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What is a Joint Credit Card Account?

6 min read

Last Updated: April 16, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

A joint credit card account is shared between two people who have access to the account and responsibility for the balance.
All activity on the account equally affects both parties.
Alternatives to a joint credit card include opening an account with a cosigner, adding an authorized user to an account, or using a secured credit card.

Joint credit card accounts are an option for those looking for a convenient way to share finances with someone else. But it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you decide to open a joint credit card account. Establishing shared finances with a friend or family member requires a significant amount of trust and communication.

What is a joint credit card account?

A joint credit card account is like a traditional credit card account. The primary difference is that, instead of one cardholder, two cardholders have shared financial responsibility for the account and access to the credit limit.

With a joint credit card account, two parties–from couples and business partners to friends and family members–have access to the account and are jointly responsible for the annual fee, credit card debt, and all other aspects of account management.

Most major issuers don't offer joint credit card accounts. It may be difficult for a credit card company to assess a joint credit card application if the applicants have very different credit histories.

If your credit card company allows joint credit cards, opening an account may offer you and the other joint account holder some benefits, especially if you already have shared finances.

Do joint credit card holders share a credit score?

Joint credit card holders don’t share a credit score, but as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes, the activity on joint credit card accounts will affect both of your credit scores individually.

Using a joint account responsibly may positively impact both of your credit scores, depending on your credit history. The flip side can also be true. Late or missed payments and high credit card balances may appear on each cardmember’s credit report. Activity on your joint account may affect each credit score differently.

Can I add someone as a joint account holder to my Discover Card?

No, Discover doesn’t allow joint account holders on credit card accounts.

Pros and cons of joint credit card accounts

If you’re considering a joint credit card account, there are important factors you should weigh to help inform your decision.

Pros:

If cardholders make on-time payments and keep their balance low, joint credit card accounts may help both parties build credit history.
Getting a joint credit card could help the person with a lower credit score secure a credit line and favorable terms they may not have qualified for otherwise.
You may be able to earn more credit card rewards on a joint card. If your shared credit card is a rewards card that aligns with your spending habits, you and the joint cardmember may earn cash back on your everyday purchases.

Cons:

Carrying a high balance can negatively impact each cardholder’s credit score, regardless of who did the spending.
Both cardholders are equally responsible for the debt of a joint credit card account. If one person runs up a considerable balance, the other person is also accountable for that balance.
Disputes about paying the joint credit card debt on the account can arise between cardholders. This can strain relationships and even lead to legal battles.

Alternatives to joint credit card accounts

Maybe your credit card issuer doesn’t offer joint credit card accounts or a joint card doesn’t seem like a good fit. In that case, you may consider the following alternatives to help you access credit, build credit history, and meet other financial needs.

Cosigning for a credit card

Opening a credit card account with a cosigner is one alternative to opening a joint credit card account that may help the primary cardholder build credit history. Please note that Discover doesn’t allow cosigners on its credit cards.

Unlike joint credit card accounts, the cosigner doesn’t have access to the account. The cosigner does agree to take responsibility and repay the balance should the account holder default on payments, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Keep in mind that many card issuers don’t allow cosigners.

Adding a user to an existing credit card account

An authorized user agreement is another option worth exploring. In this type of agreement, a user is added to an existing account but isn’t responsible for repayment of the debt. The primary cardmember has to repay the balance and cover any annual fee. For example, a parent may want to add their child as an authorized user to a credit card account, as long as the child is old enough per the card issuer’s terms. Age requirements may vary by card issuer.

Authorized users receive their own cards and access to the primary cardmember’s credit limit to make everyday purchases. Because the primary cardmember is solely accountable for payments, this account-sharing method is typically less risky for the card issuer.

If your purpose to become an authorized user is to build your credit history, then first check that the credit card issuer reports both the primary and authorized user account details to a major credit bureau. If not, then the card activity won’t appear on either credit report and won’t affect either credit score.

If both parties use the credit card responsibly, becoming an authorized user can be an excellent way to build credit history.

How can you build credit history on your own?

There are ways to build (or rebuild) credit history without involving another person.

If you’d prefer to do it alone, use a secured credit card. Secured credit cards require a deposit, which usually will equal your credit limit. If you default on your payments, the deposit serves as collateral.

Did you know?

The Discover it^{^®} Secured Credit Card can help you build credit with responsible use.²

See If You're Pre-Approved

By creating smart habits, like making on-time payments, you could eventually qualify for an unsecured credit card, which may further strengthen your credit history.

The bottom line

Joint credit cards aren’t for everyone. Their terms vary depending on the credit card company. So it’s essential to be as educated as possible before deciding to open one with someone else. You may be ready for a joint account if you’re comfortable with the fact that the actions of each joint account holder affect you both. It’s important to communicate about your spending habits, credit card payments, and shared finances to avoid issues that could hurt both your scores. Whatever your decision, just know that you have other options available.

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