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Credit cards with additional cardholders

A supplementary card is an easy way to share your account with someone else and can double your points potential. Compare cards that offer this perk for free.

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By

Amy Bradney-George

Edited by

Keith Kilcourse

Updated

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1 - 10 of 163
Updated regularly
Name Purchase rate p.a. Annual fee Balance transfer rate p.a. Amount Saved
Kogan Money Card – Exclusive Offer
Exclusive
Kogan Rewards Program
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$0
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 18 months with 1% balance transfer fee, then 21.74%
$1,335.99 over 18 months
Go to siteMore Info
 Get 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 18 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Plus an ongoing $0 annual fee.
Citi Clear Card - Exclusive Offer
Exclusive
Purchase rate p.a.
14.99%
Annual fee
$49 first year ($99 after)
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 24 months with 1.5% balance transfer fee, then 22.24%
$1,563.89 over 24 months
Go to siteMore Info
 Offers 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months (with 1.5% balance transfer fee) and a $49 first-year annual fee.
Westpac Low Rate Card
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Annual fee
$59
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 28 months with 2% balance transfer fee, then 21.49%
$1,768.59 over 28 months
Go to siteMore Info
 Save with a 0% p.a. interest rate on balance transfers for 28 months (with a 2% BT fee). Plus, a low 13.74% p.a. purchase interest rate.
Citi Premier Card - Cashback Offer
Citi Rewards Program
Purchase rate p.a.
21.49%
Annual fee
$300
Balance transfer rate p.a.
0% for 6 months, then 22.24%
$183.02 over 6 months
More Info
 Receive $600 cashback when you spend $2,000 through Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay in the first 3 months.
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$450
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
 Get 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, a yearly $450 Travel Credit.
Westpac Low Rate Card - Cashback Offer
Purchase rate p.a.
13.74%
Annual fee
$59
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
 A no-frills card offering up to $350 cashback: $50 each month you make at least $1,000 of eligible purchases for the first 7 months.
Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard - Bonus Points Offer
Flybuys
Purchase rate p.a.
0% for 6 months, then 19.99%
Annual fee
$0
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
 Get 20,000 bonus Flybuys points (worth $100 Flybuys Dollars) and 0% interest on purchases for the first 6 months.
Qantas American Express Premium Card
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$249
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
 Get 20,000 bonus Qantas Points and 2 complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations per year, plus complimentary travel insurance.
American Express Velocity Platinum Card
Velocity Frequent Flyer
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$375
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
 Get 100,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. Plus a return domestic flight each year.
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
Qantas Business Rewards
Purchase rate p.a.
0%
Annual fee
$450
Balance transfer rate p.a.
N/A
Go to siteMore Info
(ABN holders w/ $75k revenue). Earn 170,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months.
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What is an additional cardholder on a credit card?

An additional cardholder is another person, usually a spouse or family member, who can use your credit card account to make purchases. This can be handy when you want to use one credit card account for household spending, travelling or earning more points (because you'll both be making purchases through the account).

Also known as supplementary cardholders, they are issued with their own card but are not legally responsible for managing the account and paying off the balance. Even if it's from purchases they've made. This is because the account is in your name, making you liable for it.

Tip: Before you start sharing your credit card account, talk to them about managing the account and making repayments to work out a system that's fair for both of you. Just remember that the primary cardholder (or main account holder) is legally responsible for the account.

What can additional cardholders do?

It does vary depending on the credit card account, but here are some of the key things additional cardholders can do:

  • Make purchases
  • Earn points for eligible spending
  • Check the account balance
  • View transaction history
  • Make payments towards the account balance
  • Report suspicious transactions and/or lost and stolen cards
  • Set up and change their own personal identification number (PIN) which is different from yours
  • Order a replacement card
  • Cancel their cards

Additional cardholders may also be able to access benefits such as complimentary insurance. Sometimes, they can also redeem reward points, but it does depend on the card and rewards program.

Check your credit card’s terms and conditions or ask your bank for specific details of what features an additional cardholder would get through your account.

What’s the difference between an additional cardholder and a joint credit card?

An additional cardholder can make purchases with your credit card account but you remain responsible for managing it. The details of the account are only listed on your credit history. This structure also means it's possible to get an additional card for someone who is under 18 (like a teenager).

In comparison, a joint credit card account has shared responsibility between both people. Joint accounts are listed on both of your credit files and both of you will need to meet the account's eligibility requirements, including being at least 18 years old. There are also fewer credit cards that offer joint applications compared to those that offer additional cardholders.

What are the pros and cons to getting an additional cardholder?

  • Shared access to credit. If your partner or family member doesn’t have a credit card and may not be eligible to get one, adding them to your account could be a convenient alternative.
  • Earn more points. With two people spending on the one account, you could be able to earn more points and get rewards faster.
  • Simple process. It’s relatively easy to apply for an additional cardholder or to remove one from your account.
  • Account responsibility. As the primary cardholder, you will be legally accountable for all transactions and repayments.
  • Credit history. Details of the credit card will be listed on your credit history, so any issues such as late payments could impact on your credit score. Note that additional cardholders won’t have details of the account added to their credit history.
  • Additional fees. Some credit cards charge an additional cardholder annual fee on top of the regular annual fee you’ll pay for the account. Make sure you check this cost before you request a secondary cardholder to help stay on top of fees.

How to add someone as an additional cardholder

Each credit card provider has its own process, but here are the basic steps you need to take:

  1. Get an additional cardholder application form. This form is usually available through your credit card provider's website or online banking service. It may also be included when you apply for a new credit card.
  2. Add the additional cardholders details. This will include some key details, such as their name, date of birth, contact details and Australian residential status. They'll also need to agree to the terms and conditions and sign or agree to be added to the account.
  3. Fill in your details as the primary cardholder. If you're applying online, this section may already be pre-filled but you'll typically need to sign a declaration or fill in a section that shows you agree to adding the person as a secondary cardholder.
  4. Submit the form. Your credit card provider will assess the application. If it's approved, your additional cardholder should get their card within 5-10 working days.

Eligibility requirements

Additional cardholders don't have to meet the same eligibility criteria as primary cardholders – including income requirements and credit checks – but they do usually need to meet some key requirements. This typically includes:

  • Minimum age. Additional cardholders must be at least 16 years of age. Note that some credit cards have a higher minimum age of 18.
  • Identification. This includes the full name, date of birth, residential address and contact details for the person you want to add. They may also have to provide some personal financial details, such as employment status and income.

Getting an additional cardholder for your account can be a convenient way to share your credit card benefits. But it’s important to carefully consider the risks and discuss financial management of the account with your additional cardholder so that you can make this option work for you.

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