Expert: Yan Ross - 10/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: My husband got a credit card and added me as a joint account holder without my knowledge.  I tried to get the credit card company to remove my name from this account but they refused.  I I also asked to see the original application but I yet to receive that either.  I did not authorized nor did I sign any application.  The account is in good standing I just do not want to have anything to do with it.  Can a person just walk into a store and open up an credit account add another person on it and that is it?  What can I do about this situation?

ANSWER: Tina,

There are several issues apparently involved here, and let me see if I can sort through them.

Ordinarily, a credit card holder can add anyone to the account, but as an additional "authorized holder," not a "joint account holder."

There are many reasons for using this arrangement, none of which seem to apply to you.

In general, the individual who opens the credit card account and is responsible for payment can add anyone he or she chooses, but that does not in itself create any liability on the part of the additional holder.

As an additional holder, you are not normally liable to pay the account, though there may be a difference in State laws, depending on where the card is issued and where the holder resides.

My best suggestion would be to take the following steps:

Cut up the card -- you can keep the pieces or not. as you wish.

Write the credit card issuer (bank or other financial institution listed on the back of the card)and advise them that you do not accept the "additional cardholder" card, and that you have destroyed the card.

Send a copy of that letter to the card issuer to each of the three credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- contact information can be accessed at www.annualcreditreport.com

Take a deep breath, sit back, and relax.

I hope that helps.

Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I do not have a credit card to this account I never had.  Also, I have already disputed the information on my credit report regarding this issue.  The credit reporting agencies have investigated and have indicated to me that the credit issuer said that the account belongs to me and it does not.  Right now I am waiting for the credit issuer to send me the original application.  Thank you for all your help I appreciate it.  

Answer
Tina,

You still have the right to send a written statement of up to 100 words to each of the credit reporting agencies, which they will add to your file and forward to anyone who checks your credit file.

BTW, one of my colleagues suggests that instead of keeping the cut-up credit card, you should send it back to the issuer along with your letter.

Again, good luck!