't even know where she banks. All she cares about is receiving my rent monthly and on time. It's not her worry to deal with how I make sure that happens. The same for you. It's not your worry how he makes it happen. That's his problem. If he needs something from you in order to use bill-pay, he needs to find out exactly what that is and he needs to ask you for it. Telling you to put him on the account is just insane.

He may have an ulterior motive. He might want a bank account that he can use for some shady dealings, who knows? You need to tell him that's how it is and will stay and if can't deal with it he can cancel the contract and lose all the money he's paid. Well, maybe not that drastic but you could even suggest he simply take 2 minutes to make out a check and mail his payment to the bank. I'm sure you know that you're liable for the behavior of whomever is on your account. I think he wants to do something not quite legal or at least unethical using your bank account. Otherwise, why all the griping? Good for you for refusing to give in!

It sounds to me like you already did more than what is required to help him make his payments. I have never paid on a mortgage that the lender/landlord set up a special account just for my ease. The responsibility is on him and if he keeps acting foolish you could just close the account because it's "costing" you too much.. then let him figure out how to make a payment like normal people!

I agree with the others who have commented. Everything sounds like you have it set correctly. The only thing about having the same bank would help is quicker transfer time. I get my friend's transfers who has the same bank as mine instantly. If he insists on another method consider paypal since it is still secure with separate accounts. If he keeps complaining I would just gently remind him that you are doing him a favor sort of considering if he bought from a company or bank the process would be more rigid and you are being as accommodating as possible.