Can I Use My Husband's Income When Applying for Credit Card?

You can usually include your husband's income on a credit card application, even if you are the only person applying for the card. Some credit card companies consider all sources of money in the household when processing your application, but you have the right to limit income to what you earn only on the form.

Features

A credit card application commonly asks about other sources of income in your household. Sometimes the household income section of the application states you do not have to include spousal or child support in the total income if you do not want the money considered; the same is true for your husband's earnings. You may not have to supply your husband's name or place of employment as the "source" because just "husband" or "spouse" suffices for some companies.

Effects

The total income you put on the application, including your husband's, is used to determine your likely repayment ability and impacts the credit limit you are offered. The more income you include, the higher the limit you are considered for, as long as your credit score is deemed acceptable by the credit card issuer.

Considerations

You do not need to supply a Social Security number for your husband, as only your creditworthiness is evaluated for a card solely in your name. However, you must supply all of your husband's information should you decide to submit a joint application. You may have to submit a joint application if your own income is too low, regardless of the total household income you state. A solo application improves your chances of getting approved if your husband's credit is poor.

Misconceptions

You can get a second credit card on the account in your husband's name even if he does not apply with you, but you are responsible for all the charges on his card, and he does not get the benefit of having the account on his credit report.

Your husband is normally not informed by the credit card company if you use his income as "other income" on the application, but the company has the right to ask for proof of other income when considering extending you credit.