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My husband has a credit card (under his name - the account was not opened jointly).
He had the bank issue an extra card in my name. However, I never signed any documents to become the account owner.
Does that automatically add my name to the credit account?
More importantly, does that make me liable for the debt on that credit account as far as credit card company is concerned?
More importantly, does that make me liable for the debt on that credit account as far as credit card company is concerned?
No. New York is not a community property state. Each spouse's assets and debts are their own. Authorized users are not liable for payments.
It may still affect your credit. And it may become your debt on divorce if that's what a judge thinks is fair. But so long as you stay married, it is not your obligation, only your spouse's.
If you are an authorized user on the credit card, then depending on the bank, some will report that account to your credit report.
Authorized users are generally not responsible for the debt incurred on the account. However, again, because it is reported to your credit score, you can still feel the negative effects if the account becomes outstanding. On the flip side, it can help your credit if the account is current.
