Best Joint Credit Cards for Couples in 2026

Here's the thing nobody tells you: true joint credit cards don't really exist. Unlike joint bank accounts where both names are on the account equally, almost no major issuer offers a jointly held credit card anymore. But don't worry — adding your partner as an authorized user is the next best thing, and in many cases it's actually better.

We've been using shared credit cards for years and have tested dozens of rewards setups. Here are the 5 best cards for couples in 2026.

How Couples Credit Cards Actually Work

When we say "couples credit card," we really mean one partner opens the account and adds the other as an authorized user. The authorized user gets their own card with their name on it, and every purchase earns rewards into the same pool.

A few things to know:

• The primary cardholder is responsible for the bill. It doesn't matter who swiped — one person is on the hook for the full balance.
• Authorized user activity shows on both credit reports. This can be a huge benefit if the primary holder has great payment history. It can also hurt the authorized user if the account carries high balances.
• Authorized users can be removed at any time. If things change, the primary holder can call and remove the other person instantly.

Now let's get into our picks.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred — Best for Travel Couples

If you and your partner love to travel, this is the card. The Sapphire Preferred earns 5x points on travel booked through Chase and 3x on dining worldwide. Both of your purchases pool into the same Ultimate Rewards account, which makes racking up points incredibly fast.

Who it's best for: Couples who eat out regularly and take at least one or two trips a year. The $95 fee pays for itself quickly when two people are earning points.

2. Blue Cash Preferred — Best for Grocery-Shopping Couples

We spend a lot on groceries. If you do too, this card is a no-brainer. The Blue Cash Preferred earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year in purchases), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% on transit and gas.

Who it's best for: Couples who spend $400+ per month on groceries. At that level, you're earning over $280/year in cash back from groceries alone — far more than the annual fee.

3. Capital One SavorOne — Best No-Fee Option for Couples

Not every couple wants to pay an annual fee, and we totally get that. The SavorOne earns 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming, and grocery stores with absolutely no annual fee. Adding an authorized user is also free.

Who it's best for: Couples who want solid rewards without committing to an annual fee. It's also a great starter card if you're just beginning to build your rewards strategy together.

4. Chase Freedom Unlimited — Best Everyday Spending Card

This is our "everything else" card. The Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% on all purchases, plus 5% on travel through Chase and 3% on dining and drugstores. There's no annual fee, and it pairs perfectly with the Sapphire Preferred if you want to transfer points.

Who it's best for: Couples who want one card they can both use for any purchase without thinking about bonus categories.

5. Citi Double Cash — Best Simple Cash Back for Couples

If you hate tracking categories and just want cash back, this is your card. The Citi Double Cash earns 2% on everything — 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay. No categories to remember, no limits, no annual fee.

Who it's best for: Couples who want simplicity above all else. Put both cards in your wallets and forget about it.

Tips for Managing a Shared Credit Card

Having a shared card is great, but it can cause friction if you don't set some ground rules. Here's what works for us:

• Set up spending alerts. Most card apps let you get a push notification for every purchase over a certain amount. We set ours at $50 so there are no surprises.
• Agree on a monthly spending limit. Decide together how much goes on the shared card each month. This avoids the "I thought we were saving this month" argument.
• Review the statement together. We spend 15 minutes at the end of each month going through the statement. It keeps us both accountable and helps catch fraud early.
• Decide who pays the bill. Whether it comes from a joint checking account or one partner's account, make this decision upfront. Autopay is your best friend here.
• Keep a personal card too. Having a separate card for personal purchases gives each partner some financial autonomy, which is healthy.

Want to figure out the bigger picture first? Start with our Complete Couples Budgeting Guide.

FAQ

Does adding an authorized user affect their credit score?

Yes, it usually does. The account's entire history — including payment history, credit limit, and utilization — typically appears on the authorized user's credit report. This can boost their score if the account is in good standing, or hurt it if the card carries a high balance or has late payments.

Can both partners earn credit card sign-up bonuses?

Not on the same account. Only the primary cardholder is eligible for the sign-up bonus. However, spending from the authorized user's card does count toward hitting the minimum spend requirement, which makes it much easier to unlock the bonus together.

What happens to the card if we break up?

The primary cardholder keeps the account and all the rewards. The authorized user's card gets deactivated as soon as they're removed from the account. Any outstanding balance remains the primary cardholder's responsibility. It's one more reason to have an honest conversation about finances before sharing a card.