A joint credit card account means both cardholders have complete and equal access to the account. Only a few providers offer these, but most cards let you add a secondary cardholder.
It's pretty easy to add a second cardholder to your credit card account.
But true joint credit cards, with shared equal access to a single account, are much less common.
It's often easier to get a credit card application approved when 2 people apply together.
How do joint credit card accounts work?
There are 2 ways to get a joint credit card.
A joint credit card account where both cardholders are primary cardholders with shared, equal access to a single account. Few card companies in Australia offer this.
A credit card where one account holder is the primary account holder and a second person is an additional cardholder. This is much more common.
When you apply for a joint credit card, the bank or issuer will consider the personal and financial details of both you and your partner. When you apply, the details will be listed on both your credit reports and can impact your individual credit scores.
Pros and cons of a joint credit card account
There are some big benefits to getting a joint card, whether you open a true joint credit card account or just add an extra cardholder.
But there are always risks when 2 people combine their finances.
Pros
Increased chance of approval. If you have a lower credit score than your partner, a joint credit card application can improve your chances of getting approved. This is because the credit card provider will assess both applicants jointly. Two incomes are better than one.
More flexible credit limits. The combined income of two people usually means you can get a higher credit limit.
Easier to manager shared finances. Having a joint credit card account means you get one bill each month instead of two or more. This makes it easier for you to manage shared bills.
Cons
Limited options. Only a few credit cards offer true joint accounts, which means you have fewer options to choose from and compare.
Shared debt. Getting a joint account credit card means you are both responsible for it. So even if only one of you uses the card, you could both face legal repercussions and bad credit scores if there are issues with the account.
Fees. Credit companies often charge a fee to add an additional cardholder.
Financial institutions that allow joint-account holders
This table shows the banks that accept joint credit card applications in Australia – plus any specific conditions for the application process.
Banks that allow joint-account holders
Conditions
You can apply for a joint credit card account through the Hume Bank website. The secure application form includes a question about whether you're applying on your own or with someone and you'll then need to provide their details as well.
The online credit card application includes a section for joint applicants.
You can choose between an individual and joint application when you apply through the People's Choice Credit Union website.
You may be able to apply in a branch or by calling 13 14 22. Both of the joint applicants would need to be present at the time of the application.
As Bank Australia is not currently accepting credit card applications from new customers, log in to your account or call 132288 to discuss your options.
The downloadable credit card application form on the Australian Military Bank website includes a section for a second applicant.
ANZ
Commonwealth Bank
NAB
Westpac
American Express
Citi
HSBC
Macquarie
Bankwest
Suncorp
Great Southern Bank
Virgin Money
Qantas Money
Latitude Financial
"I'm the secondary cardholder on my credit card. We had to apply with my wife as the primary applicant because most of our shared spending is done with my bank account and I got rejected for a card the first time round. It was annoying at first because I couldn't see all our spending in the card app, only mine. To get around this I just logged in under my wife's credentials."
What is the difference between joint-primary cardholder accounts and secondary cardholders?
It's important to understand both of these terms when you plan on sharing a credit card account with your partner or someone else, as it can have an impact on the balance transfer options as well as your legal rights.
Joint-primary cardholder accounts
Primary cardholder accounts with secondary cardholders
Two people have applied for a credit card under the cardholder's name and both have complete access to the account.
One person has applied for a credit card in their name but wants to share the account with a partner (without joint account status).
Both have the ability to change credit limits, request account freezes or close the account.
Primary cardholder can request to add a secondary or additional cardholder but only the primary cardholder has control over credit limit changes, account freezes or account closure.
Both parties remain liable for all transactions and payments made on the card.
The primary cardholder is legally responsible for all transactions and payments made on the card, even if a balance has been transferred from an account held by the secondary cardholder.
If the closure of an account is the result of a divorce or a separation, both partners might have to pay half of the debt each, no matter who made which purchase.
In the event of a separation or a divorce, know that you, as the primary cardholder, would be liable to make repayments towards the entire account.
How do I apply for a joint credit card or add a secondary cardholder?
When you apply for any credit card there will usually be an option to add another applicant early in the process. You'll need to provide ID and financial information about both applicants.
Some card companies let you complete a joint application in one go. But often the second cardholder has to check their email and complete part of the application process separately.
Compare credit cards that offer free additional cardholders
Frequently asked questions
Both account holders in a joint credit card account are legally liable for amounts owing on the account. A supplementary cardholder on the other hand is merely an “authorised user” and has zero liability for any debt owing on the credit card. In this instance, only the primary cardholder is responsible for amounts owed, and only the primary cardholder can make decisions on the account.
If one of you is a secondary or additional cardholder, any rewards points or perks you earn will accrue for the primary cardholder.
If you have a joint credit card account you should both have access to the rewards.
No. You can apply for a joint account credit card with literally anyone who satisfies the bank’s requirements. Just make sure they are trustworthy for your own sake.
In general, yes. Both account holders need to consent to closing a joint account. An exception to this is when one account holder passes on. You should contact your card issuer to discuss your particular circumstances and specific account details.
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 565 Finder guides across topics including:
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