The goal of this study is to explore new topologies for adhesively bonded composite overlap joints in order to improve their strength under tensile loading. Multiple stacked overlaps, also referred as finger joints, are compared with single overlap topologies. The quasi-static tensile behaviour of single lap joints with two overlap lengths 12.7 mm and 25.4 mm are compared to finger joints with 1 and 2 stacked overlaps through thickness with constant 12.7 mm overlap length. Two composite adherend stacking sequences are tested for each topology [0/90]4s and [90/0]4s. A non-linear FE-analysis is performed to analyse the shear and peel stresses along the adhesive bond line. A difference in peak shear and peel stress, at the tip of the bonded region could be observed: (i) for 1 finger, the peak peel stress is higher than in the single lap joint configurations because the beneficial effect of avoiding eccentricity in the finger …