Best Credit Cards for Couples of June 2023
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
ALSO SEE: || Best cash back credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best 0% APR credit cards
Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can strategically use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
Some of our selections for the best credit cards for couples can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
ALSO SEE: || Best cash back credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best 0% APR credit cards
Whether couples share finances or keep them separate, some credit cards are ideal for twosomes — those who like to travel together, just stay home or anything in between. Most popular credit cards don’t offer joint accounts anymore. (More on that below.) But couples can strategically use a two-player strategy with their cards by making each other authorized users.
Some of our selections for the best credit cards for couples can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best Credit Cards for Couples From Our Partners
Our pick for
Everyday spending
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
Every couple needs a no-hassle card that gives good rewards regardless of spending category. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pays a great rate on every purchase and adds a nice sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR period. It's a perfect “everything else” card, when you can’t get better rewards from a different card.
Every couple needs a no-hassle card that gives good rewards regardless of spending category. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pays a great rate on every purchase and adds a nice sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR period. It's a perfect “everything else” card, when you can’t get better rewards from a different card.
Pros
You earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with a $0 annual fee. New cardholders get this offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. And you get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% Variable APR.
Cons
There isn't much to dislike here. But if you spend a lot in specific categories that earn 3%, 5% or more on other cards, you could be shortchanging yourself if this is the only one you use.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Homebodies
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
If you’re more the stay-at-home type of couple than you are jet-setters, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express packs plenty of value with best-in-class rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. streaming subscriptions. (Make sure to set it as your default payment method for streaming services.)
If you’re more the stay-at-home type of couple than you are jet-setters, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express packs plenty of value with best-in-class rewards at U.S. supermarkets and on U.S. streaming subscriptions. (Make sure to set it as your default payment method for streaming services.)
Pros
You'll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses); and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There's a great welcome offer for new cardholders and a nice 0% intro APR period, too. Terms apply.
Cons
Unlike with most cards on this list, there's an annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. You can easily make it back, however, with regular spending in the bonus categories.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.99% to 29.99%
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 on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Socializers
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
If going out is what gets you and your partner fired up, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the perfect third wheel. It offers superb cash back rewards on dining and entertainment. And if you like to entertain at home, it's also pays well as at grocery stores and on streaming.
If going out is what gets you and your partner fired up, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is the perfect third wheel. It offers superb cash back rewards on dining and entertainment. And if you like to entertain at home, it's also pays well as at grocery stores and on streaming.
Pros
You earn unlimited 3% cash back at restaurants, at grocery stores, on select streaming subscriptions and on a long list of entertainment, including movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, dance clubs and more. Purchases through Capital One Entertainment earn 8%. Enjoy a great bonus offer and even an introductory APR promotion, for a $0 annual fee.
Cons
If you're a one-card kind of couple rather than people with a card for every occasion, you might get more value from a card that pays 1.5% or 2% cash back on every purchase.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our pick for
Parents
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The bonus structure on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ requires a little work, but the card has a slew of useful categories that can help parents rack up points quickly when they’re spending enough to keep a household running. Tag team with your partner to use this card for its bonus categories.
The bonus structure on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ requires a little work, but the card has a slew of useful categories that can help parents rack up points quickly when they’re spending enough to keep a household running. Tag team with your partner to use this card for its bonus categories.
Pros
You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in quarterly categories that you activate (see current categories below). you also get 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and delivery services; 3% at drugstores; and 1% on all other purchases. Topping it off is a good bonus offer and a solid introductory APR deal.
Cons
Tracking multiple bonus categories, including some that change every quarter, takes a little headspace, and activating categories can be a hassle.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Our pick for
Traveling couples
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
If you’re a couple defined by your wanderlust or are newlyweds who have a honeymoon to plan, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be your jam. Good rewards and flexible points make it a relative bargain.
If you’re a couple defined by your wanderlust or are newlyweds who have a honeymoon to plan, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card will be your jam. Good rewards and flexible points make it a relative bargain.
Pros
You earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel booked through Chase; 3 points per dollar on dining, on select streaming services, and on online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on travel not purchased through Chase; and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when you use them to book travel via Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline or hotel partners, including United, Southwest and Marriott. The bonus offer is outstanding, too.
Cons
There's a $95 annual fee. That's on par with other cards in its class, but some consumers draw the line at paying an annual fee on a credit card.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Member FDIC
Our pick for
Travel companion benefits
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$550
1x-3x
Miles
50,000
Miles
Being a couple means you often have a travel companion, and it helps to have a travel card with perks that apply to more than just the primary cardholder. Three of the most coveted airline-related perks are free checked bags, a companion fare and airport lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has all three.
Being a couple means you often have a travel companion, and it helps to have a travel card with perks that apply to more than just the primary cardholder. Three of the most coveted airline-related perks are free checked bags, a companion fare and airport lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has all three.
Pros
You earn 3 miles per dollar spent with Delta Air Lines and 1 mile per dollar on other spending. But the true value of this card lies in the perks. Among them: Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges; an annual companion certificate upon renewal that's good even in first class; first checked bag free for up to nine people on a reservation; reimbursement for an application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry; and more. Terms apply. Plus, a great welcome offer.
Cons
All those perks don't come cheap. The annual fee is $550. That's still less than the cost of a stand-along Delta lounge membership, however.
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® for you when travelling on a Delta flight.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Earn up to 60,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) With Status Boost® per year. After you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 15,000 MQMs up to four times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.
New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$550 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Home improvement
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
If you’re homeowners making repairs or upgrades — or if you're renters trying to refurnish an apartment — you might as well get rewarded for your pricey improvements. The combination of benefits on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, including its 3% cash back options, makes it ideal for home spending.
If you’re homeowners making repairs or upgrades — or if you're renters trying to refurnish an apartment — you might as well get rewarded for your pricey improvements. The combination of benefits on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, including its 3% cash back options, makes it ideal for home spending.
Pros
You earn 3% cash back in a category you choose (from a list of six) and 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter in these categories. Other spending earns 1%. The 3% categories include “home improvement and furnishings,” which has a broad definition that includes contractors and home services, not just store purchases. You can change your 3% category monthly. With a good bonus offer and a lengthy 0% intro APR period, this card is well-suited to financing a major project.
Cons
The rewards structure is somewhat complicated. The amount of spending eligible for the 3% rewards is capped, so on bigger projects you might earn a greater return on a card with unlimited 1.5% or 2% cash back.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.99% - 27.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our pick for
Tackling debt
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
N/A
N/A
Getting out of debt might not be the most romantic project you’ll tackle as a couple, but it could be among the most important. To get a break from punishing interest charges, you could transfer balances to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and enjoy a super-long 0% intro APR period, as long as you pay on time.
Getting out of debt might not be the most romantic project you’ll tackle as a couple, but it could be among the most important. To get a break from punishing interest charges, you could transfer balances to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and enjoy a super-long 0% intro APR period, as long as you pay on time.
Pros
You get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 21 months from account opening and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 17.99%-29.99% Variable APR.
Cons
This card has no rewards and its ongoing APR can be fairly high, so there's limited value beyond the intro APR period.
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.99% to 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
$0 Annual Fee
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR COUPLES
Confirm details on issuer's website when applying.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Everyday spending
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Homebodies
Honorable mention: The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is great for couples who share an Amazon Prime account. It offers 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting costs, including rideshare. All other purchases earn 1% back. It carries an annual fee of $0, but requires a paid Amazon Prime membership. Set it and forget it as your payment method on Amazon.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Socializers
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Honorable mention: If your idea of socializing often involves double-dating at a dinner out, also consider the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. It offers 4X points on restaurant purchases. It also earns 2X points at grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations and on purchases with streaming services. It has a $0 annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Parents
Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2023 | |
|---|---|
Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31) |
|
Q2 (April 1-June 30) |
|
Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30) | TBD (In 2022: Gas stations; car rentals; movie theaters; select live entertainment). |
Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) | TBD (In 2022: PayPal; Walmart). |
Honorable mention: If you really want to optimize, one partner can also get the Discover it® Cash Back. It also earns 5% back on up to $1,500 in spending on rotating quarterly categories (activation required; 1% back on all other purchases). Bonus categories historically have included restaurants, grocery stores, home improvement stores and Amazon.com. With the two cards together, you’ll have more 5% categories each quarter.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Traveling couples
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Big shoppers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Our pick for: Travel companion benefits
Every airline has a premium card that gets you into its airport lounges, but the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also gets you into American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and it comes with an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. Read our review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Home improvement
Honorable mention: The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card can earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your highest spending category for the billing cycle — and "home-improvement stores" is an eligible category. The $500 monthly cap makes this card better for lower-cost, and perhaps more frequent, home-improvement projects.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Our pick for: Tackling debt
• • •
What about joint credit card accounts?
By Gregory Karp, NerdWallet
Joint credit card accounts aren’t offered widely anymore. Issuers prefer to approve credit cards for individuals, largely based on their personal credit history (although, sometimes partially based on joint income.)
So now, the common strategy to optimize credit cards is for each partner to get complementary cards as primary users, then add the other as an authorized user. That way, each person can use the best card for earning points or taking advantage of perks. It works best when both partners have excellent credit. And to optimize, it works best when both partners agree to use the right card for certain purchases. Learn more about the two-player strategy.
A notable exception is the Apple Card, which allows "co-owners" who equally share the responsibility of paying bills.
• • •
Last updated on June 6, 2023
