Couples managing finances together often look for ways to maximize rewards and streamline spending. A credit card designed for joint use can offer benefits like earning points faster, simplifying expense tracking, and building credit together. This article will explore the best credit card options for couples in 2024, focusing on rewards, benefits, and suitability for different spending habits.
| Credit Card | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x on dining, 2x on travel, 1x on all other purchases, $50 annual hotel credit, Trip Delay Insurance, Primary Rental Car Insurance. | Travel enthusiasts who frequently dine out and want flexible redemption options. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 4x at restaurants worldwide, 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash annually. | Couples who spend heavily on groceries and dining and value premium rewards and benefits. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | 2x miles on all purchases, 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 10x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. | Couples who are frequent travelers and want a simple, flat-rate rewards structure with premium travel perks. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at transit, 1% cash back on other purchases. | Families and couples with high grocery, gas, and streaming service expenses who prefer cash back rewards. |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), no rotating categories or annual fee. | Couples who prefer a simple, flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee and no complicated bonus categories. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores, 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. No annual fee. | Couples who want a versatile cash back card with rotating bonus categories and no annual fee. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a fantastic choice for couples who love to travel. The 5x points earned on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards is a significant perk. Additionally, the 3x points on dining makes it ideal for couples who enjoy eating out. The $50 annual hotel credit helps offset the annual fee, and the Trip Delay Insurance and Primary Rental Car Insurance offer valuable protection during travel. The points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards, offering great flexibility.
American Express® Gold Card: If your household spends a significant amount on groceries and dining, the Amex Gold Card is hard to beat. The 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year) and 4x points at restaurants worldwide offer substantial rewards. The $120 dining credit (distributed monthly) can be used at select restaurants and delivery services, and the $120 Uber Cash annually adds further value. These credits help offset the annual fee, and the Membership Rewards points are highly valuable for travel redemptions.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: For couples seeking a straightforward rewards structure and premium travel benefits, the Venture X is an excellent option. The 2x miles on all purchases provides a consistent return, and the 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 10x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel offer even greater rewards. The $300 annual travel credit significantly reduces the effective annual fee, and the Priority Pass lounge access and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit enhance the travel experience.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card is tailored for families and couples with high spending in specific categories. The 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year) and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions are incredibly valuable. The 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and at transit further enhances the card's appeal for everyday expenses. While there is an annual fee, the significant cash back earned in these categories often outweighs the cost.
Citi® Double Cash Card: Simplicity and a flat-rate reward structure are the hallmarks of the Citi Double Cash Card. You earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill). There are no rotating categories or annual fee, making it an easy-to-manage option for couples who want a straightforward cash back card. This card is ideal for covering all other spending that doesn't fall into bonus categories offered by other cards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This card offers a versatile cash back program with a combination of bonus categories and a solid base earning rate. You'll earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. The no annual fee makes it a low-risk option for couples who want to maximize rewards without paying an annual fee. It's a great complement to the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve, allowing you to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points on all your spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we both use the same credit card account? Yes, most credit card issuers allow you to add your partner as an authorized user on your account. This enables both of you to use the same card and earn rewards together.
Will being an authorized user affect my credit score? Being an authorized user can help build your credit if the primary cardholder manages the account responsibly, but it can also negatively impact your score if the cardholder misses payments or has high credit utilization.
What if we disagree on spending habits? Open communication and establishing a budget are crucial when sharing a credit card. Discuss your financial goals and spending limits to avoid conflicts.
How do we redeem the rewards earned? Redemption options vary depending on the card. You can typically redeem rewards for travel, cash back, gift cards, or statement credits. Choose the option that best suits your needs as a couple.
Is it better to have separate credit cards or a joint one? It depends on your financial situation and relationship dynamics. A joint card can simplify expense tracking and accelerate rewards earning, while separate cards offer more individual control and credit-building opportunities.
What should we look for in a credit card for couples? Consider your combined spending habits, desired rewards (cash back or travel), annual fees, and any additional benefits like travel insurance or purchase protection.
How can we track our spending as a couple? Most credit card issuers offer online tools and mobile apps that allow you to track your spending, set budgets, and monitor your account activity.
What is an authorized user? An authorized user is someone who is permitted to use a credit card account but is not legally responsible for the debt. The primary cardholder remains responsible for all charges.
Does the annual fee outweigh the benefits? Evaluate your spending habits and the rewards you expect to earn to determine if the annual fee is justified. If you can earn enough rewards to offset the fee, it may be worth it.
How do we apply for a credit card as a couple? Only one person applies for the credit card as the primary cardholder. Once approved, they can add their partner as an authorized user.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for couples depends on your individual spending habits, financial goals, and preferences. Whether you prioritize travel rewards, cash back, or simplicity, carefully evaluating your options and communicating openly with your partner will help you make the right decision and maximize the benefits of shared financial management.