Only a few balance transfer credit cards accept debt that's in another person's name or from a joint account – even if it's your partner. It's usually simpler if you and your partner already share a joint-account credit card, but it may also be possible in other circumstances. So, let's take a look at your options.
Different ways to balance transfer someone's credit card debt
If you want to transfer your partner or someone else's balance to a credit card that's held in your name, there are two main options you can consider.
Transferring a debt between two people’s names
With this option, you would transfer the debt from your partner’s credit card to your own credit card (or a new balance transfer card that you have applied for). Their name would be removed from the debt once the balance transfer is processed, which means you would become the person legally responsible for the debt.
Keep in mind that not all providers allow this type of transfer, so make sure you check before requesting the balance transfer.
Getting a joint account for the debt
Joint account credit cards are rare in Australia but if you can get one, you and your partner would share legal responsibility for the credit card account and any balance that you transfer onto it.
If you apply for a balance transfer with a credit card provider that offers joint accounts, both you and your partner will need to provide your details when you apply.
Depending on the provider, you may also be able to add your partner as a joint account holder after you have applied for the card. The option of transferring debt from one person's account to a joint account varies depending on the provider, so it's a good idea to call them before you apply for a joint credit card.
Steps to transfer a balance to another person's credit card
Compare credit cards. Compare balance transfer credit cards to find one that offers competitive interest rate and promotional period.
Check the balance transfer terms and conditions. Make sure the credit card allows balance transfers between different account names. For cards not listed on this page, you can check the product disclosure statement or call the provider for more information.
Apply for the credit card. You will need to provide details including your full name, address, driver's licence or passport number and employment.
Include details of the balance transfer. You will need to provide details of the account including the name and details of the primary account holder (e.g. your partner), the account number, the financial institution’s name, the BSB (where relevant) and the amount of debt to be transferred to the new card.
Include details of any secondary cardholders. If the issuer requires your partner to be a secondary cardholder in order to process their balance transfer, make sure your partner fills out the relevant sections of the application.
Submit the application. You should get an initial response within a few minutes. If you get conditional approval, follow the steps outlined by the issuer to complete the application process and finalise the balance transfer.
Once this process is successfully completed, you should receive your new credit card within 5-10 working days, although it could take up to 21 days in some cases. After you activate the new card, the issuer will process the balance transfer.
Make sure you stay in touch with the new issuer and be ready to answer any questions or provide supporting documentation as requested to help the transfer go as smoothly as possible.
How to apply for a joint balance transfer credit card with your partner
To transfer a balance from an existing joint account Apply for the credit card as usual and include details of the balance transfer request, including all the names of the joint account holders, as well as the account number, financial institution and the amount of debt you want to transfer. You can go through this process with an individual credit card in your name, or apply for a credit card that offers joint account status for you and your partner.
To transfer a balance from your partner’s account to a new joint credit card account Find a credit card issuer that allows "joint primary cardholders" and compare their balance transfer offers. Depending on the issuer you will either be able to apply and get joint account status immediately or apply as an individual and then have your partner request and fill out an additional application to be added as a joint primary cardholder.
Risks of taking on someone else's credit card debt
If you're transferring a credit card debt to someone else – or they're taking on your debt – it means you're also legally changing who is responsible for it. But the agreement between both of you usually won't be based on a written contract, and can have other impacts.
So before going ahead with a balance transfer from one person to another, make sure you think about the following.
Your credit history and credit score
If you transfer debt from someone else to an account in your name, it will be added to your credit report and have an impact on your credit score.
Your future borrowing power
Taking on more debt can also have an impact on how much you can borrow in the future. For example, if you decide you want a new car or are saving up to buy a home, lenders will look at all your current accounts. Any debt – regardless of where it came from – can impact your ability to borrow the money you need for your goals.
Your relationship with the person
Having someone take on another person's debt could have an impact on the dynamics of a relationship. In some cases, it may feel like you owe them or they owe you.
The National Debt Helpline states that you should carefully think about how you'll manage a relationship "where there's a constant awareness that you're in debt to that person. Many relationships have ended over the issue of money."
If you want more information on relationship issues and debt, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit the website and speak to a financial counsellor for free.
Mistakes to avoid when transferring a balance from someone else’s card
Applying for a card that doesn’t allow balance transfers from someone else’s account. Not all credit cards let you transfer another person’s credit card debt to a new card in your name. Make sure you check these details before you apply to avoid a declined application.
Not discussing payments. If you're sharing a balance transfer credit card account (whether it's a joint account or otherwise), it’s important to be clear on how and when you and the other person will make payments towards the balance of the credit card. Discuss this before you apply for a new card or balance transfer to help reduce the risk of confusion and other issues down the track.
Not checking the revert rate. The low balance transfer interest rate is only available during the introductory period on the card. When this period ends, any outstanding debt from a balance transfer will attract a higher standard interest rate until it is paid off in full.
Balance transfer fees. You might have to pay a balance transfer fee when the debt is moved onto the new card, which could add to the overall costs involved. Weigh up the card fees with your partner to decide if this option is worth it for both of you.
Finder survey: Do Australians of different ages know what a balance transfer is?
Response
Gen Z
Gen Y
Gen X
Baby Boomers
No
56.18%
39.95%
32.24%
32.67%
Yes
43.82%
60.05%
67.76%
67.33%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023
Current balance transfer credit card offers
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Other ways to help pay off someone else's credit card debt
Debt consolidation personal loans
A debt consolidation personal loan gives you a way to pay off existing balances for yourself or anyone else. With this option, you could apply for a personal loan in your name and request an amount that covers the existing debts. You'd then repay the personal loan, which could have a lower interest rate than the original credit card.
Guarantor personal loans
If your partner is worried they won't get approved for a new credit card or loan, you could act as a guarantor for their personal loan application. With a guarantor personal loan, you become responsible for the loan if the person who applies doesn't make repayments.
Help pay off the existing account
If you want to help clear the existing credit card debt, you could make additional repayments to their credit card account from your own bank account (or a shared account), using one of the payment options listed on their statement. You can also use a repayment calculator to see how quickly you could clear the debt based on repayments and interest costs.
While you're usually not legally responsible for someone else's credit card debt, it can be stressful for loved ones. If you, your partner or anyone else is feeling overwhelmed, you can get free financial counselling by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio
Amy's expertise
Amy has written 566 Finder guides across topics including:
Balance transfers are not allowed between certain credit card brands. Read on for a list of lenders that do and don’t allow a balance transfers between them.
Use this guide to see which providers accept balance transfers from a personal loan to a credit card and discover how you can repay your debt faster with 0% balance transfer offers.
Hi, thanks for the information but I’m still not clear on this issue.
In my particular scenario my partner has credit card balances with Latitude, AMEX and CBA. Is it possible for me to balance transfer some/all of her balances onto a new Citibank or Virgin application.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated before I make a decision.
Finder
JonathanFebruary 11, 2015Finder
Hi Stu, thanks for your inquiry!
If the balance transfer is from Latitude Financial Services, AMEX and CBA going to a Citibank or Virgin Money Credit Card this would be fine. However the amount being balance transferred would be defined by the credit limit on the new credit card. Citibank may limit balance transfers in the individual’s account to a proportion of their credit limit, subject to their credit criteria. Virgin Money’s Balance Transfer may not exceed 80% of your maximum available Credit Limit.
Cheers,
Jonathan
StuFebruary 11, 2015
Thanks Johnathan, just clarifying is that still the case even if the Citibank or Virgin credit card is in my name not my partners?
Cheers.
Finder
JonathanFebruary 11, 2015Finder
Hi Stu,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Depending on whether the cards you balance transfer from are in your partner’s name and whether you are signing up for the card will be important to note. Balance transfers between partners and between two separate people’s names are only supported by certain lenders. You may refer to our list of credit card providers who allow joint-account balance transfers, and lenders who allow balance transferring between two peoples names.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Cheers,
Jonathan
RebekahFebruary 5, 2015
Hi, all very good info… however the box with Bank Of Queensland is noticeably blank. I the primary cardholder with BOQ, my partner enquired at his bank (Westpac) as to whether he could do a balance transfer from my card.. the answer was no. I’m thinking that in the financial times today, there must be somewhere who will let us do this! I got the card originally almost 6 years ago when I was a working single parent, however I’m now a partnered stay at home mum and as such not eligible for a card from anyone (which is stupid.. I have to afford the one I have now!!) We are just trying to find a way out of debt without having to go to a personal loan, which is all Westpac offered us. Any advice would be fantastic.
Finder
JonathanFebruary 5, 2015Finder
Hi Rebekah,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please see our guide for a list of credit card providers that allow balance transfers between two separate names and joint accounts.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
jonFebruary 3, 2015
My wife is our primary card holder with a Westpac card and I am the additional card – I wish to transfer our holiday to an interest free card – with me as the primary and my wife as additional card holder. Which is the best card to do this with – lowest fees and longest interest free – I do not intend to spend on the card and cancel once its paid off.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
JustMeJanuary 27, 2015
Hello,
Thanks for this helpful article.
It is not clear to me whether both the original bank and the new bank have to agree to two different names for a balance transfer.
Specifically in our case:
Original Bank:
BankWest Credit Card in my name, with my partner as an additional card holder.
New Bank: Want to balance transfer to Coles MasterCard (GE Money) with my partner as the card holder and myself as an additional card holder.
Is this possible?
Thanks very much,
JustMe
Finder
JonathanJanuary 27, 2015Finder
Hi JustMe,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Unfortunately, GE Money does not allow a balance transfer between two people’s names.
There’s a table above that outlines different banks that accept joint credit card applications. You may compare them based on specific conditions for their application process. You’ll also see a comparison table with a list of credit cards that offer free additional cardholders. Kindly use the table to help you find which card suits you.
When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
JessJanuary 27, 2015
Hi There
My partner and I have separate credit cards with different banks (NAB & Bendigo) and wish to combine these with a balance transfer so we can close these accounts. If we have separate “primary cardholder” entities on each card could we roll them both into one transfer say in my own name? I tried to get a clear answer from Virgin Money however they didn’t seen to get the question!
Thanks
Finder
JonathanJanuary 27, 2015Finder
Hi Jess,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Yes, you may. In your case, you would transfer the debt from your partner’s credit card to your own credit card (or a new balance transfer card that you have applied for). Your husband’s name would be removed from the debt once the balance transfer is processed, which means you would become the person legally responsible for the debt.
There’s a table above that outlines different banks that accept joint credit card applications. You may compare them based on specific conditions for their application process. You’ll also see a comparison table with a list of credit cards that offer free additional cardholders. Kindly use the table to help you find which card suits you.
When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
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Hi, thanks for the information but I’m still not clear on this issue.
In my particular scenario my partner has credit card balances with Latitude, AMEX and CBA. Is it possible for me to balance transfer some/all of her balances onto a new Citibank or Virgin application.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated before I make a decision.
Hi Stu, thanks for your inquiry!
If the balance transfer is from Latitude Financial Services, AMEX and CBA going to a Citibank or Virgin Money Credit Card this would be fine. However the amount being balance transferred would be defined by the credit limit on the new credit card. Citibank may limit balance transfers in the individual’s account to a proportion of their credit limit, subject to their credit criteria. Virgin Money’s Balance Transfer may not exceed 80% of your maximum available Credit Limit.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Thanks Johnathan, just clarifying is that still the case even if the Citibank or Virgin credit card is in my name not my partners?
Cheers.
Hi Stu,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Depending on whether the cards you balance transfer from are in your partner’s name and whether you are signing up for the card will be important to note. Balance transfers between partners and between two separate people’s names are only supported by certain lenders. You may refer to our list of credit card providers who allow joint-account balance transfers, and lenders who allow balance transferring between two peoples names.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi, all very good info… however the box with Bank Of Queensland is noticeably blank. I the primary cardholder with BOQ, my partner enquired at his bank (Westpac) as to whether he could do a balance transfer from my card.. the answer was no. I’m thinking that in the financial times today, there must be somewhere who will let us do this! I got the card originally almost 6 years ago when I was a working single parent, however I’m now a partnered stay at home mum and as such not eligible for a card from anyone (which is stupid.. I have to afford the one I have now!!) We are just trying to find a way out of debt without having to go to a personal loan, which is all Westpac offered us. Any advice would be fantastic.
Hi Rebekah,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please see our guide for a list of credit card providers that allow balance transfers between two separate names and joint accounts.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
My wife is our primary card holder with a Westpac card and I am the additional card – I wish to transfer our holiday to an interest free card – with me as the primary and my wife as additional card holder. Which is the best card to do this with – lowest fees and longest interest free – I do not intend to spend on the card and cancel once its paid off.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Please see our guide on which banks allow balance transfers between two people’s names. You may also see a list of balance transfer offer credit cards and compare their features based on their balance transfer rate, annual fee and savings.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hello,
Thanks for this helpful article.
It is not clear to me whether both the original bank and the new bank have to agree to two different names for a balance transfer.
Specifically in our case:
Original Bank:
BankWest Credit Card in my name, with my partner as an additional card holder.
New Bank: Want to balance transfer to Coles MasterCard (GE Money) with my partner as the card holder and myself as an additional card holder.
Is this possible?
Thanks very much,
JustMe
Hi JustMe,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Unfortunately, GE Money does not allow a balance transfer between two people’s names.
There’s a table above that outlines different banks that accept joint credit card applications. You may compare them based on specific conditions for their application process. You’ll also see a comparison table with a list of credit cards that offer free additional cardholders. Kindly use the table to help you find which card suits you.
When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi There
My partner and I have separate credit cards with different banks (NAB & Bendigo) and wish to combine these with a balance transfer so we can close these accounts. If we have separate “primary cardholder” entities on each card could we roll them both into one transfer say in my own name? I tried to get a clear answer from Virgin Money however they didn’t seen to get the question!
Thanks
Hi Jess,
Thanks for your inquiry,
Yes, you may. In your case, you would transfer the debt from your partner’s credit card to your own credit card (or a new balance transfer card that you have applied for). Your husband’s name would be removed from the debt once the balance transfer is processed, which means you would become the person legally responsible for the debt.
There’s a table above that outlines different banks that accept joint credit card applications. You may compare them based on specific conditions for their application process. You’ll also see a comparison table with a list of credit cards that offer free additional cardholders. Kindly use the table to help you find which card suits you.
When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Jonathan