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What to Consider to Find the Best Credit Card for Couples

6 min read

Published April 9, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A credit card could help couples manage their finances and earn rewards.
Most credit card issuers don’t allow joint credit cards. However, you could still choose cards that complement each other, or add one partner to the other’s account as an authorized user.
Before choosing a credit card, couples should consider their financial goals, credit histories, and spending habits.

A credit card can have many benefits for you and your partner, from helping you manage your budget to earning miles for your next trip. Credit card issuers don’t usually offer couples a joint credit card account. However, you could still share an account by adding one partner as an authorized user on the other person’s credit card. Alternatively, you can keep your accounts separate but choose cards that complement each other. Read on to learn how you can choose the best credit card for couples to meet your financial needs.

How to choose a credit card for couples

The best credit card for a couple depends on each person’s preferences and financial background. Personal financial factors like your credit scores can help you determine the cards you may qualify for. Asking some simple questions may help you identify your credit goals.

What do you need a credit card for?

The best credit card for you and your partner should align with how you plan to use it. Suppose you and your partner are preparing for a major project, like a wedding or home renovation. In that case, you might want a card with a high credit limit to expand your overall available credit. Typically, credit card issuers base credit limits on factors like your income and credit history. If you want a higher credit limit, the person who applies for the card should ideally have a stable income and a high credit score.

If you plan on financing major purchases, you may also want to take advantage of a low interest rate introductory promotion. A credit card issuer may offer new cardmembers a lower intro APR for a fixed period after they open their credit card account. You may be able to minimize your interest by paying off major purchases during the promotional period.

Maybe you just want a credit card to cover everyday costs, like gas or groceries. In that case, you may want a credit card that rewards your most frequent purchases with cash back or miles.

Are you looking for credit card rewards?

With rewards credit cards, you can earn cash back or miles as you shop. Some credit cards offer flat-rate rewards for all eligible purchases, which may work well for couples who want a simple, straightforward reward option. However, many credit cards offer bonus rewards in certain categories.

Couples can maximize their credit card rewards by choosing a cash back card that aligns with their spending habits. If you go out to eat every weekend, for example, you may want a credit card that allows you to earn bonus cash back for each dollar spent at restaurants.

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If one of you already has a rewards credit card, then a little strategic thinking could help you take your rewards even further. Consider what combination of cards could best serve your budget and your shopping habits. For example, maybe you already earn rewards on groceries. Your partner may want to apply for a credit card that offers bonus cash back in another area of your budget, like gas or streaming services.

Do you plan to travel?

Whether you’re planning one major getaway, like a honeymoon or anniversary vacation, or you just love adventuring together, a travel rewards credit card may make your trips easier. Like other rewards credit cards, travel cards allow you to earn as you use your card. However, instead of cash back, you accrue credit card miles based on the amount you spend. Rates vary across cards. Some credit card issuers offer bonuses for travel-related transactions, like flights or hotels. Others offer bonuses in everyday shopping categories.

Typically, once you earn enough miles, you can redeem them for travel purchases like flights. Discover offers more flexible redemption options. Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants, and more.²

Does one of you need to build or rebuild credit?

If you or your partner don’t have a credit history or have a lower credit score than you’d like, you might look for an option that’ll help build or rebuild credit history without requiring a credit check.

The partner with a stronger credit history may be able to help their partner by adding them as an authorized user on an existing credit card account. Authorized users may get their own card to use normally, but can’t make changes to the account. The primary cardmember’s activity appears on both parties’ credit reports, affecting both scores. If something goes wrong, this could cause conflict, so it’s important to ensure you trust each other and understand the risks.

A secured credit card may also help you or your partner build or rebuild credit history over time with responsible use.³ Secured credit cards require a deposit to “secure” the card. The credit limit typically equals the security deposit. If the cardmember doesn’t repay their balance, the card issuer may apply the deposit to cover it and close the account. Because of this safety net, credit card companies don’t usually require a credit check. Credit activity on a secured credit card, like any other credit card, is reported to the major credit bureaus. Positive habits like maintaining a low balance and making consistent, on-time payments may help build credit history over time.

Are you looking to consolidate all of your credit card debt onto one card?

If you’re struggling to manage several different credit card bills each month, you may want to use a credit card to consolidate your debts. That way, you can reduce the number of credit card bills you have to keep track of and get on top of payments.

Did you know?

With a credit card balance transfer offer, you may also be able to take advantage of a low intro APR promotion. When your balance accrues interest at a lower rate after a credit card balance transfer, it may be easier to pay down your debt.

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Risks of sharing credit cards as a couple

Sharing a credit card account is a major decision for any couple. Before you make the leap, it’s important to understand the risks.

Most credit card issuers may not allow joint credit card accounts because both people’s credit card activity affects each credit score. That could also be an issue if interpersonal conflicts arise. Plus, a shared credit card account might make it easier to exceed credit limits. Separate accounts and authorized user arrangements may help you manage your finances together with less risk.

A credit card could help couples manage their budgets, earn rewards, or build their credit history. To find the best fit, approach the decision thoughtfully and carefully consider your priorities.

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