Question about using husbands credit card

[cld0131]

What is the name of your state? MA
I need to start Christmas shopping and was wondering if I could use a credit card with just my husbands name on it. I would have him write and sign a letter for me to carry stating that I have his permission to charge on his account. Would stores accept this ???

Probably a dumb question, but I just don't want to have a boat load of gifts at the register and have them not accept my signature, know what I mean ???

[Veronica1228]

Originally Posted by cld0131

What is the name of your state? MA
I need to start Christmas shopping and was wondering if I could use a credit card with just my husbands name on it. I would have him write and sign a letter for me to carry stating that I have his permission to charge on his account. Would stores accept this ???

Probably not. If your husband wants you to use his card then have him add you as an authorized user and get you a card with your name on it.

[cld0131]

the company will not issue an additional card on the same account. They want me to apply for my own account, but I don't want another card. My credit is fine, we're just trying to keep it all on one card.

[Veronica1228]

Originally Posted by cld0131

the company will not issue an additional card on the same account. They want me to apply for my own account, but I don't want another card. My credit is fine, we're just trying to keep it all on one card.

I'm surprised to hear that, but either way, having a letter from your husband is not going to work. If I were a clerk I would not accept the credit card because theoretically your husband can claim later that he did not authorize you to use the card and the store would take a loss.

[cld0131]

I kinda thought so, but I know my brother-in-law did this for his daughter and it worked !

Oh well, maybe hubby will have to go do the shopping, huh ???

[Veronica1228]

Originally Posted by cld0131

I kinda thought so, but I know my brother-in-law did this for his daughter and it worked !

Oh well, maybe hubby will have to go do the shopping, huh ???

Avoid all of the hassles of holiday shopping all together and shop online. That way you and your husband can use his card.

I worked for a long time in a local mall, and our policy regarding other family members using a credit card was this:

The cardholder had to issue a letter stating that you (by you I mean your full name and stating your relationship to the cardholder) could use the card in specific stores (JCPenny's, Sears, etc), with a specific date you would be allowed to use his card. Also, there had to be the card number, expiration date, his signature and full name on the letter, along with (a) phone number(s) where he could be reached to accept the amount of the purchase. If the cardholder didn't answer the phone, we didn't accept the letter because it wasn't verified. If the cardholder did answer, we would verify the information (your name, his name, card #, the amount of your purchase, etc. etc.) and if he said it was all right, then you would be allowed to use his card.

You might want to check with the stores where you intend to shop to see what their policies are. You could always bring your husband along, explain the situation, and see what information they'll require in order for you to make a purchase with his card.

Happy shopping.

[bdancer]

Many places will take the card, especially the stores where you swipe the card yourself. Actually, you might be surprised at how few stores bother to look at the card at all -- especially during the Christmas season.

[InsuranceLadyAZ]

I use my mate's card all the time, and vice versa. I have only once had a clerk question it, and when I showed my license it was accepted. I think they're supposed to check stuff like that, but they rarely do.

Also, in many stores you swipe the card yourself, and the clerk never even sees it. Again, I think they're supposed to look at that card, but that rarely happens.

The best solution you got here was to shop online. No worries.

[cld0131]

Thanks everyone !! I really don't want to do all my shopping on-line - I've got two 4 year olds and the shipping alone is ridiculous !! Problem solved, I'll use a different card !!

Thanks so much for you help though !!!