Joint Credit Cards: Are They a Good Idea?

A joint credit card is when two people share a credit card account. Both account holders are equally responsible for paying charges on a credit card. The payment history for the card will appear on both cardholders’ credit reports. Joint account holders also have equal claim over the rewards on the card.

Being a joint credit cardholder isn’t the same as being an authorized user. Authorized users aren’t legally responsible for repaying the debt on the card that they’re added to. Joint credit cards are also rarer than cards that allow authorized users. And as with anything, joint credit cards come with their own set of pros and cons.

How do joint credit cards work?

For issuers that allow it, joint credit cards allow both cardholders to be equally responsible for repaying the debt on the card. Both have equal access to the credit card, with the same rights to make charges and update the account.

A joint account can make household budgeting easier, since you can see all the spending in one spot. In addition, there’s no privacy on a joint card account, which means both account holders can see each others’ charges. If you have a low credit score, you may have better odds of qualifying for a joint account if your co-applicant has a good credit score. However, sharing a credit card with someone can also be risky. A joint account could help or hurt your credit score, depending on the spending habits of the other cardholder.

A joint account is a serious commitment that requires a high level of trust. You should also keep in mind that you likely won’t be able to remove your name from the account unless the other account holder agrees to closing it.

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Joint credit cards vs. authorized users

Adding an authorized user to an existing credit card is another way to share an account with a friend or family member, but it’s not the same as having a joint account. Just like a joint account, an authorized user can make charges to your account and can use the payment history from your account to build a credit history.

However, an authorized user won’t be liable for the charges on your account and can be removed at any time, making it a less risky arrangement than a joint account. It’s also much easier to find a card that lets you add an authorized user.

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Which banks offer joint credit cards?

Joint credit cards are rare these days, though a few major issuers still offer joint accounts. U.S. Bank allows cardholders to add a joint owner, even to an existing credit card. PNC Bank and local credit unions may also offer joint credit cards.

How to get a joint credit card

The biggest challenge to getting a joint credit card may be finding an issuer that offers them. Your own issuer may be a good starting point — you should call your bank to see if you can add a joint account holder to your current account. If that’s not possible, you should ask if your issuer will allow you to open a new joint credit card account. If not, you’ll need to search for options with other issuers, including those that we’ve listed above.

After that, you’ll follow a similar process to applying for a credit card individually. You and your joint credit card partner will need to provide your credit history. Approval will depend on both credit scores. So if your co-applicant has a poor credit history, you may need a high credit score to offset it.

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

Can you add a joint owner to a credit card?

This depends on the issuer. U.S. Bank allows a joint account holder to be added to an existing credit card. Other issuers may only allow an authorized user to be added to an existing credit card, but they may have a provision for joint owners to start a new credit card account together. It’s best to contact the issuer directly about this.

Best joint credit cards

Few issuers offer joint credit cards — the following cards are the best options we could find from major issuers.

Alternatives to a joint credit card

While joint credit cards are rare, you do have a few other options that can help build credit:

• Add an authorized user to an existing credit card. This is another way of sharing an account with another person. An authorized user can build their credit and make charges on the credit card, but won’t be responsible for repaying the balance. An authorized user can be removed at any time, and they don’t need to use the card for the account history to appear on their credit report. This option is a lot easier to find than a joint credit card, and it’s one some parents use to help their children build credit.
• Secured credit cards can be a good option if your credit score is too low to qualify for an unsecured credit card. You’ll need to make a cash deposit to secure a credit line, which may match your deposit. You can use the card just like an unsecured card, to make purchases and pay for the purchases later. By making timely payments with the card, you can build credit and eventually qualify for an unsecured credit card.
• Getting a cosigner with a strong credit history can help you qualify for a credit card, if your credit history isn’t strong enough for you to qualify on your own. Note, many credit card issuers don’t allow cosigners. Plus, you’ll need to find a friend or family member who’s willing to be liable for your debt, which might be a no-go.

Is a joint credit card right for you?

A joint credit card can help you and your partner build credit faster and consolidate your household expenses into a single account for easier management. However, a joint account requires a high level of trust and communication. A joint account puts you at risk in case the other account holder isn’t responsible with the card. Furthermore, few issuers offer joint credit card accounts, so you may have a hard time finding a card that fits your needs.

Adding an authorized user is a less risky option that allows you to share an account with a friend or family member and can also help build credit. Since most credit cards let you add an authorized user, this may be the way to go if you’re trying to consolidate expenses on one card.