Additional cardholder... Effect on their credit score??

gerrynimo

Hi guys,

Just a quick question... I have just been approved for Cap One credit card. Very pleased, as this will help me build up a decent credit file (not that it was rubbish before, just pretty much non-existent as only moved over here 2,5 years ago).

The question is: my gf's credit history is pretty poor due to a divorce she went through. I was wondering, if I name her as an additional cardholder, and we are very responsible with the card (ie not go over limit, pay off balance every month,....), would this also have an influence on her credit file? Or does only the primary cardholder's credit file benefit from it??

Thanks!

NickX

With credit cards, the debt is the sole responsibility of the Primary Card holder, so its only the Primary Card holder whose Credit File is influenced by behaviour with the card.

The Secondary Card holder is a useful facility but best to remember that really the Secondary card holder does not have any legal bearing on the account and in fact is not obliged to repay the debt.