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The average credit card balance in the U.S. increased by 10% in 2023 to $6,5013, according to Experian’s 2023 Consumer Credit Review. And according to a November 2023 Bankrate survey, a full 49% of cardholders carry credit card debt from month to month. Considering the average credit card interest rate in the U.S. today is 24.71%, carrying a credit card balance can get costly. The question is, how do you get out from under high-interest credit card debt?

One method to consider is taking out a personal loan (ideally with a lower rate than you’re paying on your credit cards) and using the funds to pay off your credit card debt. If you’re currently paying off multiple cards, this approach also simplifies repayment by giving you just one bill to keep track of and pay each month. Still, there are pros and cons to consider if you’re thinking about getting a personal loan to pay off credit cards. Read on to learn more.

How Using a Personal Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Debt Works

Personal loans are a type of unsecured loan. There are a number of uses of personal loans, including paying off credit card debt. Loan amounts can vary by lender and will be paid to the borrower in one lump sum after the loan is approved. The borrower then pays back the loan — with interest — in monthly installments that are set by the loan terms.

Many unsecured personal loans come with a fixed interest rate (which means it won’t change over the life of the loan), though there are different types of personal loans. An applicant’s interest rate is determined by a set of factors, including their financial history, credit score, income, and other debt. Typically, the higher an applicant’s credit score, the better their interest rate will be, as the lender may view them as a less risky borrower. Lenders may offer individuals with low credit scores a higher interest rate, presuming they are more likely to default on their loans.

When using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt, the loan proceeds are used to pay off the cards’ outstanding balances, consolidating the debts into one loan. This is why it’s also sometimes referred to as a debt consolidation loan. Ideally, the new loan will have a lower interest rate than the credit cards. By consolidating credit card debt into a personal loan, a borrower’s monthly payments can be more manageable and cost less in interest.

Finally, using an unsecured personal loan to pay off credit cards also has the benefit of ending the cycle of credit card debt without resorting to a balance transfer card. Balance transfer credit cards offer an introductory rate that’s lower or sometimes even 0%. This might seem like an appealing offer. But if the balance isn’t paid off before the promotional offer is up, the cardholder could end up paying an even higher interest rate than they started with. Plus, balance transfer cards often charge a balance transfer fee, which could ultimately increase the total debt someone owes.

Recommended: Balance Transfer Credit Cards vs Personal Loans

Understanding Credit Card Debt vs. Personal Loan Debt

At the end of the day, both credit card debt and personal loan debt are both simply money owed. However, personal loan debt is generally less costly than credit card debt. This is due to the interest rates typically charged by credit cards compared to those of personal loans.

The average credit card interest rate is 24.71%. Meanwhile, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.21%. Given this difference in average interest rates, it can cost you much more over time to carry credit card debt, which is why taking out a personal loan to pay off credit cards can be an option worth exploring.

Keep in mind, however, that the rate you pay on both credit cards and personal loans is dependent on your credit history and other financial factors.

Taking Out a Loan to Pay Off Credit Card Pros and Cons

While on the surface it may seem like taking out a personal loan to pay off credit card debt could be the best solution, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well. Here’s a look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Potential to secure a lower interest rate: Personal loans may charge a lower interest rate than high-interest credit cards. Consider the average interest rate for personal loans is 12.21%, while credit cards charge 24.71% on average.	Lower rates aren’t guaranteed: If you have poor credit, you may not qualify for a personal loan with a lower rate than you’re already paying. In fact, it’s possible lenders would offer you a loan with a higher rate than what you’re paying now.
Streamlining payments: When you consolidate credit card debt under a personal loan, there is only one loan payment to keep track of each month, making it less likely a payment will be missed because a bill slips through the cracks.	Loan fees: Lenders may charge any number of fees, such as loan origination fees, when a person takes out a loan. Be mindful of the impact these fees can have. It’s possible they will be costly enough that it doesn’t make sense to take out a new loan.
Pay off debt sooner: A lower interest rate means there could be more money to direct to paying down existing debt, potentially allowing the debtor to get out from under it much sooner.	More debt: Taking out a personal loan to pay off existing debt is more likely to be successful when the borrower is careful not to run up a new balance on their credit cards. If they do, they’ll potentially be saddled with more debt than they had to begin with.
Could positively impact credit: It’s possible that taking out a personal loan could improve a borrower’s credit profile by increasing their credit mix and lowering their credit utilization by helping them pay down debt.	Credit score dip: If a borrower closes their now-paid-off credit cards after taking out a personal loan, it could negatively impact their credit by shortening their length of credit history.

How Frequently Can You Use Personal Loans to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Taking out a personal loan to pay off credit cards generally isn’t a habit you want to get into. Ideally, it will serve as a one-time solution to dig you out of your credit card debt.

Applying for a personal loan will result in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score. If you apply for new loans too often, this could not only drag down your credit score but also raise a red flag for lenders.

Additionally, if you find yourself repeatedly re-amassing credit card debt, this is a signal that it’s time to assess your financial habits and rein in your spending. Although a personal loan to pay off credit cards can certainly serve as a lifeline to get your financial life back in order, it’s not a habit to get into as it still involves taking out new debt.

So You’ve Decided to Apply for a Personal Loan to Pay Off a Credit Card. Now What?

The steps for paying off a credit card with an unsecured personal loan aren’t particularly complicated, but having a plan in place is important. Here’s what you can expect.

Getting the Whole Picture

It can be scary, but getting the hard numbers — how much debt is owed overall, how much is owed on each specific card, and what the respective interest rates are — can give you a sense of what personal loan amount might be helpful to pay off credit cards.

Choosing a Personal Loan to Pay off Credit Card Debt

These days, you can do most — or all — personal loan research online. A personal loan with an interest rate lower than the credit card’s current rate is an important thing to look for. Origination fees, which can add to a person’s overall debt and possibly throw off their payoff plan, is another thing to watch out for.

Paying Off the Debt

Once an applicant has chosen, applied for, and qualified for a personal loan, they’ll likely want to immediately take that money and pay off their credit card debt in full.

Be aware that the process of receiving a personal loan may differ. Some lenders will pay off the borrower’s credit card companies directly, while others will send the borrower a lump sum that they’ll then use to pay off the credit cards themself.

Hiding Those Credit Cards

One potential risk of using a personal loan to pay off credit cards is that it can make it easier to accumulate more debt. The purpose of using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt is to keep from repeating the cycle. Consider taking steps like hiding credit cards in a drawer and trying to use them as little as possible.

Paying Off Your Personal Loan

A benefit of using a personal loan for debt consolidation is that there is only one monthly payment to worry about instead of several. Not missing any of those loan payments is important — setting up autopay or a monthly reminder/alert can be helpful.

Budgeting Debt Payoff

Before embarking on paying off credit card debt, a good first step is making a budget, which can help you better manage their spending. You might even find ways to free up more money to put toward that outstanding debt.

If you have more than one type of debt — for instance, a personal loan, student loan, and maybe a car loan — you may want to think strategically about how to tackle them. Some finance experts recommend taking on the debt with the highest interest rate first, a strategy known as the avalanche method. As those high-interest-rate debts are paid off, there is typically more money in the budget to pay down other debts.

Another approach, known as the snowball method, is to pay off the debts with the smallest balances first. This method offers a psychological boost through small wins early on, and over time can allow room in the budget to make larger payments on other outstanding debts.

Of course, for either of these strategies, keeping current on payments for all debts is essential.

Where Can You Get a Personal Loan to Pay off Credit Cards?

If you’ve decided to get a personal loan to pay off credit cards, you’ll next need to decide where you can get one. There are a few different options for personal loans: online lenders, credit unions, and banks.

Online Lenders

There are a number of online lenders that offer personal loans. Many offer fast decisions on loans, and you can often get funding quickly as well.

While securing the lowest rates often necessitates a high credit score, there are online lenders that offer personal loans for those with lower credit scores. Rates can vary widely from lender to lender, so it’s important to shop around to find the most competitive offer available to you. Be aware that lenders also may charge origination fees.

Credit Unions

Another option for getting a personal loan to pay off credit cards is through a credit union. You’ll need to be a member in order to get a loan from a credit union, which means meeting membership criteria. This could include working in a certain industry, living in a specific area, or having a family member who is already a member. Others may simply require a one-time donation to a particular organization.

Because credit unions are member-owned nonprofits, they tend to return their profits to members through lower rates and fees. Additionally, credit unions may be more likely to lend to those with less-than-stellar credit because of their community focus and potential consideration of additional aspects of your finances beyond just your credit score.

Banks

Especially if you already have an account at a bank that offers personal loans, this could be an option to explore. Banks may even offer discounts to those with existing accounts. However, you’ll generally need to have solid credit to get approved for a personal loan through a bank, and some may require you to be an existing customer.

You may be able to secure a larger loan through a bank than you would with other lenders.

Recommended: Credit Unions vs. Banks

The Takeaway

High-interest credit card debt can be a huge financial burden. If you’re only able to make minimum payments on your credit cards, your debt will continue to increase, and you can find yourself in a vicious debt cycle. Personal loans are one potential way to end that cycle, allowing you to pay off debt in one fell swoop and hopefully replace it with a single, more manageable loan.

Remember, however, personal loans aren’t for everyone. While they typically have lower interest rates than credit cards, they are still debt and need to be considered carefully and used responsibly.

Ready for a personal loan to pay off credit card debt? With lower fixed interest rates on loans of $5K to $100K, a SoFi Personal Loan for credit card debt could substantially decrease your monthly bills.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

Can you use a personal loan to pay off credit cards?

Yes, it is possible to use a personal loan to pay off credit cards. The process involves applying for a personal loan (ideally one with a lower interest rate than you are paying on your credit cards) then using the loan proceeds to pay off your existing credit card debt. Then, you will begin making payments to repay the personal loan.

How is your credit score impacted if you use a personal loan to pay off credit cards?

When you apply for a personal loan, the lender will conduct what’s known as a hard inquiry. This can temporarily lower your credit score. However, taking out a personal loan to pay off credit cards could ultimately have a positive impact on your credit if you make on-time payments, if the loan improves your credit mix, and if the loan helps you pay off your outstanding debt faster.

What options are available to pay off your credit card?

Options for paying off credit card debt include:

•   Taking out a personal loan (ideally with a lower interest rate than you’re paying on your credit cards) and using it to pay off your balances.

•   Using a 0% balance transfer credit card.

•   Exploring a debt payoff strategy like the snowball or avalanche method.

•   Consulting with a credit counselor.

•   Enrolling in a debt management plan.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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A personal line of credit is a type of revolving credit line that can be used to pay for a variety of personal expenses. It works in a similar way to a credit card — a lender approves you for a specific credit limit, and you draw only what you need and pay interest only on the amount you use. This is different from a personal loan, which is a type of installment loan. With an installment loan, you receive a lump sum of money up front that must be repaid at specified intervals.

While both options allow you to borrow money, each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Continue reading for more information on personal lines of credit and when this type of financing may make the most financial sense.

What Is a Personal Line of Credit?

A personal line of credit is what’s known as a revolving credit vehicle. It’s similar to a credit card in that:

•  It has a maximum credit limit.

•  A minimum payment is required every month.

•  When the debt on the credit line is repaid, money can be withdrawn again.

Although a personal line of credit doesn’t include a physical card, you can generally write checks, withdraw cash at an ATM, and transfer money into another account using the line. Generally speaking, the interest rates on a personal line of credit are lower than those on a credit card.

Personal lines of credit may be secured (requiring collateral) or unsecured (not requiring collateral). Whether secured or unsecured, some lines of credit require minimum payments of interest and principal, while others only require interest payments for a period of time, known as the draw period. That means that for a set period, you can draw money from your line of credit and only need to make interest payments during that time. After the draw period is over, the line of credit is no longer revolving (meaning, you can’t borrow against it anymore), and you’re typically required to make interest and principal payments.

Unlike personal loans, which tend to have fixed interest rates, a personal line of credit may have a variable rate during its draw period, then switch to a fixed rate once that period ends.

Where to Get a Personal Line of Credit

Personal lines of credit can be found at some banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. However, not every lender offers them.

How to Get a Personal Line of Credit

The process for applying for a personal line of credit is usually similar to applying for other loans or credit cards. Lenders may accept applications online, in-person, or over the phone, and specific application requirements may vary by lender.

Before formally applying, it’s a good idea to review your credit score and shop around at different lenders to compare the rates and terms you may qualify for. Many lenders will allow you to see if you prequalify, which may require a soft credit check, which won’t impact your credit score. Also be sure to evaluate any fees associated with the line of credit and review the draw period and repayment periods.

Once you’ve determined which loan you’d like to apply for, you’ll need to gather the required documentation (such as statements for proof of income). Your chosen lender will generally have a list of required documents. From there, you’ll fill out the application and wait for approval. At this stage, the lender will usually complete a hard credit inquiry which may temporarily impact your credit score.

When to Use a Personal Line of Credit

Personal lines of credit typically offer greater flexibility when it comes to accessing the loan and repaying it than other types of financing, such as a personal loan.

If you’re planning to do a home renovation, for example, you may not need a big chunk of money all at once. A line of credit allows you to access money over time to pay for things in dribs and drabs as you pick out the tile for your kitchen and your contractor finally gets around to installing it. This flexibility can reduce your interest charges because you are only borrowing money you plan to use immediately.

Another benefit of a line of credit is that you can pay it off and then typically borrow from it again. This can make it a good backup to have in case you suddenly experience an expensive emergency that you don’t want to put on your credit cards.

You may also be able to choose a line of credit with a draw period that allows you to only pay interest on the money borrowed for a period of time.

Drawbacks to a Personal Line of Credit

One drawback is that unsecured lines of credit can be more difficult to qualify for than some other types of loans, such as a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This is because unsecured loans are generally more risky for the lender. Without collateral, the lender needs to be sure that the borrower has the ability to pay back their loan. That’s why for some, it may be easier to qualify for a HELOC (which uses your home as collateral) than a personal credit line. However, keep in mind that with a HELOC, you are taking on some additional risk by putting your house on the line.

Also, the flexibility that comes with a line of credit may be a double-edged sword. The ability to keep borrowing for an extended period of time could lead to feeling tempted to take on more debt or take longer to pay off debt… all of which could mean more interest charges over time.

Using a Personal Loan as a Personal Line of Credit Alternative

When comparing a personal line of credit vs. a personal loan, the major difference is that a personal loan is an installment loan. Like a personal line of credit, personal loans can be used to pay for nearly any personal expense. Borrowers receive a lump sum payment and pay back the loan in installments.

A personal loan may make more sense for borrowers who have a firm idea of their budget or a fixed expense, such as for medical bills, buying an engagement ring, or consolidating debt. Additionally, depending on creditworthiness, the average interest rate on a personal loan may be lower than that of a personal line of credit. Though interest rates will vary by lender so evaluate the options available to you.

Also compare any fees or penalties associated with the personal loan. If a personal loan has a prepayment penalty, you may not be able to benefit from paying off the personal loan early.

Other Personal Line of Credit Alternatives

•   HELOC: With a home equity line of credit, borrowers tap into the equity in their home to borrow a line of credit. This is a secured loan where the home functions as the collateral. This can help borrowers qualify for a more competitive interest rate than with an unsecured personal line of credit, but it also means that if the borrower has issues repaying the HELOC, their home is at risk.

•   Credit Card: In certain situations, a credit card may be used to help pay for emergency expenses. Be aware that credit cards generally have high interest rates — the average credit card interest rate was 27.65%, as of June 4, 2024.

•   Secured loans for a specific purpose: For example, if you are buying a car, you may be better off with a car loan over a personal line of credit or personal loan.

The Takeaway

Personal lines of credit offer flexibility for borrowers because they are a revolving line of credit that functions similarly to a credit card. Borrowers can continue drawing on the line of credit for a set period of time to cover the cost of necessary expenses. For a one-time expense, however, you may be better off with a personal loan vs. a personal line of credit.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Getting married can be a pricey proposition, with the average wedding in the U.S. now running $35,000. If you don’t have access to a large stockpile of cash, you may think you’ll never be able to afford the kind of wedding you envision. But that’s not necessarily the case. The key is to start budgeting and saving well ahead of the big day.

Whether you long for a fairy tale wedding or you prefer something more scaled back, there are ways to save for your dream day that will ensure you have the magical moment you’ve always wanted without having to start off your marriage mired in debt.

Set a Budget

Do you want a big lavish wedding worthy of the royals? A destination wedding? Or maybe you want something more intimate with just a few friends and family? There are different levels of spending when it comes to weddings, and deciding what is most important to you can help you determine just how much you’ll need to save.

Is the venue a priority? The number of people? The food? The DJ (or band)? It’s smart to start by making a list and getting a solid estimate of the costs for each of your need-to-haves and your want-to-haves. It’s also wise to leave a little wiggle room for unexpected wedding costs. Little things like the marriage license, dress or suit alterations, and even insurance costs, can start to eat into your budget pretty quickly.

Start a Savings Plan

Before you’ve locked in the date, you and your partner can start a savings plan. Some couples open a separate bank account and set up automatic monthly transfers to that account to build their wedding fund. When savings are automated, you often don’t notice the missing funds. And by picking an account with a competitive interest rate, your money can make money while you continue to plan and save.

If you’re thinking about financing part of your wedding, you’ll want to start investigating your options, which can range from credit cards to personal loans (which typically have lower rates than credit cards), early on and weigh the pros and cons of taking on debt.

Put the Wedding First

Sure, you may want to go on vacation, eat at fancy restaurants, and buy those new clothes, but that will put you further from your goal. Instead of spending on those luxuries now, cutting back and putting that money into your shared dream wedding account can help you get to your savings goal quicker.

There are also some simple ways to cut back that won’t make you feel deprived. For example, you can take local day trips or regional vacations instead of traveling afar. Eating out just once a month and cooking at home more can cut costs. You could even get swanky and hold cocktail hour with friends at your house instead of going to happy hour. Your new bank account will thank you.

Recommended: The Cost of Being in Someone’s Wedding

Do It Yourself

One way to keep wedding costs down is to plan the majority of the wedding yourself. If you already have experience managing projects, then this should be within the realm of your abilities. Researching the typical steps and fees associated with weddings before making any concrete decisions can be helpful. If that feels daunting, you may want to keep in mind that wedding planners cost an average of $2,100. And while there are advantages to using a planner (they already have a contact list of professionals and know their rates, saving you a lot of time and energy), the downside is you could be getting a one-size-fits-all experience instead of the personalized ceremony and party you may want.

Recommended: 8 Tips for a Budget Dream Wedding with Budget Breakdown

Comparison Shop

Just like other big expenses, getting more than one quote for each service you need can help you find the best price point to fit your needs and wants. Does your preferred venue charge a premium for a wedding, but a lower price for a party? You may want to consider negotiating the price. Calling multiple DJs and catering services can help you ensure you are not overpaying. New York City is going to have very different rates than, say, Asheville, North Carolina. This might even be a factor in deciding when to have your wedding, too. For a better idea of how much costs can vary, you can check out this comparison of costs by state .

You can wind up saving a ton of money by doing away with an expensive venue altogether and looking for a free or really inexpensive location, like parks, gardens and even beaches.

And if you’re able to hold your celebration on a weekday or during off-season, you’re likely to find some additional savings. For example, you can pick Friday instead of Saturday; or you can have a fall or winter event to help lower your costs.

Reassess the Dress

Maybe your dream wedding includes a Vera Wang gown, but your bank account can’t swing that. Consider shopping for a vintage dress and having it altered. Or if you want a more modern look, you don’t necessarily have to buy brand new — wedding dresses are usually only worn once and then either sit in the back of a closet or get sold or donated. Resellers often offer beautiful dresses at a fraction of the initial cost.

Consider this: Dresses less than three years old are usually sold for half their original price. And that Vera Wang might not be out of reach after all if you buy it used. Designer brands can sell for 60% to 70% of their original cost.

Recommended: What is the Ideal Wedding Budget?

Where not to Cut Costs

While you might not have much of an appetite on your big day, your guests likely will, so it’s a good idea not to scrimp on the food. It doesn’t have to be a five-star, multi-course meal, but if you want to create a memorable experience for all, it’s smart to offer quality food that doesn’t leave anyone grumbling about “wedding food.”

And what good is a dream wedding if you have bad or no photos to remember it? A good photographer can capture all of the moments of both you and your guests. These are photos that you will cherish when you are older and wiser, that will adorn your dresser and be sent out to family, so skimping here is best avoided if you can. The average cost of a wedding photographer is about $2,900, but It could end up being the best you put toward your special day.

Recommended: 2024 Wedding Cost Calculator with Examples

The Takeaway

Saving for your dream wedding might seem impossible, but it’s within your grasp if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. By cutting a few everyday costs and making automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account every month, you and your soon-to-be spouse will be able to slowly but surely build your wedding fund.

You can also find ways to trim wedding costs while still staying true to your vision for the day. If you find you’ll still need to rely on some type of financing to pay for your big day, be sure to look at all your options to find one with the least cost.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

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Photo credit: iStock/standret

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

​​External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Adding supplementary credit cards — credit cards tied to a primary credit card account — can be a good way to help someone establish credit. For example, adding a supplementary credit card for a child can help them build credit, since they will get the benefit of the primary cardholder’s good credit history. Someone working to rebuild their credit could also benefit.

Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the primary cardholder is responsible for any charges made by any authorized users on the account. Read on to learn more about who can benefit from a supplementary credit card and the pros and cons of adding an authorized user to your account.

What Is a Supplementary Credit Card?

A supplementary credit card, also known as an authorized user credit card, is a secondary credit card tied to the account of an existing user. This existing user could be a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver. The primary cardholder is responsible for all charges made by any authorized users or supplementary credit card holders.

Recommended: What Is Considered a Fair Credit Score?

How Do Supplementary Credit Cards Work?

When you add a supplementary credit card to your credit card account, your credit card company will send a new physical card. The credit card issuer will typically mail the card to the address of the primary cardholder in order to prevent fraud.

In some cases, the supplementary credit card number will be the same as the card number of the primary credit card. In other cases, it may have a different number. Either way, all charges made on the account — including those made by supplementary cardholders — are the responsibility of the primary cardholder.

Supplementary Credit Card Annual Fees

For most credit cards, there is not a charge to add a supplementary credit card or authorized user. However, some premium cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express, do charge an annual fee for additional cards.

Supplementary Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

Typically there is not a sign-up bonus or welcome offer for adding a supplementary card user. If you want to enjoy credit card bonuses, you must apply as the primary account holder.

Supplementary Credit Card Earnings and Redemption Rates

The earnings rates for supplementary credit cards are the same as the rates for the primary credit cardholder. Because the primary cardholder is financially responsible for all charges, they will receive the benefits of all rewards, regardless of which account makes the charges.

Who Needs a Supplementary Credit Card?

A supplementary credit card can be useful for someone who does not meet the credit card requirements to qualify for a credit card on their own.

For instance, you can get a supplementary card for a child to help them establish credit. Adding them to your account also offers an opportunity for you to teach them the ins and outs of using a credit card responsibly.

You might also add a trusted friend or family member to your account to help them build their credit score although this will depend on the primary cardholder keeping the account in good standing. Another reason you might add an authorized user to your account is to allow them to take advantage of travel or other benefits when you are not with them.

It’s also possible to add someone as an authorized user without actually giving them a card. This can allow them to enjoy the benefits to their credit score without the risk that they’ll overspend or otherwise use the card irresponsibly.

Pros and Cons of Supplementary Credit Cards

While there are benefits to supplementary credit cards, there are also downsides that are worth noting. Consider these pros and cons.

Pros of Supplementary Credit Cards	Cons of Supplementary Credit Cards
Can help those with poor credit or no credit history to build or improve their credit score	Primary cardholder remains financially responsible for all charges
Generally no annual fee to add a supplementary credit card	Could damage the credit of the primary and/or secondary cardholder if used irresponsibly
Can earn additional rewards from the spending of multiple people	Some cards may charge a fee to add an authorized user

Do Supplementary Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score?

Yes, using a supplementary credit card can affect the credit score of both the primary and the secondary user. Depending on how a credit card is used, the effects could be either positive or negative.

If all cardholders on the account use their credit card responsibly, a supplementary credit card can have a positive impact on their credit scores due to how credit cards work. However, if the supplementary cardholder makes charges that the primary cardholder can’t repay, both of their credit scores could go down. Similarly, if the primary cardholder fails to make on-time payments, that could hurt the supplementary cardholder’s credit rather than helping it.

This is why it’s important that both cardholders are on the same page when it comes to credit card rules and best practices.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due

How Much Do Supplementary Credit Cards Cost?

In most cases, there is no charge for adding supplementary credit cards or authorized user cards. However, some credit card issuers do charge an additional fee for adding supplementary cards. Make sure to check with your issuer before ordering one.

Applying for a Supplementary Credit Card

Because any supplementary credit cards are tied to the account of the primary cardholder, you can’t apply for a supplementary credit card directly. Instead, the primary cardholder will need to request an additional card directly from the issuer.

To do so, the primary cardholder can either call the customer service number listed on the back of their credit card or request an additional card through their online account or app.

Alternatives to Supplementary Credit Card

Opening a supplementary credit card can be a good way to help a family member build their credit, but it does come with some risk. One alternative to giving someone a supplementary credit card is to open a supplementary credit card account but keep the actual card.

With this arrangement, the authorized user gets the advantages of a supplementary account — namely, building their credit through the primary cardholder’s responsible use — without the risk that they will use their card irresponsibly.

The Takeaway

Supplementary credit cards, or authorized user cards, are additional cards tied to the credit card account of a primary cardholder. When used responsibly, they can help the authorized user build or establish credit. However, the primary account holder is responsible for all charges made by supplementary cardholders, so there is also some risk if the supplementary credit card is used irresponsibly.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

Are bills paid with the card number of the primary or supplementary card?

The card numbers of the primary and supplementary cards are both tied to the primary cardholder’s account. As such, the primary cardholder is responsible for all charges made, including by authorized users.

Is a supplementary credit card the same as a joint card?

A joint credit card account allows two people to use the same credit card account, with both account owners holding responsibility for all charges made to the account. In contrast, a supplementary credit cardholder is not responsible for charges they make. Instead, only the primary cardholder is financially responsible for all charges made by any user.

Who is responsible for a supplementary credit card?

Only the primary account holder is responsible for charges made by any and all authorized users. Any secondary or supplementary cardholders are not considered financially liable for any charges they make.

Does a supplementary card affect credit score?

Yes, having a supplementary card can affect your credit score. It can help build credit when used responsibly. But because the primary cardholder is ultimately responsible for all charges, their credit could suffer if an authorized user uses the card irresponsibly. An authorized user could also see their score suffer if the primary account holder fails to manage their account responsibly.

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Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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