4 Benefits of Adding Your Spouse to Your Credit Card

Finances aren't always the first topic of discussion when you get married. But it's important to decide how you'll manage money, including which accounts you'll use.

Many couples decide to share a credit card by having one spouse add the other as an authorized user. One of you is still the primary cardholder, but the other receives a card in their name tied to the account. If you're considering adding your spouse to your credit card, here are the biggest benefits of doing so.

1. It's an easy way to merge your finances

Merging finances could lead to a happier marriage. Multiple studies, including one last year by Indiana University Kelley School of Business, have found a link between joint financial accounts and stronger relationships.

If you want a shared credit card account, adding your spouse as an authorized user is the easiest option. Joint credit cards aren't nearly as common as they used to be. Many card issuers don't offer them anymore.

But most card issuers allow authorized users. You can add an authorized user in your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.

It's always important to choose a quality credit card, but especially if you and your spouse are both going to use it. Explore our picks for the best credit cards to find one and apply today.

2. You earn rewards on their spending

If you add your spouse to a rewards card, you'll earn rewards on their purchases. This is a great way for couples to maximize rewards with a cash back card or a travel card.

Let's say you have a card that earns 3% back on groceries and gas, but your spouse does most of the grocery shopping. By adding them to your credit card, they'll have their own card as an authorized user, and their grocery spending will also earn 3%.

Looking for a cash back card that can earn this much -- or more? Click here to see our list of the top cash back credit cards, including cards with bonus rates as high as 6%!

3. There may be a bonus available

Credit card companies want people to use their cards often, so they like when cardholders add authorized users. Some of them even offer authorized user bonuses to sweeten the deal.

Bonus amounts generally range from 5,000 to 20,000 points (worth approximately $50 to $200). These bonuses typically require you to add an authorized user and for that authorized user to spend a certain amount. For example, your spouse may need to spend $1,000 in the first three months to earn the bonus.

4. It could help their credit score

If you have a high credit score and your spouse doesn't, adding them as an authorized user could help with that. Your credit card activity will start being reported on their credit history. If you add them to a 10-year-old card, they'll now have 10 years of credit activity. If you consistently pay your card on time, those on-time payments will boost your spouse's credit.

Keep in mind that this works both ways. Positive activity on your credit card will be good for your spouse's credit score. But negative activity, such as missed payments, could cause their credit score to drop. Make sure to pay on time and avoid overspending with your card so your spouse benefits from being an authorized user.

Every couple has their own way of handling the financial side of the relationship. Some merge everything, some keep it all separate, and some do a partial merger. If you're a couple that's interested in sharing at least some accounts, adding one partner as an authorized user on the other's credit card could be a good money move.