Can you do a balance transfer to someone else’s credit card?

Which banks let you transfer a balance from someone else's card?

We were able to confirm the balance transfer conditions with the following banks and card companies. We found only 2 banks that let you transfer a balance from another person's card.

How to balance transfer someone's credit card debt

1. You need to find one of the few card providers that lets you transfer someone else's balance onto your credit card.
2. It's best to call and double check whether your balance transfer scenario is eligible before you apply.
3. Apply for a credit card with a balance transfer offer. Nominate the credit card of the person whose balance you wish to pay off.
4. You will need to provide details of the account including the name and details of the primary account holder, the card number, the BPAY biller codes of the original card providers, and other details. Include the total balance amount you wish to pay off.
5. Once approved, activate the new card. Then the balance transfer should happen within a few days.
6. Be sure to close the original credit card once the balance is paid off. If you keep the card open, make sure you don't rack up more debt.

How to apply for a joint balance transfer credit card with your partner

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.

Keep in mind that some banks don't accept balance transfers from joint accounts.

Beware of the 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.

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."

Our expert says: Paying off someone else's credit card debt is always risky

"If you do a balance transfer to pay off someone else's debt, you become responsible for that debt. Make sure you and other person have a really honest conversation about this. Make sure both parties are on the same page. Also, make sure you pay off the new card debt before the balance transfer period ends. After this, interest starts getting charged on the remaining balance. "

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

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.

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.

Written by

Richard Whitten

Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 608 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Property
• Personal finance
• Money-saving tips