Can I share a credit card with a non-relative?

Technically you can share a credit card with anyone, whether that person is a relative or a non-relative.

There are two ways to share a credit card with another person. If you are the principal card holder, you can add another person as an authorized user of your credit card. As an authorized user, this person can make purchases using your credit card, but is not legally obligated to make payments. The other way is to open a joint account with that other person. As a joint account holder, that person shares not only the use of the same credit card but the legal responsibility for making payments as well. Joint account holders may each hold a card with a single name on it or share a single card. A joint account must be opened by the two parties at the same time.

In the case of the authorized user, the authorized user is not liable for payments to the credit card. The principal card holder is still responsible for making payments and every transaction that is made using the credit card will reflect on his or her credit history and standing.

In the case of joint account holders, both account holders are liable for payments. The account is reflected in both account holders’ credit information. Each account holder can be liable for whatever transaction the other account holder made using the credit card. It is important that the joint account is managed well in order for each account holder to have a good credit history and standing.