Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
If a credit card is issued to a single person with their spouse as an authorized user only, what happens if the person becomes deceased?
I was thinking about this recently, as all of our credit cards are in my name with my DW as an authorized user.
I was thinking about this recently, as all of our credit cards are in my name with my DW as an authorized user.
Last edited by guppyguy on Sat Feb 01, 2025 5:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
If the primary passes, the accounts are closed.
We do not have any joint credit cards, but I do have plenty of my own cards, as this has often allowed us to double up on sign up bonuses.
We do not have any joint credit cards, but I do have plenty of my own cards, as this has often allowed us to double up on sign up bonuses.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Spouse needs their own card accounts. AUs will not keep the accounts open if you die. There are very few truly joint credit card accounts.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
guppyguy wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:07 pm If a credit card is issued to a single person with their spouse as an authorized user only, what happens if the person becomes deceased?
I was thinking about this recently, as all of our credit cards are in my name with my DW as an authorized user.
Your wife *definitely* should have at least one charge card in HER name as the primary card holder.
I'd suggest that it not even have you as authorized user. Just keep it separate. (This is probably not necessary, but it's what we'd do.)
And then have her get another card, perhaps with you as authorized user.
Should something happen to you, then she'd have a backup card in case the first card were to be lost or compromised, etc.
There are cards without annual fees, so there's no downside. Make sure she uses each card at least a few times a year. It would be good if she did accumulate a bit more activity than that, so she won't have a tiny credit limit.
Good for thinking about this!

RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I (we) are fortunate we have a Joint Card issued from our bank, Wells Fargo. They will no longer issue a joint card. This card is used for Auto-Pays, thus it's survivability in the event of death of one of us is important to the other. The card is in turn auto-paid from our joint checking. Checking receives an auto-transfer from our joint brokerage monthly. I have everything set that way so as to not strand my DW money/bill wise.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Is that an absolute?
Our principal reward card is in my husband’s name, with me as authorized user. And I’d like to keep it if he goes first.
I do have a card in my name as the sole user and we have another that actually is joint. So I wouldn’t be “creditless.”
One thing that humbles me deeply is to see that human genius has its limits while human stupidity does not. - Alexandre Dumas, fils
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
The Fidelity rewards credit card offers a joint account.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Wow. Talk about a blind spot.
So we've been married 25+ years and every credit card has always been in my issued to me with her as an authorized user, except our present card which is joint, as I just confirmed. She stopped working long ago to be at home with the kids and had a bankruptcy long before we met, so we just never thought of anything else.
Just so I'm understanding, if it is a joint credit card, and one of passes than the card is still open, right?
Is this adequate or is the advice here that she should still have at least one card solely in her name in order to maintain credit?
FWIW, no mortgage or car loans and I plan only to work another 9 years. All of our retirement goals have been basically met along with about 1+ year of reserves in cash.
So we've been married 25+ years and every credit card has always been in my issued to me with her as an authorized user, except our present card which is joint, as I just confirmed. She stopped working long ago to be at home with the kids and had a bankruptcy long before we met, so we just never thought of anything else.
Just so I'm understanding, if it is a joint credit card, and one of passes than the card is still open, right?
Is this adequate or is the advice here that she should still have at least one card solely in her name in order to maintain credit?
FWIW, no mortgage or car loans and I plan only to work another 9 years. All of our retirement goals have been basically met along with about 1+ year of reserves in cash.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
delamer wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:31 pmIs that an absolute?
Our principal reward card is in my husband’s name, with me as authorized user. And I’d like to keep it if he goes first.
I do have a card in my name as the sole user and we have another that actually is joint. So I wouldn’t be “creditless.”
It's almost definite. Almost guaranteed.
IF the actual ("primary") cardholder passes, then there is no living person for the account. The authorized user is just that... a "user", not the owner of the account.
(At "best", there might be some chance to deal with the card issuer to have the "user" get an account. But that would take time, during which that person would need to have another card or be without a charge card. And that would not be a good time to be without a way to easily and quickly pay assorted expenses.)
You should each have at least 2 cards, with the second being at least for backup if the first is lost or compromised.
While you are both alive and married, both of you can use the combined household income to use for the credit card, which will affect the credit limit to start.
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
delamer wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:31 pmIs that an absolute?
Our principal reward card is in my husband’s name, with me as authorized user. And I’d like to keep it if he goes first.
I do have a card in my name as the sole user and we have another that actually is joint. So I wouldn’t be “creditless.”
When the sole owner of a card dies, yes it is terminated. It might take time for credit card to find out. Similar to a bank account when notified that the account holder has died.
Joint credit cards have the deceased name removed - happened after my dad’s death.
If you want to keep the card with rewards you need to be a joint owner.
Life is more than grinding it out in some drab office setting for an arbitrary number. This isn't a videogame where the higher score is better. -Nathan Drake
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Please see my post right above.ResearchMed wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:47 pmdelamer wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:31 pm
Is that an absolute?
Our principal reward card is in my husband’s name, with me as authorized user. And I’d like to keep it if he goes first.
I do have a card in my name as the sole user and we have another that actually is joint. So I wouldn’t be “creditless.”
It's almost definite. Almost guaranteed.
IF the actual ("primary") cardholder passes, then there is no living person for the account. The authorized user is just that... a "user", not the owner of the account.
(At "best", there might be some chance to deal with the card issuer to have the "user" get an account. But that would take time, during which that person would need to have another card or be without a charge card. And that would not be a good time to be without a way to easily and quickly pay assorted expenses.)
You should each have at least 2 cards, with the second being at least for backup if the first is lost or compromised.
While you are both alive and married, both of you can use the combined household income to use for the credit card, which will affect the credit limit to start.
RM
Why does it have to be two cards each in separate names and not two cards total with both as joint?
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
guppyguy wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 8:13 pm Why does it have to be two cards each in separate names and not two cards total with both as joint?
Two main reasons, in my mind.
First, it is increasingly difficult to get true "joint" charge accounts.
Decades ago, it wasn't such a big deal. I'm not sure when that started changing.
Second, I would not want to risk having a joint account closed or have any delay at all while it got sorted out. No, I have no bad experiences, but ... why risk any complications at a time like that!??
There are cards with no annual fees.
Also, I don't know how "joint cards" count on credit records. It might be "full credit to each of the joint card holders". But in case it isn't, again, there's not much downside at all, especially if one gets a free card.
And as someone mentioned above, another reason for those interested in "awards" is that each spouse can get points on the same card/account type.
We do that, big time. It's the freebie sign up bonus points that can make "premium awards travel" be such a good deal; those points are not 'instead of' cash back.
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Aside from the other good reasons mentioned in this thread, there is another reason: if either or both people travel, or plan to travel, internationally, it is also important to have two cards, each person owning one card: A lot of merchants send an SMS to verify the card, and whether or not you have an authorized user or a truly joint account, there is only one phone number it gets sent to. You do not want to be the person trying to pay for something important (for example, a ferry) where only credit cards are accepted, and the SMS is going to your spouse who is in a different time zone.guppyguy wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:07 pm If a credit card is issued to a single person with their spouse as an authorized user only, what happens if the person becomes deceased?
I was thinking about this recently, as all of our credit cards are in my name with my DW as an authorized user.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Almost all cards are individual now but household income is what they want at application.
I'd suggest just skip chasing a joint card.
So even if the spouse has low or no income they can easily get their own excellent cash back cards unless their credit score is impaired.
I'd suggest just skip chasing a joint card.
So even if the spouse has low or no income they can easily get their own excellent cash back cards unless their credit score is impaired.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
We have one through BofA. We had to fill out some paper forms and it took a while but it worked.Mike Scott wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:11 pm Spouse needs their own card accounts. AUs will not keep the accounts open if you die. There are very few truly joint credit card accounts.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
OP, you should review this thread
viewtopic.php?p=8222568
DW and I have joint accounts with Fidelity ELAN (one card for me, one for her), otherwise I have 3 other cards that DW is authorized on (Alliant, Citi Double Cash and Chase Amazon). She knows if something happens to me the ELAN cards will both still work.
It might be worth the time to get a joint card (Like the Fidelity ELAN Visa or Alliant Credit Union Visa card) and setup any recurring payments you have that go to CC, to go to that card, so if something happened to you regular payments will continue while your spouse deals with things.
viewtopic.php?p=8222568
DW and I have joint accounts with Fidelity ELAN (one card for me, one for her), otherwise I have 3 other cards that DW is authorized on (Alliant, Citi Double Cash and Chase Amazon). She knows if something happens to me the ELAN cards will both still work.
It might be worth the time to get a joint card (Like the Fidelity ELAN Visa or Alliant Credit Union Visa card) and setup any recurring payments you have that go to CC, to go to that card, so if something happened to you regular payments will continue while your spouse deals with things.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
This seems a very corner case to me and I am not even sure how this would work. DW and I travel internationally and our MNVO phone service does not offer international support (we just squat on WiFi or get a local SIM if we're going to be local for a few days). I have never had a merchant in a foreign country want to or try to send an SMS code to authorize a CC transaction, especially to my US based phone number.skeptical wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 8:30 pmAside from the other good reasons mentioned in this thread, there is another reason: if either or both people travel, or plan to travel, internationally, it is also important to have two cards, each person owning one card: A lot of merchants send an SMS to verify the card, and whether or not you have an authorized user or a truly joint account, there is only one phone number it gets sent to. You do not want to be the person trying to pay for something important (for example, a ferry) where only credit cards are accepted, and the SMS is going to your spouse who is in a different time zone.guppyguy wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:07 pm If a credit card is issued to a single person with their spouse as an authorized user only, what happens if the person becomes deceased?
I was thinking about this recently, as all of our credit cards are in my name with my DW as an authorized user.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
For OP, yes, this is a blind spot, and another reason I love this forum. Been married 20+ years and just got DW her first credit card a few weeks ago (thanks to advice we got here.) Charged a dinner to it so we could set up auto-bill pay. Will wait to ensure it works properly, then rarely use it. Maybe when she buys me Xmas presents. I will say that it does make me feel better/SWAN (sleep well at night) knowing it’s complete.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
This may or may not be helpful.
I looked at this late last year. My wife is not bad with financial stuff, but she could be classified as disinterested. We already have a mix of 6 cards and 2 are in her name already, but they are category cards (Prime and United Club)
But I saw the risk differently--the risk to me was with the workhorse card. For us, this is the BofA Premium Rewards at 2.625%/3.5%. So she applied for a PR earlier this year, so she has one in here name. (note: I could have gone through the joint process but chose not to).
Here is the point. I switched our fairly large number of autopays to her card (utilities, memberships, insurances, etc.). This does two things:
1. If I get hit by a bus, the autopays continue uninterrupted and she does not have to go through the process of updating each of these. If she gets hit by a bus, it is not a big deal for me to go through and change these.
2. We then sock drawer her card and this reduces fraud risk (and me having to redo the autopays in case of shutdown) as her card is not being used everyday in the great outdoors.
I looked at this late last year. My wife is not bad with financial stuff, but she could be classified as disinterested. We already have a mix of 6 cards and 2 are in her name already, but they are category cards (Prime and United Club)
But I saw the risk differently--the risk to me was with the workhorse card. For us, this is the BofA Premium Rewards at 2.625%/3.5%. So she applied for a PR earlier this year, so she has one in here name. (note: I could have gone through the joint process but chose not to).
Here is the point. I switched our fairly large number of autopays to her card (utilities, memberships, insurances, etc.). This does two things:
1. If I get hit by a bus, the autopays continue uninterrupted and she does not have to go through the process of updating each of these. If she gets hit by a bus, it is not a big deal for me to go through and change these.
2. We then sock drawer her card and this reduces fraud risk (and me having to redo the autopays in case of shutdown) as her card is not being used everyday in the great outdoors.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
It's a good idea for every adult to have their own, independent, positive credit history. It might be needed some day.
AU does not satisfy this credit history. It used to, but due to abuse lenders mostly ignore AU lines. The Vantage score ignores AU lines
I know that AU lines can be useful in some ways, but overall they are net negative. I doubt more than a few seasoned Boglers have them since they are mostly the province of impaired credit scores.
AU does not satisfy this credit history. It used to, but due to abuse lenders mostly ignore AU lines. The Vantage score ignores AU lines
I know that AU lines can be useful in some ways, but overall they are net negative. I doubt more than a few seasoned Boglers have them since they are mostly the province of impaired credit scores.
Last edited by EricGold on Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Maybe its just me. Over the last 2-3 years, I have had this happen quite a lot. Three times when home but paying for travel services for an upcoming trip to Africa (businesses were Africa based), and twice while in Northern Europe (this is when we shared a card, and I needed to text back home to get the code to enter to complete the transaction (one was to enable payments on an app that was required in order to use a ferry). There was also another time I needed to verify for another app that wanted to use a credit card (this was domestic). These were all done via text messaging.volstagg wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 5:54 amThis seems a very corner case to me and I am not even sure how this would work. DW and I travel internationally and our MNVO phone service does not offer international support (we just squat on WiFi or get a local SIM if we're going to be local for a few days). I have never had a merchant in a foreign country want to or try to send an SMS code to authorize a CC transaction, especially to my US based phone number.skeptical wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 8:30 pm
Aside from the other good reasons mentioned in this thread, there is another reason: if either or both people travel, or plan to travel, internationally, it is also important to have two cards, each person owning one card: A lot of merchants send an SMS to verify the card, and whether or not you have an authorized user or a truly joint account, there is only one phone number it gets sent to. You do not want to be the person trying to pay for something important (for example, a ferry) where only credit cards are accepted, and the SMS is going to your spouse who is in a different time zone.
Other motivating factors for us to get two cards was increased debt limit (which used a couple of times to pay for renovation work), and also to use one card for our recurring or online payments, and to leave that card at home so if does not get lost (except if needed for foreign travel).
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I called my three main credit card suppliers and asked them this. At least one of ours is a joint card. I wish I could remember for sure which one it is. I think it is our Citicard 2% cash back that we have all our auto charges to. I better check.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
One other thing, for those who share a card, either joint or with one spouse as authorized user.
TRY to get cards with different card numbers.
Some vendors do this automatically, and some automatically have the same card number for each, albeit with different names.
IF the card is lost or stolen and needs to be replaced, if the other card has the same number, then both cards will be useless.
If there are two different numbers, then the "other number" will work fine while the new card is being sent to the other person.
Also, at least for Amex Plat, although they say that a new card will ONLY be sent to the billing address, if one is traveling, they can arrange to get a replacement card to the member. (What they've done for us is to send it to the hotel manager, with instructions to check the passport, other photo ID, etc., before handing the card over.)
RM
TRY to get cards with different card numbers.
Some vendors do this automatically, and some automatically have the same card number for each, albeit with different names.
IF the card is lost or stolen and needs to be replaced, if the other card has the same number, then both cards will be useless.
If there are two different numbers, then the "other number" will work fine while the new card is being sent to the other person.
Also, at least for Amex Plat, although they say that a new card will ONLY be sent to the billing address, if one is traveling, they can arrange to get a replacement card to the member. (What they've done for us is to send it to the hotel manager, with instructions to check the passport, other photo ID, etc., before handing the card over.)
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
My adult child (now age 20) was an authorized user of one of my credit cards beginning at age 16. By age 19, based only on being an authorized user, they had a credit score of almost 800 and were able to get their own credit card. So in our fairly recent experience being an AU does bestow credit history.EricGold wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:48 am It's a good idea for every adult to have their own, independent, positive credit history. It might be needed some day.
AU does not satisfy this credit history. It used to, but due to abuse lenders mostly ignore AU lines. The Vantage score ignores AU lines
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Yes. Many of us have posted about getting children started with a good credit score.SchruteB&B wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:40 amMy adult child (now age 20) was an authorized user of one of my credit cards beginning at age 16. By age 19, based only on being an authorized user, they had a credit score of almost 800 and were able to get their own credit card. So in our fairly recent experience being an AU does bestow credit history.EricGold wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:48 am It's a good idea for every adult to have their own, independent, positive credit history. It might be needed some day.
AU does not satisfy this credit history. It used to, but due to abuse lenders mostly ignore AU lines. The Vantage score ignores AU lines
It isn't even necessary to give the card to them to get the credit started from your own usage.
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
It should be apparent on the statement. We have one card that says (on the statement):Parkinglotracer wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:09 am I called my three main credit card suppliers and asked them this. At least one of ours is a joint card. I wish I could remember for sure which one it is. I think it is our Citicard 2% cash back that we have all our auto charges to. I better check.
jebmke
Spouse
address
Cards that are in each name individually issue statements addressed to that individual, even though we are each authorized users of an additional card on the account.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
thank you !jebmke wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:57 amIt should be apparent on the statement. We have one card that says (on the statement):Parkinglotracer wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:09 am I called my three main credit card suppliers and asked them this. At least one of ours is a joint card. I wish I could remember for sure which one it is. I think it is our Citicard 2% cash back that we have all our auto charges to. I better check.
jebmke
Spouse
address
Cards that are in each name individually issue statements addressed to that individual, even though we are each authorized users of an additional card on the account.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Very good points about having separate cards.
If you have two separate Chase cards, one in each spouse's name, can you pool your UR points if you have joint everything else at Chase?
Also, do any issuers allow a non-joint account holder to see transactions and pay the bill? The separate cards can be a hassle if one spouse handles the family finances but you have to use the other spouse's log in every time you want to pay the bill.
If you have two separate Chase cards, one in each spouse's name, can you pool your UR points if you have joint everything else at Chase?
Also, do any issuers allow a non-joint account holder to see transactions and pay the bill? The separate cards can be a hassle if one spouse handles the family finances but you have to use the other spouse's log in every time you want to pay the bill.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I agree; I had a taxpayer come to my TaxAide site last year who had had her identity stolen. It had occurred 2-3 years ago. She was essentially homeless (living with a friend) because she couldn't even rent an apartment; her (modest) bank accounts from the time prior to the theft were still locked. As she described the details, it was as if she didn't even exist. She was gradually getting her life back, working as an independent contractor and filing paper returns with a letter explaining everything; and paying her tax due. She was single -- but if she had been married and the primary account owner, the entire financial life of the couple could have been in a scramble for years. This was one of the worst ID theft cases I had seen at our sites.EricGold wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:48 am It's a good idea for every adult to have their own, independent, positive credit history. It might be needed some day.
AU does not satisfy this credit history. It used to, but due to abuse lenders mostly ignore AU lines. The Vantage score ignores AU lines
I know that AU lines can be useful in some ways, but overall they are net negative. I doubt more than a few seasoned Boglers have them since they are mostly the province of impaired credit scores.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Yes; my Green AMEX which I opened in 1981 has an additional card issued to my wife. At one point, I got on the phone with AMEX and they designated her as a "manager" of the account. She has her own log in and can see everything and handle any business that may be required in my absence.MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:21 am Very good points about having separate cards.
If you have two separate Chase cards, one in each spouse's name, can you pool your UR points if you have joint everything else at Chase?
Also, do any issuers allow a non-joint account holder to see transactions and pay the bill? The separate cards can be a hassle if one spouse handles the family finances but you have to use the other spouse's log in every time you want to pay the bill.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:21 am Very good points about having separate cards.
If you have two separate Chase cards, one in each spouse's name, can you pool your UR points if you have joint everything else at Chase?
Also, do any issuers allow a non-joint account holder to see transactions and pay the bill? The separate cards can be a hassle if one spouse handles the family finances but you have to use the other spouse's log in every time you want to pay the bill.
As jebmke already mentioned, it's possible to designate someone to discuss or even manage your account, even if they can't charge to it.
As for combining points, I think Chase has two types of "points" - but not sure of that.
At least for one type, yes, spouses can pool points.
So we each get a card with sign-up bonuses (SUBs), and then after a year or two, we combine the points on one and then close the other. After the required wait (48 months!?), the other gets a new card with SUB, and we then move the points to that account and close the other one.
Rinse and repeat.
I'm not sure about other cards. Most do not allow pooling, or charge (sometimes outrageous fees) to pool points.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Thanks. Do you know if Chase allows you to designate a manager?ResearchMed wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am
As jebmke already mentioned, it's possible to designate someone to discuss or even manage your account, even if they can't charge to it.
As for combining points, I think Chase has two types of "points" - but not sure of that.
At least for one type, yes, spouses can pool points.
So we each get a card with sign-up bonuses (SUBs), and then after a year or two, we combine the points on one and then close the other. After the required wait (48 months!?), the other gets a new card with SUB, and we then move the points to that account and close the other one.
Rinse and repeat.
I'm not sure about other cards. Most do not allow pooling, or charge (sometimes outrageous fees) to pool points.
RM
We'd probably each get a Sapphire card since we use Chase, so the points would be UR points.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:37 amThanks. Do you know if Chase allows you to designate a manager?ResearchMed wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am
As jebmke already mentioned, it's possible to designate someone to discuss or even manage your account, even if they can't charge to it.
As for combining points, I think Chase has two types of "points" - but not sure of that.
At least for one type, yes, spouses can pool points.
So we each get a card with sign-up bonuses (SUBs), and then after a year or two, we combine the points on one and then close the other. After the required wait (48 months!?), the other gets a new card with SUB, and we then move the points to that account and close the other one.
Rinse and repeat.
I'm not sure about other cards. Most do not allow pooling, or charge (sometimes outrageous fees) to pool points.
RM
We'd probably each get a Sapphire card since we use Chase, so the points would be UR points.
I would assume most cards do allow this. A lot of people do have actual helpers aka managers to "do stuff".
However, they may not all call them an actual "manager". It might just be "someone else who can discuss the account". So don't get hung up on the title when you call to ask.
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Wife and I have multiple Chase cards to include the Sapphire card. I routinely combine UR (ultimate reward) points from multiple cards, hers and mine. We spend the UR points from my Sapphire card, typically for flights. All our Chase UR points eventually get combined to my Sapphire card when we go to use them.MtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:37 amThanks. Do you know if Chase allows you to designate a manager?ResearchMed wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 8:35 am
As jebmke already mentioned, it's possible to designate someone to discuss or even manage your account, even if they can't charge to it.
As for combining points, I think Chase has two types of "points" - but not sure of that.
At least for one type, yes, spouses can pool points.
So we each get a card with sign-up bonuses (SUBs), and then after a year or two, we combine the points on one and then close the other. After the required wait (48 months!?), the other gets a new card with SUB, and we then move the points to that account and close the other one.
Rinse and repeat.
I'm not sure about other cards. Most do not allow pooling, or charge (sometimes outrageous fees) to pool points.
RM
We'd probably each get a Sapphire card since we use Chase, so the points would be UR points.
Can’t comment on designating a manager, but I have on-line access to her cards.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Do you just use her log-in, or is there a way to link it to your log-in?Absolutely! wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:10 am Can’t comment on designating a manager, but I have on-line access to her cards.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
we each have separate log ins for everything. Otherwise we would run into difficulty with MFA systemsMtnTravel wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:32 amDo you just use her log-in, or is there a way to link it to your log-in?Absolutely! wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:10 am Can’t comment on designating a manager, but I have on-line access to her cards.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I researched this some years ago, as I was concerned about whether my wife would be put in hardship if I pre-deceased her.
Most credit cards are owned by a single person, with the other person in a relationship as an authorized user. If the card owner dies, the authorized user may no longer use that card. If, on the other hand, a card is co-owned by two people, one may continue to use it if the other passes.
It's rare for cards to be co-owned. We have one card (a Fidelity Rewards Visa issued by Elan Financial) that is co-owned by myself and my wife, which we use for auto-payment of our monthly bills. When I came to this realization, I encouraged my wife to apply for her own Visa card, so that (a) she would have a card she could use if I died, and (b) so that she could start adding to her own credit rating.
I have seen where you can download a form from Fidelity and make a card that one person owns co-owned, I don't know whether other card issuers offer such a change.
Most credit cards are owned by a single person, with the other person in a relationship as an authorized user. If the card owner dies, the authorized user may no longer use that card. If, on the other hand, a card is co-owned by two people, one may continue to use it if the other passes.
It's rare for cards to be co-owned. We have one card (a Fidelity Rewards Visa issued by Elan Financial) that is co-owned by myself and my wife, which we use for auto-payment of our monthly bills. When I came to this realization, I encouraged my wife to apply for her own Visa card, so that (a) she would have a card she could use if I died, and (b) so that she could start adding to her own credit rating.
I have seen where you can download a form from Fidelity and make a card that one person owns co-owned, I don't know whether other card issuers offer such a change.
There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way. (Christopher Morley)
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Regarding automatic cancelation, as far as I can tell they only cancel when they are notified. A relative continues to have a non-canceled card, with his wife as authorized user, three years after death. She used it until she got her own card (from another issuer). I wouldn't rely on this, but am not aware of any automatic mechanism by which card issuers learn of deaths.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
We each have our own "everyday" workhorse cards, our own travel cards and we split up a couple of speciality cards using authorized user.
On top of the benefits many have mentioned, we get a general idea of individual spending as we charge everything possible and most spending is on the workhorse and travel cards.
On top of the benefits many have mentioned, we get a general idea of individual spending as we charge everything possible and most spending is on the workhorse and travel cards.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I have seen this as well and agree, it isn't something to rely on. I have done a quick look at our respective individual accounts and determined that non of the automatic charges to the card each month are what I would call "mission critical." If the YMCA membership charge got rejected it wouldn't cause a problem or be urgent.exodusing wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 9:41 am Regarding automatic cancelation, as far as I can tell they only cancel when they are notified. A relative continues to have a non-canceled card, with his wife as authorized user, three years after death. She used it until she got her own card (from another issuer). I wouldn't rely on this, but am not aware of any automatic mechanism by which card issuers learn of deaths.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
To determine if any of your existing credit accounts are Joint or Individual responsibility, you can check any or all three of your credit reports for free.Parkinglotracer wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 7:09 am I called my three main credit card suppliers and asked them this. At least one of ours is a joint card. I wish I could remember for sure which one it is. I think it is our Citicard 2% cash back that we have all our auto charges to. I better check.
For example, our joint Fidelity Rewards Visa (issued by Elan Financial/US Bancorp), Experian lists a “Responsibility” field and the field says “Joint”.
My individual responsibility Chase card (Chase doesn’t issue joint responsibility cards currently), Experian lists it as “Individual” responsibility.
No need to call the issuer or try to figure out from how the statements are addressed. How it’s reported to the credit bureaus will indicate who’s responsible for the account.
Additionally, if you are an Authorized User on a reported account, the “Responsibility” field will state “Authorized User”.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
I love this set-up, thanks!Lastrun wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:32 am This may or may not be helpful.
I looked at this late last year. My wife is not bad with financial stuff, but she could be classified as disinterested. We already have a mix of 6 cards and 2 are in her name already, but they are category cards (Prime and United Club)
But I saw the risk differently--the risk to me was with the workhorse card. For us, this is the BofA Premium Rewards at 2.625%/3.5%. So she applied for a PR earlier this year, so she has one in here name. (note: I could have gone through the joint process but chose not to).
Here is the point. I switched our fairly large number of autopays to her card (utilities, memberships, insurances, etc.). This does two things:
1. If I get hit by a bus, the autopays continue uninterrupted and she does not have to go through the process of updating each of these. If she gets hit by a bus, it is not a big deal for me to go through and change these.
2. We then sock drawer her card and this reduces fraud risk (and me having to redo the autopays in case of shutdown) as her card is not being used everyday in the great outdoors.
So did you consolidate down two just 2 cards? I just opened a USB card in my name and will have my wife open a separate one in her name for the autopay stuff. I found out that our Alliant card is joint, and has the longest credit history and limit, so I think we will keep that around but everything else will be closed.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
Does anyone know if it is possible to convert an individual credit card (with spouse as authorized user) into a joint card with spouse? I’d rather not apply for a new credit line and then close the other. Seems convoluted.
Specifically with Alliant.
Specifically with Alliant.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
I read somewhere its possible with Alliant. Personally haven't done it because it was set up joint, but I know I saw it somewhere here.Sediment6800 wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:14 pm Does anyone know if it is possible to convert an individual credit card (with spouse as authorized user) into a joint card with spouse? I’d rather not apply for a new credit line and then close the other. Seems convoluted.
Specifically with Alliant.
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
Sediment6800 wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 6:14 pm Does anyone know if it is possible to convert an individual credit card (with spouse as authorized user) into a joint card with spouse? I’d rather not apply for a new credit line and then close the other. Seems convoluted.
Specifically with Alliant.
Call the vendor and ask.
If they say no - the first phone rep level - then perhaps ask for a supervisor in case it *is* possible, but they don't encounter it often.
RM
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Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
For us it has been a must do to have at least our own credit cards individually, and more than one each. This goes back as long as I can remember. It is just a fundamental of personal finance.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
We looked at my wife's credit report and she has a higher credit score than I do, mostly because of our joint CC at Alliant.
So to all, why is it so important to have separate credit cards if a couple can get 2 joint credit cards instead?
So to all, why is it so important to have separate credit cards if a couple can get 2 joint credit cards instead?
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
So that there are for sure no issues when one of you passes or any other complications of debts, liabilities, divorce, etc.guppyguy wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2025 7:30 pm We looked at my wife's credit report and she has a higher credit score than I do, mostly because of our joint CC at Alliant.
So to all, why is it so important to have separate credit cards if a couple can get 2 joint credit cards instead?
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity?
Likewise with our Citi Rewards+ Mastercard. It was originally our AT&T Universal Card, issued 1991, back when joint cards were apparently more common. All our (my) other cards are individual ownership/responsibility.jdubsdubs wrote: Sat Feb 01, 2025 10:45 am our joint Fidelity Rewards Visa (issued by Elan Financial/US Bancorp), Experian lists a “Responsibility” field and the field says “Joint”.
Principal, not principle. Roth, not ROTH. IRMAA, not IRRMA or IRMMA.
Re: Joint credit card with DW a neccesity (after passing)?
I think this is a common problem with married couples. In my case I got married late in life and my wife never made much money although fortunately she wasn't in debt. I've added her as authorized user on some of my cards and over time her credit score has rise to a vg score and she now also has several cards in her own name so she will be ok if I go first.
Cards have a lot of different terminology. American Express allows you to have an authorized user or a companion card. Authorized user provides more benefits to the user but also involves an annual fee, the companion card usually has no additional fee but doesn't really provide any benefits. Both seem like they will add the user's credit score (I'm referring to the additional user) assuming the primary account holder pays things in a timely manner.
Just when you think you have things set up properly you realize there is a gotcha. Good luck.
Cards have a lot of different terminology. American Express allows you to have an authorized user or a companion card. Authorized user provides more benefits to the user but also involves an annual fee, the companion card usually has no additional fee but doesn't really provide any benefits. Both seem like they will add the user's credit score (I'm referring to the additional user) assuming the primary account holder pays things in a timely manner.
Just when you think you have things set up properly you realize there is a gotcha. Good luck.
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