If I'm married, should my spouse and I have joint cards or separate cards?

The short answer is, it depends. Just as it makes a difference to you who you choose to be your partner, in a lender's point of view it makes a big difference, too!

Let's start by examining the three different ways a couple can get credit or charge cards. First, there are individual cards, the ones in only your name.

Next, there are joint cards, issued in both names, and both of you are responsible for the bill. If one can't pay, the other is responsible for all 100%.

Finally, there is the primary cardholder with authorized user option. The primary is responsible for payment, and information is reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary and authorized users.

One idea could be to get two cards. One would have you as the primary and your spouse as the authorized user, while the roles are reversed on the second card. By doing this, you are not putting yourself (and your credit score) at as much risk because you each have the responsibility of paying one account, and you're not putting yourself quite as much at the mercy of someone else – even if they are your "significant other."