Best Credit Cards for Joint Accounts in 2024

You know, most partners share so much – from expenses to household duties. Thus a joint credit card can really make life easier. Think about it: you and your significant other could combine your purchasing power into one slick piece of plastic.

No more needing to transfer money back and forth or split bills. With a joint account, you’re a financial team tackling expenses together. Pretty convenient, right? And you can even earn rewards twice as fast. What do you think – is a joint credit card something you and your partner might consider?

While most major credit card issuers have phased out joint account options, there are still a few that offer this feature. In this post, we will explore the benefits of joint credit card accounts, the top options available, and everything you need to know about applying, activating, and managing your joint account.

Best Credit Cards for Joint Accounts

When it comes to managing finances as a couple, a joint credit card account can be a valuable tool. It allows both partners to share the responsibility of making purchases and payments, while also building credit together. However, finding the right joint credit card can be a challenge, as many issuers have shifted their focus to individual accounts.

Despite this trend, there are still a few options available that cater specifically to couples seeking a joint account. In this guide, we’ll dive into the advantages of joint accounts, highlight the best cards, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Benefits of Joint Credit Card Accounts

While individual credit card accounts are more common these days, joint accounts offer several unique advantages for couples:

Shared Responsibility: With a joint account, both partners are equally responsible for managing the account and making payments. This can promote financial transparency and accountability within the relationship.
Combined Credit History: When you open a joint account, both partners’ credit histories are typically considered, which can improve the chances of approval and potentially result in a higher credit limit.
Simplified Budgeting: Having a single account for shared expenses can make budgeting and tracking joint purchases easier, especially for couples who share living expenses.
Equal Access: Both partners have equal access to the account, including the ability to make purchases, access statements, and manage the account online or via the mobile app.
Potential Rewards and Benefits: Depending on the card, joint accounts may offer the same rewards, benefits, and perks as individual accounts, allowing both partners to take advantage of them.

Top Credit Card Options for Joint Accounts

While joint account options are limited, here are some of the best credit cards that still offer this feature:

1. Apple Card

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on purchases made directly from Apple, including Apple Store, apple.com, Apple TV, and other Apple services. Earn 2% cash back on all other purchases made using Apple Pay.
Annual Fee: $0
Perks: No fees, daily cash back, and the ability to share an account with a co-owner who has equal ownership and responsibility for the account.
Application Process: Both partners must apply together and be approved jointly for the Apple Card.

2. Credit Union Credit Cards

Many credit unions offer joint credit card accounts to their members. While specific card details may vary, here are some general features:

Rewards: Rewards programs can range from cash back to points or miles, depending on the specific credit union and card.
Annual Fees: Most credit union cards have no annual fees or low annual fees.
Perks: Typical perks may include low interest rates, no balance transfer fees, and credit union-specific benefits.
Application Process: Both partners must apply together and be approved jointly for the credit union credit card.

How to Apply for a Joint Credit Card Account

The application process for a joint credit card account is slightly different from applying for an individual account. Here are the typical steps:

Gather Required Information: Both partners will need to provide personal and financial information, such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, employment details, and income information.
Apply Together: Most issuers that offer joint accounts require both partners to apply together, either online, over the phone, or in person at a branch or credit union.
Review and Submit: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the joint account before submitting your application.
Wait for Approval: The issuer will review both partners’ credit histories and combined financial information before making a decision. Approval may take a few days or weeks.
Activate the Account: If approved, follow the instructions provided by the issuer to activate your joint credit card account.

Activating and Managing Your Joint Credit Card Account

Once you’ve been approved for a joint credit card account, it’s important to understand how to activate and manage it effectively:

Activating Your Card

Locate the activation instructions or sticker provided with your new card.
Follow the prompts to activate your card, typically by providing personal information and setting up a PIN for each cardholder.

Creating Online Accounts

Visit the issuer’s website and locate the “Register” or “Enrol” section for creating new online accounts.
Follow the prompts to create separate online accounts for each cardholder, using your individual personal information.
Once logged in, you can view account details, statements, and make payments.

Recovering Login Details

If you forget your login information, most issuers have a “Forgot Username/Password” option on their login page. After providing identifying information, you can reset your credentials or have them sent to your registered email address or phone number.

Making Payments on Your Joint Credit Card Account

Staying on top of your joint credit card payments is crucial to avoiding late fees, interest charges, and potential damage to both partners’ credit scores. Here are some common payment methods:

Online: Log in to your individual online account and make a payment from your linked bank account or another credit card.
Mobile App: Many issuers have mobile apps that allow you to make payments and manage your account on the go.
Automatic Payments: Set up automatic payments from your joint bank account to ensure the minimum payment is made on time each month.
By Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone.
By Mail: Send a check or money order to the payment address listed on your statement.
In-Person: Visit a physical branch location of your card issuer to make a payment in person (if applicable).

Can I get a credit card on a joint account?

Joint credit card accounts are rare, and getting rarer. Issuers generally prefer that a credit card account be the responsibility of a single individual. As a result, few issuers offer joint accounts. Your best bet might be a local bank or credit union rather than a major issuer.

Which banks offer joint credit cards?

Among those that do allow joint credit cards are U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and some credit unions, such as BCU and Alliant. Many issuers offer alternatives, including adding an authorized user who has access to your account but is not liable for the credit card balance.

Is it possible to have a joint credit card account?

If you want to share a credit card with another person (or up to three other people), you’d either need to take a card out in your name and add them as an additional cardholder – or vice versa. Either way, only the main cardholder is responsible for the debt.

Conclusion

While joint credit card accounts may not be as widely available as they once were, they can still be a valuable option for couples who want to share financial responsibilities and build credit together.

When you understand the benefits, explore the top options, and follow the proper application and management processes, you can find a joint credit card account that meets your needs and helps you achieve your shared financial goals.

Note that open communication and responsible usage are key to making the most of a joint credit card account.

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