Do Credit Cards Allow Cosigners?
In short, most credit cards do not allow cosigners. The CARD Act of 2009 changed the rules around credit card applications, and since then, major credit card issuers have largely stopped accepting cosigners on credit card accounts. If you're new to the concept entirely, our explainer on what it means to cosign a loan walks through the basics of how cosigning works and what you're agreeing to before signing.
This is different from other types of loans. You can cosign for a car loan, personal loan, or student loan. But credit cards work differently because they are revolving credit with variable balances, which makes cosigning riskier for lenders and cosigners alike. If you are weighing cosigning a non-credit-card loan, our guide to what cosigning a loan does to your credit breaks down the DTI, utilization, and liability hits before you sign anything.
Why Most Issuers Stopped Allowing Cosigners
Before 2009, cosigners were common on credit card applications, especially for young adults and people with limited credit history. The problem was that cosigners were on the hook for the entire balance, and many did not fully understand the risk.
The CARD Act required more transparency and placed restrictions on marketing credit cards to young adults. While the law does not explicitly ban cosigners, most issuers chose to stop the practice rather than navigate the new regulatory requirements.
Alternatives to Cosigning for a Credit Card
If you cannot get a cosigner, you still have good options for building credit:
Become an authorized user. This is the closest alternative to cosigning. A family member or trusted friend can add you to their credit card as an authorized user. You get a card in your name, and their payment history appears on your credit report. The primary cardholder remains responsible for the balance.
Apply for a secured credit card. Secured credit cards require a refundable deposit (typically $200 to $500) that serves as your credit limit. Because the deposit reduces the issuer's risk, you do not need a cosigner or strong credit history to get approved.
Try a credit builder loan. A credit builder loan lets you make small monthly payments that are reported to the credit bureaus. Once you complete the loan, you get the money back (minus interest and fees). This builds credit without needing a credit card at all.
Look for student credit cards. If you are a college student, several issuers offer credit cards designed for students with limited or no credit history. These cards have lower credit limits and no cosigner requirement.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
When Cosigning Is Available
A handful of smaller credit unions may still allow cosigners on credit card applications. If having a cosigner is important to you, check with local credit unions. They tend to have more flexible policies than national banks.
Keep in mind that cosigning carries real risk. If the primary cardholder misses payments, the cosigner's credit score is also affected. Both parties should fully understand the responsibilities before entering a cosigning arrangement. And contrary to a common assumption, cosigners aren't pledging one specific asset as collateral the way an auto-loan borrower pledges the car — our collateral-for-cosigners explainer walks through exactly what a cosigner is on the hook for and what protections actually apply.
Building Credit Without a Cosigner
The reality is that you do not need a cosigner to build credit. Authorized user status, secured cards, and credit builder loans are all effective paths. Start with whichever option fits your situation, make every payment on time, and your credit score will grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which banks still allow credit card cosigners? Most major banks no longer accept cosigners. Some smaller credit unions may still allow it. Call your local credit union to ask about their specific policy.
Is being an authorized user the same as a cosigner? No. As a cosigner, you are equally responsible for the debt. As an authorized user, you have no legal obligation to pay the balance — only the primary cardholder is responsible.
Can I build credit as an authorized user even if I never use the card? In most cases, yes. The primary cardholder's positive payment history and account age can appear on your credit report even if you never make a purchase.
What happens to my credit if the primary cardholder misses a payment? If you are a cosigner, their missed payment will also appear on your credit report. If you are an authorized user, the impact depends on the card issuer — some report negative activity, others do not.
How long does it take for authorized user status to affect my credit score? Many people see a change within one to two billing cycles. The boost depends on the primary cardholder's credit limit, utilization, and payment history.
The Bottom Line
Most credit card issuers no longer accept cosigners, but you have plenty of alternatives. Becoming an authorized user or opening a secured card are the fastest ways to start building credit on your own.
Learn more about building credit with Firstcard.
