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4 Min Read | Updated January 19, 2024

Originally Published: January 31, 2020

Do Couples Benefit from Sharing Travel Credit Cards?

There are many benefits to adding your significant other as an authorized user. Find out the pros and cons of sharing credit cards to earn travel points.

This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.

At-A-Glance

Couples can share travel credit cards by making one person the primary card member and the other an authorized user.

The pluses of sharing include lower annual fees and faster accumulation of shared credit card points.

But there are pros and cons in sign-up bonuses, benefits eligibility, and payment responsibility.

One of the essential—though perhaps less-romantic—aspects of achieving domestic bliss is deciding which aspects of your financial lives you’ll share and which you’ll keep separate. Do you share cell-phone accounts, bank accounts, and car payments? Well, if you both like to travel, here’s another financial sharing decision: Should you share travel credit cards or each have your own?

You can use travel credit cards to quickly earn reward points through everyday spending, and then cash in those points for free flights, hotel stays, or perhaps even most of this year’s vacation. 1 Of course, couples need twice as many points to travel together, but they also have twice the ability to earn those points.

In general, there are two options for how to organize your travel card accounts as a couple.

• You each get your own travel credit card and operate it independently, earning and redeeming your own stash of points.
• You share a credit card, with one of you acting as the primary card member and the other named as an authorized user . 2 In general, such additional card members typically receive a physical card that works with the primary cardholder’s account; as they spend with the card, the points they earn accumulate in that account, and they’re usually entitled to some of the card’s benefits. 2

There are pros and cons to each approach, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the main points to consider.

1. Annual Fees

If you have one shared account with a primary cardholder and an additional authorized user, the annual fees are generally lower than if you operate two individual accounts. That’s because the annual fee for an added authorized user can be much less than the primary cardholder’s account fee. So a primary plus an added user usually costs less than two separate accounts. 2,3 In some cases, you may even be able to add authorized users for free. 3

2. Sign-up Bonuses

Some cards offer tempting sign-up bonuses of tens of thousands of points if you spend a certain amount in the first few months of owning the card. 4 If you each have your own credit card, you have the opportunity as a couple to win two of these juicy bonuses. On the other hand, if you share the same travel card, your joint spending adds up faster, increasing the likelihood that you’ll quickly reach the bonus threshold and get at least one bonus per couple.

3. Benefits Eligibility

Some travel credit cards offer a wide variety of perks such as access to airport lounges, free car rental insurance, and credits against airline fees. 1 Some of these perks may be available to every authorized user of a single card account, while other benefits are available only to the primary cardholder or consist of a single cash credit per account. 3,5 So when deciding whether to share travel cards, it makes sense to think about how your decision affects your ability to take advantage of the benefits that you feel are most important.

4. Payment Control and Responsibility

Typically, only the primary cardholder is responsible for paying the monthly credit card bill, even if there are multiple additional authorized users of the account. 2,5 The primary cardholder may also have correspondingly more control, including the ability to set spending limits for authorized users. 2

5. Flexibility in Redeeming Points

If you share a credit card, you both contribute to a single, bigger hoard of travel points, which may provide more flexibility in how you use those points. Let’s say you want to fly together to Hawaii. But if you pool your points in a single account, you might have enough for two flights. With separate travel card accounts, one of you might have more than enough points for a ticket while the other doesn’t have enough.

6. Account Management

The more accounts you have, the more financial information you need to track. Experts suggest that if you accumulate several credit cards with or without authorized users, it’s a good idea to use tools such as a spreadsheet to track information like balances, payment dates, and who’s an authorized user on which account. 6

7. Best of Both Worlds?

If you can handle the extra annual fees and tracking effort, it may make sense for each of you to apply for your own travel card and add the other person as an authorized user. That approach provides the flexibility to pool credit card points when it makes sense and keep them separate when it’s beneficial to do so.

Travel Credit Cards for Couples: To Share, or Not to Share?

• Lower annual fees 2,3
• Potential to earn the sign-up bonus faster 4
• More flexibility in redeeming points

 Why Keep Separate:

• Double sign-up bonuses
• Full card benefits for each partner
• You each control your own card

The Takeaway

Couples generally can choose whether to maintain separate travel credit card accounts or share a single account, with one person as the primary cardholder and the other an authorized user. Each approach has pros and cons, and the choice depends largely on each couple’s needs and preferences. For some couples, it may make sense for each person to have an account and add the other as an authorized user.

Show Article Sources

1 “ How Do Travel Credit Cards Work? ,” Experian

2 “ Credit Card Authorized User: What You Need to Know ,” Experian

3 “ 9 Common Credit Cards Fees ,” Experian

4 “ What Is a Welcome Bonus on a Credit Card? ,” Experian

5 “ What Rights Do You Have as an Authorized User on a Credit Card? ,” Experian

6 “ How to Manage Multiple Rewards Credit Cards ,” Experian

Mike Faden has covered business and technology issues for more than 30 years as a writer, consultant, and analyst for media brands, market-research firms, startups and established corporations.

All  Credit Intel  content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express. 

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Joint Credit Cards: Pros, Cons & Which Banks Offer Them [2023]

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Table of Contents

What does it mean to jointly apply for a credit card, which banks allow joint credit card applications, final thoughts.

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In the past, most banks offered customers the ability to apply for a credit card jointly, which was mostly geared towards couples or parent-child duos.

Even though these types of credit cards are becoming more rare, there are still ways to build and access credit in a similar fashion. That’s one of the reasons why most banks have discontinued joint credit cards.

In this guide, we’ll investigate the merits of jointly applying for a credit card. First, we’ll go over what it actually means to jointly apply for a credit card. Then, we’ll walk you through why you should and shouldn’t apply jointly for a credit card. We’ll close out by going over some of the financial institutions that still offer joint credit card applications, as well as why banks are increasingly choosing not to offer joint credit cards.

If you’re on the younger side, you might not know what it means to jointly apply for a credit card. Not to worry, as this “old-fashioned” concept dates back to the pre-Internet era when financial services and products were less evolved.

Simply put, a joint credit card is a credit card in which financial responsibility is equally shared by 2 cardholders. Any balances or charges that are incurred on the credit card will be the responsibility of both individuals. And that also means that failure to pay off any debt will result in adverse action against both individuals, whether it’s collections efforts or negative credit history showing up on both credit reports.

How Is Applying Jointly Different From Adding an Authorized User?

If you’re already savvy with credit cards and credit overall, you might be wondering what the difference is between a joint credit card and an authorized user credit card.

When you apply for most credit cards, you can usually add an authorized user to that credit card. In doing so, the authorized user can get a credit card with his/her name on the card, but the account still sits with the primary cardholder.

Authorized users can spend on the credit card, but the primary cardholder is still solely responsible for charges and balances on the card.

If the primary cardholder doesn’t pay off bills, the financial responsibility still falls on the primary cardholder only, not the authorized user.

As such, the primary cardholder holds all of the responsibility, while the authorized user doesn’t hold any legal or financial accountability.

In contrast, joint credit cards require both borrowers to share financial responsibility equally.

Bottom Line: Authorized users do not share any financial responsibility for charges made on the credit card, while joint credit card holders share equal financial responsibility for all credit card charges.

Why Would You Jointly Apply for a Credit Card?

In the past, jointly applying for a credit card was a viable strategy if:

• You had poor/no credit and needed someone else to help you get approved for a credit card application
• You wanted to simplify and integrate 2 separate sets of finances into 1 credit card
• You wanted to build credit along with a significant other or partner
• You wanted to earn credit card rewards by combining spending

However, the success of a joint credit card is dependent on the success of your relationship with your partner.

Why You Shouldn’t Jointly Apply for a Credit Card

In today’s day and age, joint credit cards offer very few advantages. There are tons of reasons why you want to stay away from joint credit cards:

• You can end up being responsible for your partner’s debt if he/she can’t pay
• Your credit score can plummet from the actions of your partner if he/she has bad credit practices
• Everything can get more complicated if your relationship with your partner suffers, including charges you may be on the hook for or major credit blunders

If your partner has a history of maxing out credit cards or just biting off more than he/she can chew, you should definitely reconsider applying jointly for a credit card.

Similarly, if your partner frequently misses payments, that can cause your credit score to drop significantly with a joint credit card.

Lastly, if you and your partner get into a major argument, divorce, or if there’s a huge, unexpected expense, you may see adverse consequences on your credit report if this isn’t properly handled.

This is why we favor adding authorized users instead of looking for joint credit cards. If your relationship with your partner sours, you can simply cancel the authorized user card to cut off any mishandling of shared finances as soon as possible.

Nowadays, there aren’t many banks that allow joint credit card applications. As of writing, U.S. Bank and PNC both offer joint credit cards.

In the case of U.S. Bank , you’ll want to apply for a point-earning or cash-back card as normal and call the number on the back of your credit card to add the other joint owner to that credit card account. You’ll be sent a form to complete, and after the form is submitted successfully, the account will appear on the joint owner’s credit report shortly thereafter.

PNC allows you to submit joint credit card applications without adding a joint owner after the fact, but it requires both applicants to either call 800-762-2265 or visit the nearest PNC branch to process the joint application.

In addition to U.S. Bank and PNC, certain smaller financial institutions such as regional banks and local credit unions might offer joint credit card applications.

Some examples of these smaller institutions include:

• Alliant Credit Union
• AllSouth Credit Union
• Baxter Credit Union
• Credit Union of Denver
• Golden 1 Credit Union
• Interra Credit Union
• Suncoast Credit Union
• Veridian Credit Union

Why Joint Credit Cards Are a Dying Breed

Joint credit cards are getting harder and harder to find, and it’s easy to see why , especially when you think about it from the bank’s perspective.

It’s much more difficult to recover debt if there are multiple individuals involved.

For example, let’s say 2 people have a joint credit card together and one of those individuals racks up a bunch of unpaid debt on the credit card. Going after 2 people, especially when there’s a lot of finger-pointing involved, is a much more difficult task than collecting debt from just 1 person.

That, combined with the attractiveness of adding authorized users in lieu of applying jointly for a credit card, makes it almost completely useless to apply jointly for a credit card in today’s day and age.

Adding an authorized user still accomplishes most of the same goals that joint credit cards offer:

• Building credit history for both individuals
• Allowing both individuals to make purchases on the card
• Streamlining and integrating finances under 1 umbrella
• Allowing both individuals to use most or many of the same credit card benefits

Hot Tip: Consider our guides to the best credit cards for authorized users and the best credit cards for couples .

Overall, joint credit cards have lost their luster over time.

In the distant past, joint credit cards were one of the only ways for individuals to build credit history together through credit cards. Since joint credit cards are built on the pillar of sharing equal financial responsibility for any charges and balances, over the years, this has presented a major problem for financial institutions when attempting to collect debts or trace financial accountability. As such, joint credit cards have been almost completely discontinued in favor of authorized users.

The main institutions that still allow joint credit cards are U.S. Bank, PNC, and some regional banks or credit unions.

All in all, you can almost certainly accomplish what you need by adding an authorized user to your credit card instead of taking out a joint credit card. By going the authorized user route, you can access a vast universe of credit card products, including fabulous rewards cards from issuers, including Chase , American Express , Capital One , and Citi .

Frequently Asked Questions

Which credit cards allow joint applicants.

Because joint credit cards are no longer widely offered, the only major banks offering such products are select institutions like PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, and certain local credit unions and regional banks.

Is it better to have a joint credit card?

Joint credit cards are neither bad nor good by themselves. With a joint credit card, financial responsibility is shared, so the actions of 1 person may adversely affect the other person if irresponsible credit practices are used. It could be a good idea if you both want to build credit, but the authorized user route is almost always better.

Do you have to be married to have a joint credit card?

No, you do not. In many cases, students or younger adults can apply jointly for a credit card with a parent as one of the joint applicants.

Can you jointly apply for a credit card for a child?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just be sure to check with your local bank that these applications are allowed within their rules.

Can you jointly apply for a credit card to build credit?

Yes, some banks offer the ability to jointly apply for a credit card, although this is increasingly getting rarer and rarer in favor of the authorized user route.

Can you jointly apply for a credit card with bad credit?

Yes, you can, assuming the bank allows joint credit card applications. Only a few nationwide banks like PNC and U.S. Bank allow these nowadays. The rest of the institutions are smaller banks and credit unions.

Can you jointly apply for a credit card with no credit?

Yes, you can, as long as one of the joint applicants has a credit history. Without a credit history, you may have difficulty getting the joint credit card application approved. By having one person already possessing an established credit history, the other person can start building credit while piggybacking off of the joint applicant’s credit history to initially get approved.

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We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card's reward potential, the value you get compared to the card's cost, the benefits and the card's rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

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• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best credit card for couples
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for frequent travelers
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
• Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best for building credit
• Apple Card: Best for joint accounts

Some credit cards are better for couples than others, depending on the couple’s financial goals. For example, there are credit cards that allow joint accounts to help you build your credit as a couple. If only one of you has stellar credit, choosing a card that allows an authorized user can help the other partner rebuild credit while still earning rewards. There are other cards that make it easy for couples to double up on credit card welcome bonuses and rewards for spending, and some even let couples pool their points together in the same account. 

Each of the cards on our list was chosen for a different goal, whether it’s earning rewards, building credit and establishing a true joint credit card account.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives couples the chance to earn 2% cash rewards for their purchases with no annual fee. Plus, each person who applies and is approved for the card can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases within three months of account opening.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card may not have any bonus reward categories, but it doesn’t have any reward caps either. This means a couple can maximize their cash rewards on spending by using their cards for everything they buy.

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Easy-to-earn welcome bonus

No annual fee

Introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Up to $600 in cell phone damage or theft protection subject to a $25 deductible

No outstanding cardholder perks or statement credits

3% foreign currency conversion fee

Rewards must be redeemed in $20 or $25 increments for some redemption options

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which are redeemable for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel through Chase Travel℠ or 1:1 point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners. It comes with a $95 annual fee, but cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points worth $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. 

It earns the most rewards for travel purchased through Chase and for Lyft rides (through March 2025), but it also offers a solid rate for all your food needs, whether you’re dining out or cooking from your Airbnb. Its last reward category covers all forms of travel. The Chase Ultimate Rewards program lets couples who live at the same address pool their rewards in one account for convenience or better redemptions.

Cardholders also get a 25% redemption bonus when they redeem for travel through Chase. Other perks include primary auto rental collision damage waiver, Doordash and Instacart benefits, and bonus points on your account anniversary equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year (for example, if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you’ll get 2,500 bonus points).

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express  lets cardholders earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1% back), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit and 1% back on other purchases. New cardmembers can also earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of account opening.

A $95 annual fee applies, but there is a $0 intro annual fee for the first year. And with the rewards you’ll be pulling in, it’s easy to forget about.

This card has a spending cap on its U.S. supermarket category, but couples with their own accounts can each spend and earn bonus rewards up to the limit. Partners who apply for the card separately can also earn separate welcome offers with this card.

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card* requires a refundable cash deposit of at least $200 that’ll form your starting credit limit. Discover reports payments and balances to the credit bureaus to help customers build credit over time with responsible use.

This card also comes with no annual fee, and cardholders earn 2% cash back on up to $1,000 spent at restaurants and gas stations each quarter (then 1% back) and 1% cash back on other purchases. At the end of your first year with the card, Discover will also essentially double all rewards earned during the first year.

Couples who need to build credit independently can each get started with their own secured credit card. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of the best options out there since it earns rewards and helps build credit with no annual fee.

The Apple Card* offers the potential to earn 3% cash back at select merchants when you pay with Apple Pay, 2% on other purchases made with your card with Apple Pay and 1% cash back on other purchases. This card has no annual fee, late fee, foreign transaction fee or hidden fees.

That said, cardholders need to have an Apple phone or device to access this card and its benefits.

The Apple Card is one of the few credit cards on the market that allows true joint accounts. This option lets two people share a single line of credit together, and it’s available through the Apple Card Family program.

Credit cards for couples can come in different forms, including options like joint accounts or two partners each opening the same credit card with the goal of doubling up on benefits and rewards. In some cases, couples can also list each other as an authorized user on their credit card account, which lets their partner use the same line of credit and earn rewards together.

Very few credit cards actually allow joint accounts -- with the exception of the Apple Card. Consider the pros and cons of joint accounts before you open one with your partner.

Couples can build credit and earn rewards together.

Partners can easily see each other’s spending in real time.

Both parties are legally responsible for repaying the debt.

Pay just one monthly credit card bill instead of two.

Complications can occur if the relationship unravels.

Since one person isn’t solely responsible for repaying the debt, miscommunication can lead to missed payments.

Seeing each other’s spending can lead to problems and disagreements.

Joint cards have one line of credit and credit limit, which could be lower than the limit for two separate cards.

When a couple doesn’t want a joint account or entirely separate credit card accounts, they can consider adding one person to the other person’s account as an authorized user.

Track spending and pool rewards in one account.

Authorized users earn rewards on purchases just like primary accounts.

Partners with imperfect credit get access to a credit card and earn rewards when they may not be able to qualify on their own.

Authorized user accounts typically don’t count toward building credit as much as primary credit accounts.

The primary account holder is solely responsible for repayment.

Authorized user accounts don’t earn a separate welcome bonus when the other person is added to the account.

Some credit cards charge an annual fee for authorized users.

There are numerous scenarios where it makes the most sense for couples to apply for their own credit card accounts. However, there are downsides to be aware of.

Couples with separate cards can both earn their own credit card welcome bonus.

Some credit cards let couples pool their rewards in one account.

Separate cards afford more freedom and a greater sense of ownership over their credit.

Both partners build credit with a credit card over time.

Couples may wind up paying multiple annual fees when they have several cards.

Some credit cards for couples have overlapping benefits.

Having separate accounts makes it easier to keep financial secrets.

Couples who apply for a credit card with a joint account, as an authorized user on each other’s accounts or with separate accounts should be as strategic as they can.

Earn more rewards

Each person having a rewards credit card ensures a greater haul at the end of each year. This is true whether couples opt for a cash back credit card or one that earns travel rewards they can use for their next getaway.

Earn a welcome bonus (twice)

Having both partners sign up for a separate credit card account makes it possible to earn two welcome bonuses as long as each account meets the minimum spending requirement. These bonuses help couples maximize their yearly rewards. 

And yes, credit card issuers will let couples who live at the same address get approved for the same credit card and allow each to earn a welcome bonus.

Pair two different cards

Couples can also get two different credit cards with the goal of maximizing rewards. For example, one person can get a credit card with no annual fee to boost cash back rewards for spending, and the other can get a card that offers points that work well for travel.

This works best for credit card rewards programs that let couples pool their points in one account. For example, one person could get the Chase Freedom Unlimited® with no annual fee and the other person could get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . They could then pool all points in the Preferred account to get 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase or find an even better value by transferring points to Chase’s airline and hotel partners.

• Chase Freedom Flex ®: This no annual fee credit card lets cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in rotating quarterly bonus categories (activation required; then 1% back), plus 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025), 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back on other spending. 
• Citi Strata Premier ℠ Card : This flexible travel credit card lets cardholders share points with other members of the Citi ThankYou program, although shared points must be used within 90 days or they expire. It charges a $95 annual fee, yet couples can each earn a generous welcome bonus and earn rewards in popular spending categories.
• American Express ® Gold Card : This rewards card for foodies earns 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), 4X points on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1X points), 3X points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amextravel.com and 1X points on other purchases. However, with a $250 annual fee, it’s more expensive than other options.

Picking the right credit card for couples is only half the battle. The other half is applying:

• Compare credit cards : Compare the best credit cards for couples to find options that offer benefits and rewards that make sense for your joint goals. This could be a cash-back credit card, a travel credit card or even two different credit cards that complement each other.
• Check your credit scores : Both partners should use a program like Capital One CreditWise or Chase Credit Journey to get a free look at their credit scores. This can help decide if one partner should be an authorized user or if both partners can get their own accounts.
• Apply securely on the credit card issuer’s website : Once you find a credit card that suits your needs, you can apply online. Filling out the application will require you to share details like your full name, address, phone number, monthly mortgage or rent payment, household income and Social Security number (SSN).
• Find out if you’re approved : Many credit card issuers will let you know if you’re approved for a card within minutes of submitting your application online. Otherwise, you’ll find out about an approval or denial via email or regular postal mail.

The best credit card for couples is the Wells Fargo Active Cash. It offers a competitive rewards rate, an introductory purchase APR and a number of useful perks.

Unmarried couples have all the same options as married couples when it comes to getting credit cards. They can each apply for their own account, add each other as an authorized user or apply for a joint credit card like the Apple Card.

Married couples may want to have their own credit card accounts so they are each building their own credit history through responsible use. Separate credit cards for married couples can also offer additional benefits like earning two welcome bonuses or pooling rewards.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here .

*All information about the Discover it Secured Credit Card , Apple Card and Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

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Best credit cards for couples

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Whether you decide on joint finances as a couple or you think keeping your money separate seems safer, there are plenty of reasons for both people in a relationship to have access to the same credit card.

Not only can you use cards to earn rewards on your spending, but you can also enjoy consumer protections like extended warranties or purchase protection against damage or theft. And travel credit cards, in particular, offer a range of perks that can make travel more comfortable for both parties in a relationship.

Managing credit is part of the experience of navigating your finances as a couple , and determining a method that works for you both can help you maximize savings and keep up your financial health.

Best credit card strategies for couples

Here are a few of the ways couples can plan their use of plastic together, including some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Joint credit cards

Many card issuers no longer allow joint credit card accounts with co-applicants in which more than one person is listed as the primary borrower. The easier way to allow two parties access to one account is by having one person add the other as an authorized user on their credit card.

Add each other as authorized users

The most common way to be on the same account as your spouse or partner is by having them add you as an authorized user on their credit card account, or by adding them to your account. Only the person who signed up for the account is the primary borrower in this case, but you’re both borrowing against the same line of credit and earning rewards toward the same balance.

The downside of authorized user accounts is that the authorized user won’t earn a separate sign-up bonus, whereas you could double up on bonuses if both spouses opened their own card. Some premium travel credit cards also tend to charge a fee to add an authorized user to the account.

However, adding an authorized user can make a lot of sense if one spouse has much better credit and the other spouse may not be approved for their own card. Being added as an authorized user could even help boost a lower credit rating over time, provided the credit card is used responsibly by all parties.

Keep credit card accounts separate

Many couples also choose to keep their credit card accounts separate, and this is not always due to keeping finances separate. Having separate cards means both spouses can earn their own sign-up bonuses and have their own rewards categories.

Since many rewards programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) let you combine points with a spouse or partner living at the same address, being able to double up on initial bonus rewards is a huge benefit.

It’s important to note that you can include household income in your credit card application per federal law. This means that a stay-at-home parent can include their spouse’s income and all other household income on their application, thus making it easier for them to get approved for their own credit card.

Bankrate’s picks for the best credit cards for couples:

Best for travelers: chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Best for cash back categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That’s $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Enjoy new benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3X points on dining and 2X points on all other travel purchases.
• Earn 5X points on Lyft purchases through March 2025
• $95 annual fee

Why it’s the best for travelers

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a solid option if you want some maximum travel value in your redemption options. With this card, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points 1:1 to airline and hotel programs or book travel through the Chase portal and get 25 percent more value out of your points. You can also redeem your points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.

Chase lets you combine all your points with a spouse or partner who lives at the same address, so it makes sense for couples to each have their own card and earn their own sign-up bonus early on.

Other cardholder benefits couples might use include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary auto rental insurance coverage, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranties on eligible items and baggage insurance coverage.

Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

• Earn $200 bonus cash rewards after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months
• Earn unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases
• No annual fee
• Zero percent intro APR on purchases from account opening and qualifying balance transfers from account opening for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 17.24 percent, 22.24 percent, or 27.24 percent

Why it’s the best with no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns a solid 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, so you’ll never have to worry about keeping track of bonus categories. The unlimited cash rewards without an annual fee is worth considering, and the $200 bonus cash rewards you’ll earn when you spend $1,000 on purchases within three months of account opening is a nice way to kickstart your earnings.

If you and your spouse need to make a large purchase, you can also save money with the intro 0 percent APR offer on purchases from account opening for 15 months. Just remember, that rate won’t last forever: your card’s APR will reset to the higher variable rate of 17.24 percent, 22.24 percent, or 27.24 percent once 15 months are up.

• Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months.
• Earn 6 percent cash back on up to $6,000 spent each year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 percent) as well as select streaming services, 3 percent back on U.S. gas station purchases and transit and 1 percent back on other purchases
• Zero percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfer for 12 months, followed by a variable APR of 16.24 percent to 27.24 percent

Why it’s the best for groceries

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the best option for couples who spend a lot on groceries , but you may want to consider opening separate card accounts. With separate accounts, not only can both partners earn the welcome offer (a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months), but they can also each earn 6 percent back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1 percent). Considering that the average couple with two kids under age five spends $848.80 per month, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , couples could alternate cards when paying for groceries and earn $611 in rewards each year in this category alone.

This card does charge an annual fee, but you can quickly earn back the $95 by maximizing rewards categories. You can use your rewards for statement credits, cash back or gift cards as well, so you’ll have some flexibility in terms of how you and your partner decide to cash them in together or separately.

Best for cash back categories: Chase Freedom Flex

• Earn $200 when you spend $500 within three months of account opening
• Earn 5 percent back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter in activated bonus categories (then 1 percent) and 1 percent back on other purchases.
• Earn 5 percent back on Chase Ultimate Rewards travel purchases and Lyft rides (through March 2022), 3 percent cash back on dining (including restaurants, takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases
• Zero percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 16.49 percent to 25.24 percent

Why it’s the best for earning cash back

The Chase Freedom Flex is another good choice for couples since you can earn 5 percent back on up to $1,500 in combined rotating categories each quarter upon activation, then 1 percent.

Chase lets you combine all your points with a spouse or partner at the same address, so both partners could get individual cards and earn a sign-up bonus, then combine rewards later.

If you want to save money on purchases, you’ll also love the fact this card offers zero percent intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 16.49 percent to 25.24 percent. If you decide to transfer over high-interest balances from other cards or loans, a 3 percent balance transfer fee (minimum $5) applies for the first 60 days. After that, the balance transfer fee goes up to 5 percent with the same $5 minimum.

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Advantages of Joint Credit Cards

Risks and considerations.

• How to Apply

Managing a Joint Credit Card

When things go wrong.

• Alternatives

Joint Credit Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

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• A joint credit card can be a convenient way to share expenses with a spouse, domestic partner, or another member of your household.
• It's usually easy to set up, but a joint credit card does come with its risks. In most cases, one person takes primary responsibility for the card, no matter how the other person uses it.
• For that reason, you only want to share a credit card with someone you know you can trust to use it responsibly.

Joint credit cards — a financial tool for couples, family members, or business partners — offer a way to share credit lines and merge financial responsibilities seamlessly. This article delves into the myriad aspects of joint credit cards, helping you understand the advantages, potential pitfalls, and nuances of managing them effectively.

Shared Financial Responsibility

Joint credit cards are a testament to mutual trust, allowing two individuals to manage expenses collectively. It's a step towards shared financial goals, be it managing household expenses or funding a joint venture.

Building Credit Together

For couples or partners looking to build or repair their credit scores, a joint credit card can be a strategic tool. Responsible usage and timely payments reflect positively on both parties' credit reports.

Simplifying Household Budgeting

Say goodbye to convoluted spreadsheets and calculations. A joint credit card simplifies the tracking of shared expenses, making budgeting a breeze.

Joint Liability

The flip side of shared responsibility is shared liability. Any misstep by one cardholder reflects on both, potentially leading to financial strain or a damaged credit score.

Impact on Credit Score

Just as good habits can uplift both parties' credit scores, irresponsible usage can drag them down. It's crucial to understand the weight of joint decisions on financial reputations.

Challenges in Relationship Dynamics

Financial disagreements can strain the strongest of bonds. Clear communication and agreed-upon spending limits are pivotal in avoiding conflicts.

How to Apply for a Joint Credit Card

Eligibility and requirements.

Understanding eligibility criteria and the necessary documentation is the first step in your joint credit card journey.

Choosing the Right Card

With myriad options available, selecting a card that aligns with your shared financial goals and spending habits is crucial.

Setting Ground Rules

Establishing clear guidelines on usage, payment responsibilities, and spending limits is foundational to a harmonious joint card experience.

Regular Communication and Monitoring

Frequent check-ins and reviewing statements together can prevent misunderstandings and keep both parties on the same page financially.

Disputing Charges

Knowing the process to dispute unauthorized transactions or billing errors can save both time and money.

Separation or Divorce Scenarios

Understanding the implications of joint credit accounts during life-altering events is crucial for financial protection and peace of mind.

Alternatives to Joint Credit Cards

Authorized users.

Adding a partner as an authorized user on an individual credit card might offer a middle ground, granting them access without the full weight of joint liability.

Separate Cards with Joint Budgeting

For those valuing financial independence, maintaining separate cards while aligning on a joint budget can be an effective strategy.

Joint credit cards can be a double-edged sword, offering convenience and opportunities for financial growth while posing risks that necessitate careful consideration and management. Informed decision-making, coupled with transparent and consistent communication, is the cornerstone of successfully navigating the complexities of joint credit accounts.

When one party on a joint credit card passes away, the surviving cardholder typically continues to be responsible for the account. The account remains active, and the surviving cardholder must continue to make payments to keep the account in good standing. It's crucial to inform the credit card issuer about the death promptly to update the account status and prevent any future misunderstandings.

Converting a joint credit card into an individual account can be challenging as most credit card companies do not allow this directly. However, one can close the joint account and apply for a new individual account. It's important to consider the potential impact on credit scores and financial management before taking this step. Consult with the credit card issuer for specific policies and procedures.

Closing a joint credit card can affect your credit score in several ways. It may increase your overall credit utilization ratio if you have outstanding balances on other cards, as you lose the available credit limit on the closed account. Additionally, if the account has a long history, closing it may shorten your average credit history length. Both factors can potentially lower your credit scores. It's advisable to pay off any balances before closing the account to minimize the impact.

While joint credit cards typically do not offer the option to set individual spending limits for each cardholder, some credit card issuers may allow account holders to set custom alerts or notifications for certain transaction amounts. It's a good practice to discuss and agree upon spending limits and habits with the co-cardholder to manage finances effectively and avoid potential conflicts.

The best practices for resolving disputes over joint credit card expenses include:

• Open Communication: Regularly discuss and review credit card statements together to ensure transparency and address any concerns promptly.
• Clear Agreements: Set clear guidelines and spending limits from the beginning to prevent misunderstandings.
• Documentation: Keep receipts and maintain records of expenses, especially for larger or more significant purchases.
• Mediation: If disagreements escalate, consider involving a neutral third party, like a financial advisor, to help mediate and resolve the dispute.
• Legal Advice: In extreme cases, seeking legal counsel can provide guidance on rights and responsibilities, especially if the dispute affects personal finances or credit scores significantly.

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Joint credit card accounts are rare these days. Most major issuers don't offer them, as they prefer that a card account be the responsibility of a single individual.

In a joint credit card account, both account owners are equally liable for all debt on the account and can see all charges made on the card.

If you can't find a true joint account but want to share a credit card for convenience or to boost your rewards earning, consider an authorized user arrangement.

What is a joint credit card account?

Joint credit cards allow two people to share one account equally — both account holders are responsible for paying card charges and will have any debt from the account reflected on their credit reports.

The arrangement is rare these days, as most issuers prefer that a credit card account be the responsibility of a single individual. But it's possible to find cards that offer the feature, like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card , as well as the Apple Card , which allows up to six account "co-owners."

In the same way that a joint bank account or mortgage could prove problematic, there are risks that come with sharing a credit card account this way, including debt liability and possible credit damage. Still, there are cases in which a joint account may be convenient or necessary.

Here's what to keep in mind before opting for a joint credit card, as well as alternatives to consider.

» MORE: Decided to share a credit card? Some tips to avoid missteps

What to know before getting a joint credit card account

A joint credit card account is in many ways similar to a co-signer arrangement, though there may be differences depending on the card issuer. ( Cards that allow co-signers are also few and far between.)

With a co-signed account, there's typically a primary cardholder, who is the only one allowed to make purchases on the card, and a co-signer who agrees to be responsible for the account’s debt if the primary borrower can't pay. The point of getting a co-signer is to qualify for a card you might not otherwise be able to get, as you are leaning on the co-signer's good credit.

With a joint account, both account holders can make purchases and both are equally responsible for the debt. This is a fully shared account.

The key thing to remember is that with both a joint credit card and a co-signed account, the people involved are both individually responsible for the account’s debt. So consider these risks before opting for such arrangements:

You’re liable for your co-owner's debt

Joint account holders are legally responsible for paying any charges made to the shared credit card. This means that both users have equal access to the card’s line of credit and that no matter which cardholder makes a charge, both will be liable for any debt incurred. If both individuals have good spending habits, managing an account together can pose fewer challenges. But if your joint account holder is prone to racking up card charges or missing bill payments, it can prove costly for you and your credit scores .

Having an agreement between both account holders can help to avoid unearned and unwanted debt. But, again, regardless of any informal arrangements made, both individuals are legally responsible for paying the card’s bills.

Your credit scores could suffer if the relationship deteriorates

If you and your account co-holder part ways due to a falling out, divorce or death, for example, you may have to close the card account and/or open a new one — both of which can negatively impact your credit scores.

In addition to potential dings to your scores, closing the account may result in one cardholder being left to pay off any remaining debt on the card.

Because of the often unpredictable nature of personal relationships, setting expectations for managing money jointly can help to avoid any potential risks to your financial health in the future.

There’s no spending privacy

You’re likely to opt for a joint credit card account with someone you already have a personal relationship with, like a partner or child. Even so, it's important to remember that because all card charges are accessible to both individuals, there won’t be much privacy as far as spending goes. For that reason, it's important to use some discretion regarding whom you choose to share your account with.

Why you might want a joint credit card account

If you’re already sharing most finances with a partner or spouse, it may make sense to open a joint credit card. For some, having all finances under one roof may make budgeting and managing money easier. What's more, depending on your spending habits and the issuer, having two users on an account can help you rack up credit card rewards faster.

Additionally, if you have poor credit (FICO scores of 629 or lower), setting up a joint account with a partner with stronger credit can give you access to better card options. And assuming you use the card responsibly, it’s unlikely your partner will torpedo your score after a proven history of good credit, so you’ll reap the benefits of their good habits.

» MORE: Can my spouse apply for the same credit card as me?

Some alternatives to joint credit card accounts

If you’re looking to open a joint account because you’re unable to qualify for a credit card on your own, these alternative options can help you establish or rebuild credit:

"Authorized user" status. To become an authorized user , you must be added to an existing cardholder’s account. Authorized users will be given their own cards with which they can make charges. But unlike joint account holders , authorized users aren't liable for the debt. This means that you may be able to benefit from the primary cardholder's good credit habits , without being legally responsible for the card’s bills.

Some issuers allow you to give authorized users different levels of account access — not just the ability to make purchases, for example, but also to redeem rewards and make changes to the account settings online. Capital One, for example, lets you designate an authorized user as an "account manager" with permissions "near-equal" to those of the account owner. The account owner remains the only one financially liable for charges, but otherwise the arrangement can effectively function like a joint account.

Secured credit cards. Such cards require an upfront refundable cash deposit that’s equal to your credit limit. This deposit mitigates the risk to the issuer and makes it easier for individuals with poor credit to qualify for the card. The best secured credit cards report to all three credit bureaus, which means that as your credit improves, you’ll become eligible for better cards.

» MORE: Can’t get a credit card? Try these alternative options

Joint credit card accounts are rare, and getting rarer. Issuers generally prefer that a credit card account be the responsibility of a single individual. As a result, few issuers offer joint accounts. Your best bet might be a local bank or credit union rather than a major issuer.

If you want to add someone to an existing credit card account, you can make them an authorized user. An authorized user gets a card with their name on it and can make purchases, but only the primary account holder is financially responsible for paying the bill. In general, you can't simply add someone as a joint account holder with equally responsibility for charges. You'd have to apply for and open a joint account together.

If you want to share a credit card account with someone, consider adding them as an authorized user on one of your cards. Keep in mind that only the primary cardholder will be financially responsible for the account, so an authorized user should be someone you really trust.

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Joint credit cards: Definition, benefits and alternatives

April 11, 2024 | 8 min read

Joint ownership is common for all kinds of financial products, whether it’s a checking account, savings account, mortgage or auto loan. But what about joint credit cards?

What exactly is a joint credit card anyway? And how is having a joint credit card different from having a co-signer or an authorized user? Read on for all the ins and outs of joint credit cards, plus learn about some helpful alternatives.

Key takeaways

A joint credit card is just like a traditional card, except that the account is shared by two people.

Joint credit cards can have several benefits, including simplified money management and credit-building opportunities for both cardholders. 

If a joint credit card isn’t used responsibly, it could affect both cardholders’ credit scores or leave one person on the hook for the other cardholder’s debt. 

Not all banks or credit card issuers offer joint credit cards, but you may be able to add an authorized user or co-signer instead.

See if you’re pre-approved

What is a joint credit card.

A joint credit card can simplify the sharing of some finances by allowing two people—such as spouses, partners or family members—to access a line of credit together.

The key difference between joint credit and traditional credit is that the benefits and responsibilities of the credit account and any debt incurred are shared equally by both cardholders. With a joint credit card, any activity on the card will affect both cardholders. And both cardholders are responsible for paying the balance on the card—even when one cardholder didn’t use the card at all.

How do joint credit cards work?

A joint credit card works just like a traditional credit card, except the account is shared by two people, with both individuals considered a primary cardholder. Each cardholder gets their own card that’s linked to the account, and both are responsible for paying off the balance. 

All purchases made on the joint credit card by each individual will show up on the same account statement. And it’s up to the cardholders to determine who will be making the payments on time each month.

Pros and cons of joint credit cards

Like any other financial product, joint credit cards have their pros and cons. Consider the following before making a decision:

Pros of joint credit cards

Some potential advantages of joint credit cards include:

Streamlined account management: A joint credit card can be convenient if you share your finances with a spouse , partner or loved one. Both you and the other cardholder can manage balances, make payments and share other responsibilities associated with your credit card account.

Shared opportunity to build credit: Opening a joint credit card account can give you and your joint account holder the chance to build your credit with responsible use . Habits like making payments on time and keeping your credit card balance low can help both cardholders establish a positive payment history .

• Potential to grow healthy credit habits: Having a joint credit card isn’t only convenient for managing finances, but it can also help open up conversations about healthy credit habits and how the card will be used. If you’re going to share an account, it may be a good idea to have an initial discussion to set guidelines for spending, establish a budget and ensure each party understands their responsibility for paying off the balance.

Cons of joint credit cards

Some possible disadvantages of joint credit cards could include: 

Potential negative impact on credit: If one cardholder maxes out the card, makes a late payment or misses a payment altogether, it could affect both cardholders’ credit scores .

Difficulty reverting to a non-joint account: In most cases, a cardholder can’t be removed from a joint credit card account. So if a cardholder decides they no longer want or need to have a joint credit card—for whatever reason—they may only be able to pay off the balance and close the account or transfer the balance to a traditional credit card with a single or primary cardholder.

• Liability for joint cardholder’s debt: Both cardholders are responsible for paying off credit card balances , no matter which cardholder incurred the debt. So if one cardholder splurges on a big purchase they can’t afford, the other may be on the hook for paying it off.

Joint credit card alternatives

Not sure whether a joint credit card account is right for you? Here are a few alternatives to explore before applying for a joint credit card:

Add an authorized user

Adding an authorized user to an existing credit card account gives another person access to that account. The authorized user typically gets their own card and can make purchases using the account’s line of credit. But unlike a joint credit card, an authorized user isn’t responsible for the account. Authorized users also can’t make changes to the account, like increasing the credit limit or adding more authorized users.

One benefit of becoming an authorized user is that it provides the opportunity for the user to build their own credit history . And it can be a great way for an authorized user to learn how to manage a credit card and establish smart spending habits. Plus, an authorized user can be added and removed from the account with relative ease, unlike a joint cardholder.

Keep in mind that the primary cardholder is ultimately the one responsible for the account. Further, negative information like late or missed payments could affect both the primary cardholder and the authorized user.

Consider a co-signer

Another alternative to a joint credit card is having a co-signer . Instead of becoming a cardholder on the account, a co-signer vouches for someone who’s applying for a credit card. The co-signer is telling the credit card company that if the cardholder can’t pay, the co-signer will.

Like adding an authorized user, co-signing for a credit card is one way to help a loved one improve their chances of being approved. A co-signer could also help the applicant get more favorable terms than they might get on their own. 

But keep in mind that the co-signer’s credit scores could be impacted if the cardholder falls behind on payments. And taking on debt obligations as a co-signer can affect the co-signer’s ability to secure additional loans or credit of their own.

Can I get a joint credit card account with Capital One?

Some credit card issuers offer joint credit cards or co-signers, but those options are becoming less common. Capital One, for example, doesn’t offer joint credit cards or co-signers on credit cards. So if you’re interested in sharing a Capital One credit card account, consider adding an authorized user to a credit card you already have.

How to add an authorized user to a Capital One credit card account

Adding an authorized user to your Capital One account can help you earn more rewards and keep track of spending, all on one account, at no additional cost. To add an authorized user, all you’ll need is their name and date of birth. 

You will also have the option to choose their level of access. Your authorized user may be eligible to create a digital profile, which allows them to manage their account online. Once they’re added, they’ll be sent a card to start using right away. And, unlike a joint credit card, you can easily remove an authorized user from your Capital One account yourself.

Joint credit card FAQ

Still want to learn more about joint credit cards? Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions for more information:

Do banks offer joint credit cards?

Some banks and credit card companies may offer joint credit cards. However, joint credit card accounts aren’t always easy to find. As an alternative, you may consider adding an authorized user to your account instead. You can contact your financial institution for more information about its joint cardholder policies.

Do joint credit cards build credit for both cardholders?

A joint credit card can be a useful tool to help both cardholders build credit—as long as it’s used responsibly. That means doing things like prioritizing timely monthly payments and monitoring your credit utilization ratio .

Can a joint credit card hurt my credit?

Like any credit card, a joint credit card could hurt your credit if it’s used irresponsibly. Applying for a joint credit card account could also temporarily lower your credit scores. That’s because most credit card issuers run a hard credit inquiry while reviewing your application. 

A hard inquiry may show up on your credit reports and cause your scores to drop—usually by just a few points.

How do you apply for a joint credit card?

If you’re interested in applying for a joint credit card, you and the other individual will typically go through the application process together. You’ll most likely see a hard inquiry on both of your credit reports, too, as both of your credit histories will be considered before the account can be approved.

Make finances a little easier

Joint credit cards in a nutshell.

A joint credit card can be a useful tool for making money management simpler or helping a loved one build credit. But other options, like co-signing on a credit card or adding an authorized user to an existing account, may be available as well.

Like any credit card, it’s critical to use yours responsibly—whether you’re a co-signer, looking for a joint credit card or adding an authorized user to an existing account. But if you’re ready to apply for a credit card you can share with an authorized user—and potentially earn cash back or miles on your purchases— compare Capital One credit cards or see if you’re pre-approved today.

Explore more from Capital One

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Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day with Quicksilver .

Explore Capital One’s credit cards for building credit with responsible use.

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5 Lessons Learned from Using My Favorite Travel Rewards Cards

I 'm a huge fan of travel rewards cards. I've been using them for years, I've had over a dozen of them, and they usually help me save over $5,000 a year on travel expenses.

Travel cards are more complicated to use than cash back cards, so you might not be sure how to get the most out of them or which card to pick. If you'd like to start saving on travel or you want to get better at using travel cards, here are the most important lessons I've learned from mine.

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1. It pays to earn transferable rewards

Some travel cards have rewards that are tied to one loyalty program. For example, if you get a United Airlines card, it will earn miles you can use through United's MileagePlus program. This limits how you can use your rewards.

I prefer travel credit cards that earn transferable rewards, and these are what I recommend if you're getting your first travel card. With these cards, you can transfer your rewards to the loyalty programs of any airline or hotel partnered with the card issuer. These give you far more ways to book travel with your rewards.

American Express, Chase, Capital One, and Citi all have cards with transferable rewards. To give you an example of why this is important, transferable rewards have allowed me to book trips with a long list of travel providers, including:

• United Airlines

2. Keep an eye out for new card options

The travel card market changes often. So far this year, several cards have had larger welcome offers for a limited time, and Wells Fargo launched a new travel card. One of my keys to saving with travel cards has been staying on top of what's available. I've opened new cards when I've seen that there's a big limited-time bonus or that a new card has launched with valuable benefits.

To be fair, I have an advantage here. Since I write about credit cards, it's easy for me to keep up with new card offers and bonuses. But it doesn't take long to check out the best travel card offers and see what's currently available. Consider doing this every six months to a year to see if you find a new card you like.

3. Know when to close or downgrade a card

My biggest mistake with travel cards has been hanging onto cards for too long when I wasn't getting as much out of them. In some cases, I paid annual fees when a card only had one or two benefits I occasionally used.

If you have a travel card you like, then by all means, keep it. There's no reason to change a winning formula. But maybe a card issuer makes some negative changes to a card you have. Or perhaps you get a new travel card that makes your old one redundant.

There's no reason to pay an annual fee when you're not getting your money's worth from the card. In this situation, you could close your account. Another option is to downgrade it to a card with no annual fee.

4. Your tastes in travel cards may change

For several years, I didn't see the point of hotel credit cards. Why get a card with benefits that only work at one hotel chain? Why even stay at hotels, for that matter, when you can book an Airbnb?

As often happens in life, tastes change. I realized that hotels can be a nice place to stay on vacation. Housekeeping handles the cleaning. You can order room service if you feel like a relaxing meal without going out. And after a ton of nightmare Airbnb experiences, I appreciate the level of quality that high-end hotels offer.

I've also realized that if there's a hotel chain you stay with at least once or twice a year, a hotel card can be valuable. Many of them offer annual free night certificates and elite status, so they can save you money and improve your experience during every stay.

5. Don't overcomplicate it

It's easy to get information overload with travel credit cards. There are many travel rewards programs, and with some of them, there are dozens of ways to use your points. Blog posts frequently talk about high-value redemptions that are difficult to pull off.

There have been times when I've gotten lost in the weeds while trying to use my travel rewards. When that happens, I make it a point to simplify the process. What do I want to book? What's the most convenient way to do that with my travel points?

I don't care whether I'm getting $0.015 per point or $0.05 per point. I'm not going to take a longer flight just so I can get more value for my rewards, use some credit one of my travel cards has, or try a fancy new business-class product. Ultimately, my goal is to save money on the travel I want.

Those are my top five lessons after lots of time and experience using travel cards. Even though these credit cards have a bit more of a learning curve than cash back cards, they can also help you save on amazing travel bookings.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends Hyatt Hotels. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .

How to get Nexus for fast-track entry to the US and Canada

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Trusted Traveler Programs help eligible travelers expedite their way through border security at U.S. airports and land and sea ports.

There is a lesser-known program, Nexus, for travelers who frequently cross the U.S.-Canada border. What's even less commonly known is that Nexus also includes a Global Entry (and thus a TSA PreCheck ) membership for just an additional $50.

Wondering if Nexus may be the right program for you? Here's everything you need to know.

How Nexus works

U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian lawful permanent residents and Mexican nationals who belong to Mexico's equivalent program (Viajero Confiable) are eligible for Nexus. Those under 18 must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to participate.

Nexus provides prescreened travelers with expedited processing services when entering the U.S. and Canada by plane, car or boat. It uses Nexus-only processing lanes at designated entry ports along the northern border; Nexus kiosks when entering Canada by air; and Global Entry kiosks when arriving at one of nine Canadian Preclearance airports in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Alberta. Global Entry cards provide Nexus access when entering the U.S. but are not valid for entry into Canada via Nexus lanes or kiosks.

The Nexus application process

Travelers can apply online for a Nexus membership, after which they'll be prompted to arrange an in-person interview at an enrollment center .

Currently, there are 15 enrollment locations in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Canada.

As of 2023, the average processing time for Nexus is 18 to 20 months, so plan accordingly.

Like the other Trusted Traveler Programs, a Nexus membership is valid for five years. Adult applicants must pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee.

The Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection advise Nexus holders to renew their applications one year before expiration.

Upon approval, Nexus members receive a membership identification card via mail to use when entering Canada or the U.S. at designated Nexus entries.

To activate your Nexus card, simply log into your Trusted Traveler Program account and click the "Activate Membership Card" button in the "Program Membership(s)" section.

Once your membership is active, plan on keeping your card on you (plus your passport and/or proof of permanent residence) whenever you travel. The CBP advises this to ensure you can provide adequate proof of citizenship or permanent residence status if needed.

Should you lose your Nexus card, a $25 replacement fee will apply.

Enrollment on Arrival

Like Global Entry, conditionally approved Nexus applicants can complete the interview step via Enrollment on Arrival upon returning to the U.S. by air, including from designated CBP preclearance locations.

This process allows conditionally approved applicants to complete their Global Entry and/or Nexus enrollment interview as part of the immigration process when arriving at the airport after an international trip. To do this, look for signs in the airport for the "Enrollment on Arrival" lanes. Also, be sure your flight arrives during the hours when interviews are offered.

A CBP agent will complete your Global Entry interview during your admissibility inspection.

Given that Nexus is a jointly administered Trusted Traveler Program, applicants interview with both CBP and the CBSA for approval.

This entails a two-step process. First, applicants must interview with the CBSA at Canadian airport enrollment centers to complete the Canadian portion of the interview process. Then, they must interview with CBP at designated Enrollment on Arrival locations.

All conditionally approved applicants are eligible to complete their CBP interview via Enrollment on Arrival at any participating U.S. airport or preclearance location, regardless of whether they have completed the CBSA portion of the interview.

Enrollment on Arrival interviews are offered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of relevant airport personnel.

Nexus includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

As mentioned above, a Nexus membership includes access to Global Entry and, thus, TSA PreCheck security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck is an expedited security program run by the Transportation Security Administration for preapproved, low-risk travelers. TSA PreCheck users pass through dedicated TSA PreCheck security lines at more than 200 U.S. airports without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, by meeting Nexus eligibility requirements and sharing your passport information and fingerprints during your enrollment interview, you'll be eligible for Global Entry. The catch is that it's most beneficial for Americans living near the Canadian border, as only border locations will accept interview applicants.

The same rules apply to any other TSA PreCheck user, with Nexus or otherwise.

Once enrolled, you'll need to add your Known Traveler Number to your airline reservation. Then, when accessing your boarding pass, you should see a TSA PreCheck indicator. Presenting your boarding pass with this symbol is the only way to gain access to the TSA PreCheck lane.

Credit cards that reimburse Nexus fees

Several credit cards offer cardholders up to $100 in statement credit reimbursement for the application fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry (and, thus, Nexus), including:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• United℠ Explorer Card (every four years)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® (every four years)
• United Club℠ Infinite Card (every four years)
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card (every four years)
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• The Aeroplan® Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
• United Quest℠ Card

The price of Global Entry is increasing to $120 in October, so double-check whether your credit card issuer will increase its statement credit accordingly.

Bottom line

Eligible travelers can take advantage of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and Nexus for half the price of a Global Entry membership. If you are an American, Mexican or Canadian citizen who frequently crosses the U.S.-Canada border, this program might be for you.

Related reading:

• Several Chase credit cards can reimburse your Nexus application fees
• 7 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
• Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?
• Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both