2nd person on credit card account

saverholic

hi, hope people might be able to answer my question.

I'm spending a couple of months abroad this summer and a very kind relative has offered to put me on their credit card account so I have a 'back up card' in case my debit card doesn't work/gets stopped etc. I only want the card for the length of my trip and want to have my name removed from their account on my return.

(I can't get a card of my own with a limit worth bothering with, though I definitely will be able to pay relative back, that's not the issue )

Does anyone know what impact having my name on their account will have regarding credit scores etc? Will our names be linked financial and how do I get them unlinked (so to speak)?

Hope someone might know the answer, thankyou very much

Atom

I don't think there is any financial link created when adding an additional card holder and im pretty sure there is no CRA involved in the process so it won't be a problem for either of you.

MichaelCR

saverholic wrote: »

hi, hope people might be able to answer my question.

I'm spending a couple of months abroad this summer and a very kind relative has offered to put me on their credit card account so I have a 'back up card' in case my debit card doesn't work/gets stopped etc. I only want the card for the length of my trip and want to have my name removed from their account on my return.

(I can't get a card of my own with a limit worth bothering with, though I definitely will be able to pay relative back, that's not the issue )

Does anyone know what impact having my name on their account will have regarding credit scores etc? Will our names be linked financial and how do I get them unlinked (so to speak)?

Hope someone might know the answer, thankyou very much

You'll get credit checked for bankruptcy (So i think) and for identification purposes.

Although no financial link will be created as you'll only be an additional cardholder, so any payments etc etc will only show up on the relatives credit record, So if you where to miss a payment and the relative couldn't afford to cover it, They'll be penalized and have a missed payment placed on there credit record etc.

You can be added and removed at anytime.

Sorilla

All your actions will be treated as your relative's as your card would be considered as a secondary. I think that you will not even get your own statement, all will be send to the main cardholder.

ironlady2022

Your relative will have to cancel your card unless they give permission for you to speak about the credit card account.

saverholic

Thankyou everyone. Had been worrying a little about it and I feel much better about it now

Sorilla wrote: »

I think that you will not even get your own statement, all will be send to the main cardholder.

This would be fantastic. Its actually what we want to happen since I'm not going to be in the country to receive any bills but I want to pay off what I owe each month.

Thanks again

ASL

Nope you will not be credit checked. A few years ago I added my Mum to one of my old cards, within a few days the card arrived, followed by a pin. But remember if you use you relatives card then go crazy and not pay them back you'll wreck their credit file. if they can't meet the payments. So lets say you have £2000 for your trip. Give them say £1750 up front. You don't want to be carrying cash with you. Use the card when needed and ask them to check their statement online say weekly, to tell you what you have left. They can text you the details to save on roaming charges. Keep all receipts and don't use ATMS's the fees can be high. Just don't spend more than they say. And phone them if something big comes up that you need to use the card for. Best way is to pay them nearly all your spending money, even if its a few thousand. Up front. If you need a big spend, text them, they can then make a payment straight away off the card. This will always ensure you have funds available.