This piece was last updated on Oct. 25, 2023, to reflect current credit card details.

Applying for a credit card with a co-signer — that is, another person who agrees to share responsibility for charges made on the card — is a good way to build a positive credit history.

In the past, applying for a credit card with a co-signer was a common way to increase your approval odds. Unfortunately, most major credit issuers have phased out this option. However, a few credit cards, including the Apple Card*, allow you to create a joint credit account with another person, which could also help build a positive history. Joint accounts are just what they sound like, they’re co-owned by both individuals, as compared to co-signed accounts in which the co-signer has no power within the account, but is simply the guarantor.

Here’s what you need to know about co-signers and joint credit cards, as well as other options for people who want to build their credit quickly.

Do any major credit card issuers allow co-signers?

Most major credit card issuers no longer allow co-signers. In fact, we contacted each of the following credit card issuers in February 2023 to confirm that they did not allow people to apply for credit cards with co-signers:

Issuer Allows co-signers?
American Express No
Bank of America No
Capital One No
Chase No
Citi No
Discover No
Wells Fargo No

Alternatives to finding a co-signer

Since most credit issuers no longer allow people to apply for credit cards with co-signers, you’ll need to look for alternative ways to access credit.

If you have bad credit or limited credit history and are unlikely to be eligible for one of the best credit cards, here are a few ways to build credit without a co-signer.

Become an authorized user

One of the best ways to build credit quickly is by becoming an authorized user on another person’s credit card. When you become an authorized user, you receive authorization to make purchases on another person’s credit account. The account owner is responsible for all payments and any debt incurred.

Most credit card issuers report authorized user accounts to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion). This means that every time the account owner makes an on-time payment, for example, it shows up as a positive record on your credit report, which boosts your credit score.

Becoming an authorized user is an easy way to piggyback on someone else’s good credit while building your credit score, especially if you’re a student or young person who isn’t old enough to open a credit card of your own.

Apply for a joint credit card

In some cases, you may be able to apply for a joint credit card. Joint credit cards are exactly what they sound like: a credit card issued jointly to two people (spouses, for example), both of whom have access to use the card and manage the account and are legally responsible for any debt incurred on the card. All activity on the card is reported to both cardholders’ credit reports, which means that if you both use your joint card responsibly, you could both receive a credit boost.

If two people with signficantly different credit scores apply for a joint account, it’s possible the person with the higher score will not be able to offset the lower the person’s score and, therefore, the application will be denied.

Only a few credit cards, such as the Apple Card, allow joint accounts. If you’re considering becoming a joint cardholder, make sure you’re prepared to take full responsibility for any charges made on the card. Also, make sure that every payment is on time, regardless of who makes the payment.

Apply for a secured credit card

If you want to apply for a credit line of your own — without becoming an authorized user or looking for a joint credit card — consider applying for a secured credit card. These credit-building cards require a small security deposit in exchange for (generally) a small credit limit, allowing you to prove that you can handle credit responsibly.

Once you’ve demonstrated your ability to make on-time payments and manage your line of credit, most credit card issuers will return your security deposit and graduate you to an unsecured credit card. Secured credit cards can be rewarding — especially if you choose a card that offers cash back rewards, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.

Consider credit cards for people with bad credit

Want more options? You might want to look at our lists of the best credit cards for people with bad credit and credit cards for people with no credit history.

Many of these cards are secured credit cards, but these lists also include unsecured cards designed for people who are hoping to build or rebuild their credit — such as the Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card*, which may use factors like income and bill payment history to determine eligibility, offers cash back rewards on select purchases and allows cardholders to earn a credit limit increase after six months of card ownership.

The bottom line

Even though most major credit card issuers no longer allow credit cards with co-signers, there are still ways to build credit — even if you have a low credit score or a limited credit history.

Consider becoming an authorized user, applying for a secured credit card or looking for a card designed to help people build credit. Once you have a line of credit of your own, make sure you practice responsible credit habits to establish a positive credit history and build your credit score.

*The information about the Apple Card and Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.