Whose name to apply for card in

Fleximum

As a couple we have a joint bank account and 2 credit cards, both of which are in my name with my husband as an additional card holder. We want to apply for a 0% on balance transfers card but I'm not sure whose name needs to go as the applicant. My husband is the main earner while I only work part time and so have less than half the income he does. Can I apply for the card declaring our joint income or does he have to apply and if so, will he be accepted as he doesn't actually hold a credit card in his name? Also, if he applies will we be able to balance transfer from the cards in my name? Thanks for any advice.

Paully232000

Yes you can BT from cards that are not in your name apart from very few cards (I think santander may be an exception).
Also cards such as Virgin, and I am sure there are others, ask for household income as well as personal income.

As for whether you or your husband will be accepted, that depends on a myriad of things like income, debts, what his credit report looks like etc

InsideInsurance

You can only declare your own income in the own income section. AmEx and a few others ask for household income and there you can declare your partners.

Alternatively have him apply for a card and then the above is reversed. They will consider his credit history and potentially if he has none then it may not be accepted as lenders are traditionally risk adverse and see no history as a bad risk.

If you do transfer the balance to his name then he does become solely legally liable for him. I am sure in your situation this is probably a non-issue but for some in less durable relationships it is worth thinking of