Additional name on relatives CC - but DMP not known -HELP!

queenofbargains

Please can you help me - I can't give the full details as this may identify me to my family.

I have a DMP with my husband. A VERY close relative wants to add my name to their new credit card. They are about to apply for it as they have a big event in their life coming up which will require a lot of purchases. They are applying for a 0% purchases one, and I don't foresee them being refused as their credit history is excellent and they don't hold loads of CCs or been swapping around etc. (I know that anything can happen, but for the sake of this post, we will assume that they will be accepted.) They don't have financial problems, but want to know if they have to buy several expensive items in one month, they can spread the cost for the 0% duration. The card will be paid in full before the offer is up.

This is my problem:-
They don't know ANYTHING about our financial problems/debt/DMP etc. I know (am assuming I'm right), that my name being added as an additional card holder, will cause their application to be rejected and maybe impact on their credit scoring.

They are wanting my name to be added for purely practical reasons as they live a distance from us and there will be times that items need to be purchased here, and internet transactions will not be possible. My relative sees me being an additional holder as making things easier for them, which it would be, if we weren't in this situation.

I would REALLY value your knowledge and help. Am I right in assuming that a check would be made on me, if my name is included as an additional card holder? If it is - how do I say no to my relative that doesn't make it look as if I'm being awkward or saying no for the sake of it. I have a very good relationship with them, and telling them our situation is not an option.

I have said that I don't think it will be needed and tried to make light of it, but I know the question will be asked again.

For anyone reading this that thinks debt doesn't matter - it does. Worst of all, it hurts (badly) at a time that should be one of the happiest times in the family. How I wish I could turn back the clock ......

TrickyDicky

additional card holder have no effect on the application being made. Your friends apply for the card, it is in their name, their credit, and adding you only means you can use the card - the replayment responsibility falls completly on them - your credit history should not affect their application.

JohalaReewi

Best way to do it is for your relative to get the card without mentioning you as an additional cardholder then once they have the card, just get an additional card for you. The CC company won't credit check you at this stage because as TrickyDicky said, the credit card agreement is in your relative's name and they are responsible to the CC company.

Dabooka

I think the OP is reluctant to suggest their relative does this as they know nothing of their DMP. Saying that, other than suggesting that "in these times" it'd be advisable for the relative to apply first and then add them, I can't see what else the OP can do.

Agree with everything that's been posted mind.

CLAPTON

There have been several posts saying that some CC companies do now in fact check the second card holders credit file.

Anyway I don't see why the OP can't tell the relative that their credit file has a black mark on it without mentioning the DMP.
Surely everyone knows some-one who has had a argument with a mobile phone company who have threathen to mark their credit file.... just requires a little white lie and a bit of imagination.

JohalaReewi

CLAPTON wrote: »

There have been several posts saying that some CC companies do now in fact check the second card holders credit file.

Probably for identity purposes but the additional cardholder isn't applying to the CC company for credit (there is no credit agreement between the CC company and additional card holders)* so there shouldn't in theory be a full credit check.

* Some CC companies claim that purchases by additional cardholders don't have section 75 protection because there is no credit agreement between the company and the purchaser.