Can You Get Joint Credit Cards? What to Know

Many individuals inquire about “joint credit cards” to share financial access or responsibility with another person, such as a spouse or family member. The common perception is that these cards operate like joint bank accounts, where two individuals are equally primary account holders and equally liable for the debt from the outset. However, true “joint credit cards” are not widely available in the U.S. consumer credit card market. This article clarifies this distinction and explains common methods for shared credit card access.

Understanding Joint Credit Card Concepts

Many consumers anticipate finding credit cards that function identically to joint checking accounts, where two individuals possess equal primary ownership and responsibility. In such a true joint account, both individuals would be equally liable for all debt incurred, meaning either party could be pursued for the full outstanding balance. Unlike joint bank accounts or certain business credit arrangements, this model is rarely offered by major consumer credit card issuers in the United States today.

Historically, joint credit card applications were more common, but they have become less prevalent. Financial institutions generally prefer a credit card account to be the responsibility of a single individual, which simplifies debt collection and accountability. The most common method for sharing credit card access in the U.S. consumer market is through the “authorized user” model, where one person is granted permission to use another’s card.

Authorized Users Explained

An authorized user is an individual who receives permission from the primary cardholder to make purchases using the credit card account. They may receive their own physical card with their name on it, linked to the primary account.

The primary account holder retains sole legal responsibility for all charges made on the account, including those incurred by the authorized user. The credit card company cannot pursue the authorized user for unpaid debts.

Adding an authorized user involves the primary account holder contacting their credit card issuer directly. This can be done by phone, through the issuer’s online account portal, or via their mobile application. While some premium credit cards may levy a fee for adding authorized users, many standard cards do not. Once added, it takes a few business days for the authorized user to receive their card in the mail.

Authorized users can make purchases and may track spending or redeem rewards, depending on the issuer’s policies and the primary cardholder’s settings. However, they cannot make account changes, such as increasing the credit limit, closing the account, or adding other authorized users. Most issuers require an authorized user to be at least 13 or 16 years old. The primary account holder can remove an authorized user at any time by contacting the card issuer, and an authorized user can also request to be removed. Upon removal, the authorized user’s card will be deactivated, and the primary cardholder should request a new card number to prevent further use.

Credit and Financial Impact

For the primary account holder, the financial impact is direct. They are solely liable for all debt on the account, and the account’s payment history, credit utilization, and age directly influence their credit score. Overspending by an authorized user or late payments will negatively affect the primary cardholder’s credit score.

For the authorized user, while they are not legally responsible for the debt, the account’s activity can be reported to major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion under their name. This reporting can potentially benefit an authorized user’s credit score if the primary account holder maintains a history of on-time payments and low credit utilization. Conversely, missed payments or high credit utilization on the primary account could negatively impact the authorized user’s credit. Authorized users do not build their own independent credit history or credit lines in the same manner as a primary account holder, but rather benefit from the primary account’s history being reflected on their report.

Practical Considerations for Shared Spending

Effective management of shared credit card spending, especially with an authorized user, requires clear and ongoing communication between all parties involved. It is important to establish upfront agreements on spending limits and who is responsible for paying which charges. This proactive approach helps prevent misunderstandings and potential financial strain.

Regularly reviewing statements together can help ensure transparency and prevent disagreements about financial obligations. Setting up alerts for spending thresholds or upcoming due dates can also aid in monitoring usage and avoiding late payments. This joint oversight promotes responsible financial habits.

While an authorized user arrangement is common for shared credit card access, other financial tools can complement this setup for broader shared expenses. For instance, establishing a joint checking account for shared household bills can streamline financial management and simplify expense tracking. Utilizing budgeting applications can also help both parties track expenditures and maintain financial alignment, ensuring all shared expenses are covered effectively.