How to Apply for a Joint Credit Card

A joint credit card is perfect for married couples or people involved in a monogamous relationship. This type of card can contain two names of people on a single account and allows both account holders to enjoy the same purchase power and credit limit. If you and your spouse are planning to apply fora joint credit card account but don’t know how, here are some helpful steps:

Step 1

Obtain a credit card application. There are three ways to get an application form. You can go to the bank of your choice and request for the form, visit the website of the issuer and get the application form there, or check your inbox. There is a huge chance that you may have already been offered a credit card application via email.

Step 2

Determine who will be the primary and secondary cardholder. Talk this over with your partner and decide carefully. The primary cardholder will basically have his or her name printed on the monthly bill. If you want to have the highest possibility of getting a high credit limit for your account, it would be best to choose the person who has the higher credit score to be the primary cardholder.

Step 3

Fill out all the important details required on the form. These will include your birth date, full name, home and work address, job details, annual gross income and social security number. Whether you apply on paper or online, you will have to provide the same information.

Step 4

Flip the form over to see the Additional Card section. This is for the secondary cardholder to fill out. The information needed in this part is very minimal. Typically, only the full name, social security number, and the birth date are required.

Step 5

Before submitting the application form, you should verify that all signatory fields have been signed. Online applications are digitally signed by hitting the Submit button. Once filled out and signed, you can return the form to the issuer or mail it to them. Submitting the application denotes that you completely understand the terms and conditions implemented on the credit card account. These include the repayment of debts and fees. The signature of the secondary cardholder signifies that he or she understands that all the negative activities with the card will influence both parties’ credit history.

After mailing the form, you can wait for the approval or the denial of the application. Usually, you will receive the mail two to three weeks after submitting the application. Remember that even though the primary cardholder is responsible for the payment, both people’s credit history will be evaluated. Although you are not the primary cardholder, any credit misuse will legally impact your credit score. Therefore, both of you should be responsible enough to handle credit card usage.

A joint credit card account is ideal for couples who trust each another. Both can use the same card and charge purchases against it. Splitting the bills is convenient as it enables easy management of credit card bills.