Joint credit cards: What you should know before getting one

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, act as legal, financial or credit advice. See Lexington Law’s editorial disclosure for more information.

“For richer and for poorer”—it’s the vow millions of couples make every year. Partners navigate money issues every day, from saving and budgeting to managing debt. A joint credit card offers couples a great opportunity to build credit and manage their finances together, but it requires substantial teamwork and communication.

To better understand how couples navigate their financial journeys together, check out these interesting facts and statistics:

• Couples who pool their money are more likely to stay together. (source)
• 43 percent of U.S. couples living together only have joint accounts. (source)
• 35 percent of couples experiencing relationship stress said money was the primary cause of the issue. (source)
• 43 percent of Americans conceal considerable credit card debt from their partner. (source)

Credit health is something to take very seriously, and joint credit cards can cause problems if they aren’t managed properly. Here, we will discuss what a joint credit card is and its benefits, risks and alternatives—as well as actionable tips for success.

Key takeaways include:

• A joint credit card functions the same way as a regular credit card, except two people share the account.
• Any activity on a joint credit card account will impact both cardholders, and both are equally responsible for paying the card’s balance.
• Potential benefits of joint credit cards include pooled rewards, streamlined finances and improved credit.

Table of contents:

• What is a joint credit card?
• Pros and cons of a joint credit card
• How to apply for a joint credit card
• FAQ about joint credit cards

What is a joint credit card?

A joint credit card functions the same way as a regular credit card, but two people share the account instead of one. Each cardholder has a separate card that connects to the account.

The main difference between a joint credit card and a regular credit card is that both cardholders share the responsibilities and benefits equally. Any activity on either card will impact both cardholders, and both are equally liable for the card’s balance.

Joint credit card vs. authorized users

One alternative to having a joint credit card is to add an authorized user to an existing account.

Adding your partner as an authorized user means that they can make purchases with your credit card, and the positive payment history will appear on their credit report. It can be a fairly safe way to boost their credit by allowing them to benefit from your positive credit history.

But be careful when adding anyone as an authorized user on your card. No matter how much someone else uses the card, you will ultimately be the one legally responsible for paying the balance—not them. If you are considering adding your partner, have an open and honest discussion about your credit limit and how much you’re comfortable with them charging each month.

Joint credit card vs. cosigners

Another alternative to having a joint credit card is to add your partner as a cosigner.

Rather than taking possession and having access to that account as a cardholder, a cosigner vouches for someone applying for a credit card. The cosigner is guaranteeing to the credit card company that they will pay the balance if the cardholder is unable to.

Cosigning for a credit card is a way to help someone increase their chances of being approved, especially if they are working to repair or build their credit.

However, having a cosigner could also have its drawbacks. If the cosigner is responsible for the account and can’t make payments, their credit will be affected.  Additionally, someone taking on debt as a cosigner can make it more difficult for them to get their credit or loans in the future.

	Joint credit card	Authorized user	Cosigner
Responsibility for repayment	Cardholders are equally responsible	Primary cardholder is responsible	Responsible for repaying the primary cardholder’s debt if the they fail to pay
Spending limits	Both users have access to the entire line of credit	Spending limits can be set on authorized user accounts	Doesn’t have the ability to make purchases
Credit score impact	Both users credit scores will be impacted	Credit score may be affected by the primary cardholder’s missed payments	Credit score will likely be affected by missed payments

Pros and cons of a joint credit card

Just like regular credit cards, joint credit cards can offer some wonderful benefits if properly managed. However, there can also be some serious consequences due to miscommunication and lack of responsibility that can harm both cardholders. Before applying, make sure you’re aware of all the pros and cons.

Streamline your finances

When it comes to budgeting, joint accounts—both checking and credit—help simplify your finances. That’s because both people’s transactions are now under one account instead of separate ones. A joint account can help you both get a view of your financial health as a couple and manage your money as a team.

Potential con: If either person abuses their card privileges, they may add stress and even resentment to the relationship. Additionally, if a couple needs to separate or divorce, dealing with joint credit cards can be complicated.

Tip: Maintain open and honest communication about card use, especially large purchases. This will help you stay on track with your budget and financial goals as a couple.

Pool your rewards

A joint credit card gives you the ability to amplify your cashback rewards by pooling them in the same account, rather than scattering them among multiple credit cards. Additionally, since the account is being used by two people, the card may see higher use than a singularly owned one, which will rack up the rewards faster.

Potential con: Options for joint credit cards are very limited, so it may be tricky to find a rewards program that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Tip: Thoroughly research the annual fees, incentives and cashback percentages before applying for a joint credit card. We detail the three most common options in a later section of this article.

Improve your credit

Joint credit cards have the potential to boost both of your credit scores, as long as you make on-time payments each month. Additionally, if one person does not have good enough credit to apply for a card on their own, they can leverage the other person’s better credit to score a joint credit card with better interest rates and terms.

Potential con: Just as joint credit cards have the potential to boost your credit, they also have the potential to harm it—even if it’s not directly your fault. If your partner fails to uphold their payment agreement or charges enough on the card to push you past a 30 percent credit utilization rate, your score will likely take a dip.

Tip: Make an agreement on how payments will be made each month to ensure no payments are late or missed. Consider setting up automatic monthly payments to ensure each person contributes to paying off the balance.

How to apply for a joint credit card

If you and your partner decide to apply for a joint credit card, the application process can be similar to that of a standard individual account. Whether you go to the bank or apply directly online, both applicants must provide their financial histories. The card issuer will then conduct a credit check on each applicant’s report.

If both credit scores are high enough to qualify, both of you will:

• Be given full access to the account
• Be able to make adjustments and changes whenever you want
• Have complete discretion over how much money you spend
• Share equal responsibility for making payments

When it comes to charges, an issuer usually doesn’t make a distinction among cardholders, and monthly statements are not typically broken up based on how much each account holder spends. The entire quantity due on the account must be paid when the card’s payment due date arrives, just as you would with an individual account. Therefore, keep in mind that even if you each acquire a card, the credit balance will still total one sum.

Frequently asked questions about joint credit cards

Once you have decided to apply for a joint credit card, you may be wondering what’s next. After reading your card’s terms and conditions, you may have additional questions, such as the ones below:

Does a joint credit card build credit?

Yes—you may be able to build your credit if the account is managed properly. Just like a regular credit card, consistent, on-time payments will have a positive impact on your credit—no matter which person pays.

In your journey of building credit, remember to check your credit report regularly, as errors are all too common. If you spot any questionable negative items, Lexington Law can work to help you dispute them. Getting any errors removed from your report can typically boost your credit and help you work to reach your financial goals.

How do I get my name off a joint credit card?

Unlike an authorized user credit card—which is easy to remove yourself from—it is difficult to remove yourself from a joint credit card without completely closing the account. To do this, both parties must agree to pay off the entire balance before closing the account or satisfy whatever requirement the credit card company has for removing one user from a joint credit card account. Keep in mind that this may temporarily lower your credit, as it will cause your credit utilization rate to increase and your credit diversity to decrease.

What happens to a joint credit card when someone dies?

Notify your credit card issuer immediately in the event that someone on your joint credit card passes away. Ask if they had set up any recurring charges on the card and see that they are canceled. You should then be able to continue using the card normally as the sole cardholder. Keep in mind that you will still be responsible for paying off the balance, regardless of who charged it.

Build your credit together the right way

Whether you are married, in a civil partnership or living together, a joint credit card can be a great way to streamline your finances, pool rewards and boost your credit score if managed properly.

If you decide to move forward with a joint account, make sure you provide clear, respectful and thorough communication about your finances with your partner, and check your credit report regularly to stay on top of potential errors. If you find any mistakes on your credit report, contact Lexington Law for a free personalized credit report consultation to see how we can help.

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