Open a joint credit card account
Very few credit cards actually allow joint accounts -- with the exception of the Apple Card. Consider the pros and cons of joint accounts before you open one with your partner.
":"eaa4d58c-7e6a-4e9b-9e38-f0b693f8bdf2","title":"Pros","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Couples can build credit and earn rewards together.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Partners can easily see each other's spending in real time.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Both parties are legally responsible for repaying the debt.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Pay just one monthly credit card bill instead of two.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"},{"id":"9ffc46a4-3b9c-453c-b0e6-dc58d5c4fb89","title":"Cons","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Complications can occur if the relationship unravels.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Since one person isn\u2019t solely responsible for repaying the debt, miscommunication can lead to missed payments.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Seeing each other's spending can lead to problems and disagreements.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Joint cards have one line of credit and credit limit, which could be lower than the limit for two separate cards.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]" edition="us">Add each other as authorized users
When a couple doesn't want a joint account or entirely separate credit card accounts, they can consider adding one person to the other person's account as an authorized user.
":"6bd82674-a264-4200-b1dc-13573c678020","title":"Pros","content":"<ul><li>Track spending and pool rewards in one account.<\/li><li>Authorized users earn rewards on purchases just like primary accounts.<\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Partners with imperfect credit get access to a credit card and earn rewards when they may not be able to qualify on their own.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"},{"id":"0f2d760a-691e-40e1-8a52-a17857703c06","title":"Cons","content":"<ul><li><a href="https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/personal-finance\/credit-cards\/advice\/how-being-an-authorized-user-affects-your-credit-score\/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Authorized user accounts<\/span><\/a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> typically don't count toward building credit as much as primary credit accounts.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">The primary account holder is solely responsible for repayment.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Authorized user accounts don't earn a separate welcome bonus when the other person is added to the account.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Some credit cards charge an annual fee for authorized users.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]" edition="us">Open separate accounts of the same card
There are numerous scenarios where it makes the most sense for couples to apply for their own credit card accounts. However, there are downsides to be aware of.
":"f547b4f4-6877-4810-8110-4900c0955bee","title":"Pros","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Couples with separate cards can both earn their own credit card welcome bonus.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Some credit cards let couples pool their rewards in one account.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Separate cards afford more freedom and a greater sense of ownership over their credit.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Both partners build credit with a credit card over time.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"},{"id":"58a2cf40-42ed-437b-84c0-6a136494e3ec","title":"Cons","content":"<ul><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Couples may wind up paying multiple annual fees when they have several cards.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Some credit cards for couples have overlapping benefits.<\/span><\/li><li><span style="font-weight: 400">Having separate accounts makes it easier to keep financial secrets.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]" edition="us">Best credit card strategies for couples
Couples who apply for a credit card with a joint account, as an authorized user on each other's accounts or with separate accounts should be as strategic as they can.
Earn more rewards
Each person having a rewards credit card ensures a greater haul at the end of each year. This is true whether couples opt for a cash back credit card or one that earns travel rewards they can use for their next getaway.
Earn a welcome bonus (twice)
Having both partners sign up for a separate credit card account makes it possible to earn two welcome bonuses as long as each account meets the minimum spending requirement. These bonuses help couples maximize their yearly rewards.
And yes, credit card issuers will let couples who live at the same address get approved for the same credit card and allow each to earn a welcome bonus.
Pair two different cards
Couples can also get two different credit cards with the goal of maximizing rewards. For example, one person can get a credit card with no annual fee to boost cash back rewards for spending, and the other can get a card that offers points that work well for travel.
This works best for credit card rewards programs that let couples pool their points in one account. For example, one person could get the Chase Freedom Unlimited® with no annual fee and the other person could get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. They could then pool all points in the Preferred account to get 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase or find an even better value by transferring points to Chase's airline and hotel partners.
Additional credit card options for couples
- Chase Freedom Flex®: This no annual fee credit card lets cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories (activation required; then 1% back), plus 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025), 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back on other spending.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card*: This flexible travel credit card lets cardholders share points with other members of the Citi ThankYou program, although shared points must be used within 90 days or they expire. It charges a $95 annual fee, yet couples can each earn a generous welcome bonus and earn rewards in popular spending categories.
- American Express® Gold Card: This rewards card for foodies earns 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X), 4X points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1X points), 3X points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amextravel.com and 1X points on other purchases. However, with a $325 annual fee, it's more expensive than other options.
How to apply for a credit card for couples
Picking the right credit card for couples is only half the battle. The other half is applying:
- Compare credit cards: Compare the best credit cards for couples to find options that offer benefits and rewards that make sense for your joint goals. This could be a cash-back credit card, a travel credit card or even two different credit cards that complement each other.
- Check your credit scores: Both partners should use a program like Capital One CreditWise or Chase Credit Journey to get a free look at their credit scores. This can help decide if one partner should be an authorized user or if both partners can get their own accounts.
- Apply securely on the credit card issuer’s website: Once you find a credit card that suits your needs, you can apply online. Filling out the application will require you to share details like your full name, address, phone number, monthly mortgage or rent payment, household income and Social Security number (SSN).
- Find out if you're approved: Many credit card issuers will let you know if you're approved for a card within minutes of submitting your application online. Otherwise, you'll find out about an approval or denial via email or regular postal mail.
FAQs
The best credit card for couples is the Wells Fargo Active Cash. It offers a competitive rewards rate, an introductory purchase APR and a number of useful perks.
Unmarried couples have all the same options as married couples when it comes to getting credit cards. They can each apply for their own account, add each other as an authorized user or apply for a joint credit card like the Apple Card.
Married couples may want to have their own credit card accounts so they are each building their own credit history through responsible use. Separate credit cards for married couples can also offer additional benefits like earning two welcome bonuses or pooling rewards.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Citi Strata Premier Card, Discover it Secured Credit Card, Apple Card and Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
