Deciding whether to set up a joint bank account and how to split shared bills aren't the only decisions to make when you're figuring out how to manage your finances with a significant other. You can also share a credit card account, which allows you to share rewards and benefits. However, the primary account holder is fully responsible for all charges authorized users make.
Below, CNBC Select shares the best credit cards for couples in a variety of categories, including travel credit cards and credit cards that are easy to get.
Best for groceries
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High cash-back earnings for U.S. supermarkets and streaming services
- Intro-APR offer for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee for the first year
- It's less rewarding after the first year because of the annual fee
- Bonus rewards for U.S. supermarkets are capped
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74%-28.74%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be helpful if groceries are a significant expense for you and your partner.
Standout benefit: The Blue Cash Preferred card earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases per calendar year (then 1% back). That means you could earn 6% back on an average of $500 a month in grocery purchases.
Best for cash back
What makes the Citi Double Cash® Card special is that it sits near the top of its class in several categories. It is an excellent option if you want flat-rate rewards, a balance transfer intro-APR or no annual fee.
- Balance transfers get a long intro APR
- Generous flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- Earns transferable rewards
- No annual fee
- It has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR only applies to balance transfer
- Points transfer ratios are reduced compared to premium cards
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great fit for couples who want to maximize the cash back they earn without the hassle of a complicated rewards structure.
Standout benefit: The Citi Double Cash earns at least 2% back on every purchase. You'll get 1% back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% back when you pay for those purchases. This unlimited cash back is hard to beat outside of other cards' special bonus categories or capped bonus spending.
Best for travel
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
- Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after every card anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations
- Long list of valuable travel and shopping protections, including return protection, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement (Benefit(s) only available to accounts approved for the Visa Infinite card. Terms apply.)
- Limited bonus spending categories compared to other premium credit cards
- High annual fee
- High credit score requirement (excellent credit)
Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for couples who travel frequently and want to enjoy a long list of luxury benefits, both when traveling together and solo.
Standout benefit: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card stands out for its airport lounge access benefits, which include generous guesting privileges. Best of all, you can add authorized users for no additional fee, and additional card members receive the same lounge access benefits. Shared cardholder benefits include an up to $300 annual Capital One Travel credit to use toward purchases made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile bonus on each account anniversary (worth at least $100 for travel).
Best for intro APR period
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is one of the absolute best cards you can apply for if you want to save on interest and pay down debit quickly thanks to its extra generous intro-APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Incredible intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Cell phone insurance: up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
- High balance transfer fee
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Balance transfer fee
5%, min: $5
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is great for those who need more time to pay off their debt as it has one of the longest 0%-intro APR periods of any card, and the intro APR applies to both purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Standout benefit: Cardholders receive an introductory 0% APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, after that an 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49% variable APR applies. Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
More on the best credit cards for couples
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Anyone who loves earning bonus cashback on common everyday purchases should take a look at the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
Rewards
- 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1% back)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations
- 3% cash back on transit
- 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome bonus
Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Annual fee
$0 annual fee the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)
Notable benefits
Cardholders can receive up to $120 a year in Disney bundle credit ($10 back a month after purchasing an eligible subscription. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com in the U.S., enrollment required, subject to autorenewal. Cardholders can also take advantage of *return protection on eligible purchases.
*Eligibility and Benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a powerful no-annual-fee cash-back card with a solid welcome bonus and a top-tier rate of return on everyday purchases.
Rewards
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time
- Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Welcome bonus
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable benefits
Cardmembers can save on interest with a 0%-intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, the variable 18.49% - 28.74% APR applies, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer (minimum $5) within the first four months of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
The cashback you earn with this card is awarded as Citi ThankYou® Points. Each point is worth one cent per point for cash back (checks, direct deposits, statement credits) and other redemptions, such as gift cards. However, you'll also have access to a limited number of Citi transfer partners, including JetBlue, Choice Hotels and Wyndham Hotels. If you pair this card with the Citi Strata Premier® Card, you'll unlock access to even more transfer partners, including TrueBlue®, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Singapore Airlines. (See rates and fees)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card at a surprisingly lower price point than other high-end cards with luxury benefits.
Rewards
- 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
- 5X miles on flights booked via Capital One Travel
- 2X miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Annual fee
$395
Notable benefits
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has several key benefits that easily make it worth keeping year after year. For starters, you'll receive an annual $300 travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and receive 10,000 bonus miles (worth at least $100 in travel) every account anniversary. You can also receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years (per account) for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.
This card provides unlimited visits to participating Priority Pass™, Plaza Premium and Capital One airport lounges (enrollment required). Cardholders can bring an unlimited number of guests to participating Priority Pass lounges and up to two guests for free per visit to Plaza Premium and Capital One lounges. So you could add your significant other to your account for free, and when you're traveling together, you can bring up to four guests with you into Plaza Premium and Capital One airport lounges worldwide.
Cardholders can also take advantage of:
- Cell phone insurance
- Rental car insurance
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- Travel accident insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Purchase security
- Extended warranty protection
- Return protection
The Capital One miles you earn with this card can be redeemed to offset travel purchases at a rate of one cent per mile. You can also transfer these miles to a variety of travel partner loyalty programs, including Air Canada, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.
*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has no annual fee and offers one of the most generous intro APR periods of any card, but doesn't offer any rewards.
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable benefits
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers cell phone protection of up to $600 for damage and theft with a $25 deductible. To qualify you need to pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Wells Fargo Reflect card. You can be reimbursed for up to two claims per 12-month period.
Cardholders can also access My Wells Fargo Deals, an opt-in cashback program for specific retailers that offers discounts on eligible purchases.
Shared credit card account pros and cons
For a couple to share a credit card account, you'll typically need one person to get approved for the card and then add the other person as an authorized user. Adding an authorized user instead of opening a separate credit card has some trade-offs. It can be easy to manage a single account, but certain cards have fees to add additional card members and authorized users may not have access to all of a card's benefits.
Pros
- Simplicity — you'll have one account to track spending and rewards
- A partner who has weaker credit can have a card they might not otherwise be approved for
- One annual fee to pay and many cards don't charge to add authorized users
Cons
- Some benefits aren't available for authorized users or are shared by the primary cardmember and authorized users
- Certain cards charge an additional fee for authorized users
- You'll only earn one welcome bonus
- The primary cardholder is fully responsible for paying all charges
FAQs
Do authorized users get the same perks as the main cardholder?
The perks available to authorized users vary by card, so you'll have to read the fine print. However, travel and purchase insurance often applies to authorized user transactions. Other perks such as statement credits are typically available per account, not per cardholder.
Can an unmarried couple open a credit card together?
Once you are approved for a credit card, you can add almost anyone who is of age as an authorized user to your account, regardless of marital status.
Does adding someone as an authorized user on my credit card help their credit?
Adding an authorized user to your credit card can help their credit, but that's not always the case. Some card issuers don't report authorized users to the credit bureaus. Also, the primary account holder must have a history of on-time payments for authorized users to see an improvement in their credit scores.
Bottom line
There are many cards available for couples who want to share a credit card account, regardless of whether they are married or not. This is a way to simplify your finances by having one account to monitor for rewards and spending. However, there could be a tradeoff with access to fewer benefits and bonuses.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for extended warranty coverage.
Our methodology
To determine which credit cards are best for couples, CNBC Select analyzed the most popular credit cards available to U.S. consumers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, authorized user fees, rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks and how easy it is to redeem points.
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Read more
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
