Post # 1
Member
299 posts
Helper bee
Fi and I have been considering getting a credit card – or each getting one. We wanted to use it to get points/miles as we’re about to make some purchases for the wedding, buy plane tickets, etc… and we have savings for it but thought it may be nice to get some benefits back from the purchases.
That being said — he and I have fair credit scores. I have more credit cards in general bc I’ve opened a few at shopping stores whereas he’s had one via his parents that he rarely uses and likely won’t have anymore after marriage, because well he’ll be married and not be on his parents card.
Is there a benefit NOW for both of us to apply separetely for a card and see if we each get accepted? Or should one of us – either me with more credit or him who has never had it – go for it?
I’ve been doing research online also about whether it helps to just apply online or go in person to apply. We’ve mainly considered the Chase Saphire card for its benefits over others.
Post # 2
Member
634 posts
Busy bee
sunshadebride : I wouldn’t recommend combining finances or financial obligations before marriage. If anything was to happen, you would be responsible for the debt if he refused to pay even if you didn’t make the purchases. You can add him to your account after marriage with a simple phone call to your creditor so there’s no reason to jointly apply prior to marriage.
Post # 3
Member
4239 posts
Honey bee
As long as you commit to paying it off 100% every month you will be just fine. I know too many people who do not use credit cards appropriately.
I would also recommend separate cards for each of you. Can he get one from his bank? That may help him to get used to having one and using one. I would also recommend not using a credit card for wedding expenses — use a debit card or cash instead.
Post # 4
Member
13943 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I would suggest that both of you get cards, so you can both work on improving your credit scores. Having good credit scores is a really important aspect of getting the best rates for mortgages and any other loans you may need in the future.
I second PPs about having separate cards, not combining finances until you’re married, and only using the cards for wedding expenses IF you can pay it in full every month. Otherwise, the interest charges aren’t worth it. Also make sure you check that your vendors don’t add extra fees for credit card transactions — many of mine did, and checks were a better payment option.
Post # 5
Member
462 posts
Helper bee
I’d get them separately. Plus, depending on which card you go with, there are usually referral incentives. So you could get a card and then invite your fiancé using a referral link and you would each get a reward.
Post # 6
Member
5663 posts
Bee Keeper
sunshadebride : Just going to say a few things that I learned the hard way about credit cards. No store cards, the have the worst APR. Chase is ok but watch out if they promise you anything such as a sign on bonus. Look at the fine print, they put me through so many loops that I wouldn’t do it again and I never for my bonus. You can’t combine balances within Chase either.
I would get one through your bank first and see what the lowest APR is. If you can do not carry a balance over. Pay it off early each month.
Post # 7
Member
5663 posts
Bee Keeper
Oh and take a look at the Alaska airlines card to see if it’s worth it if you plan on travel.
Post # 8
Member
299 posts
Helper bee
sweatergal007 : Thanks! I have a debit card w Chase right now, so was going to go to them first and see what they suggest.
Anon721 : This def is helpful advice. I’d considered this and am planning to be the first to go check out what we can get, then see if he can be referred.
JiminyCricket : I def need to check about what vendors do regarding using credit cards for the payments. I thought of the cards as being a benefit for paying for flights/hotel for upcoming wedding things and the occasional smaller wedding expenses that we could pay off at the end of each month.