John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
You technically aren’t allowed to use a credit card that isn’t your own under any circumstances, but in reality, you shouldn’t run into any problems if you’re using a friend’s or family member’s credit card with their permission. That’s especially true if you’re the same gender. You can’t use someone else’s credit card without permission, however, as that’s fraud, which is a crime and it is punishable by law.
Key things to Know About Using Someone Else's Credit Card
Most merchants don’t check if names on IDs and credit cards match.
A credit card whose signature panel is unsigned or reads, “See ID,” might arouse some suspicion, though. And the merchant could request identification as a result. But merchants are not allowed to decline transactions due to a lack of ID when the card is signed.
A child using a parent’s credit card with permission.
Many children have credit cards, as issuers generally don’t have minimum age requirements for authorized users. And it’s fairly common for a parent to send their child into a store or restaurant to pay for a purchase with their credit card. So, merchants can’t be too suspicious. But context matters in this case, too. If a merchant has reason to believe a youth is using a credit card without permission, they might ask for ID.
Letting someone else use your credit card could be costly.
Since you’re giving that person permission to make purchases, you’re on the hook for what they spend. But you should be fine as long as you choose whom to lend your card to wisely. Just make sure to establish firm ground rules and regularly monitor your account.
The Risks of Sharing Your Credit Card
At the end of the day, it’s not illegal to use someone else’s credit card with permission. But doing so does violate card network rules. Anytime your credit card is out of your direct control, it is theoretically more susceptible to fraud. You don’t absolutely know how it’s being used. And the credit card company didn’t approve your friend or family member for an account. They approved you. Plus, if fraud ever crops up on your account, it will be more difficult to determine whether the charge was authorized.
With that being said, there’s a viable, above-board alternative to sharing your physical credit card – though it applies more to family members than friends. Making a relative an authorized user on your credit card will give them spending privileges as well as help them build credit.
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Paddy Sullivan, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@PaddySully
You can use someone else's credit card if they let you. But if they don't give you permission, it's fraud - and that is a crime. If the card owner reports that card as being stolen or fraudulently used, the authorities will begin an investigation. And since all cards come with $0 fraud liability, the card owner may be reimbursed for the unauthorized charges after the investigation is complete.
The issuer only authorized the person who got approved for the card to access its credit line. So even using someone else's card with permission is a violation of that card's terms. In that case, the cardholder is liable for any charges you make.
A perfectly legal way to use someone else's credit card with permission is to ask the card's owner to add you as an authorized user.
My county sheriff office says u can take your spouse card without permission and use it long as married even if they name not on account
My boyfriend was in jail and gave me permission over a recorded line to access is bank account can he legally charge me with a crime if I spent to much money or can he use me?
Dmitriy Fomichenko, President, Sense Financial
@dfomichenko
If someone else's adds you to the account as authorized user, yes. If someone else lends you his/her credit card he/she would be breaking their agreement with the credit card company.
Can you provide any documented proof of this? None of my credit card agreements state this to be the case. They DO state that I am responsible for anyone that I authorize to use the card... This is separate from the Authroized users section of the agreements.
Philip Ellwell, Member
@phil_ellwell
Technically, it would be against terms and conditions to use someone else's credit card, even if you've got the PIN. That being said, they can't ask for identification if the card is signed. If it's not signed, they are allowed to ask for it, but it's not required or anything.
Tom Pytre, Member
@tom_pytre
It's against the terms of service. You might get away with it in most cases, but I would make sure I had it in writing that I'm using the card with the owner's permission.
People also ask
Can someone else use my credit card with my permission?
Yes, someone else can use your credit card with your permission. However, it’s important to realize that you are legally liable for all their charges. In other words, when you agree to give another person access to your account, you also agree to pay for their purchases and deal with the consequences of their mistakes.
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read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyCan you share a credit card?
Yes, you can share a credit card with an authorized user, a co-signer, or (more rarely) a joint accountholder. Borrowing a credit card from a friend or family member with their permission can work, too, but it’s best not to get in the habit.
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read full answer by WalletHub, Financial CompanyHow do I add an authorized user to a credit card?
You can add an authorized user to a credit card by contacting the card issuer over the phone, or by logging into your online account on the issuer’s website or mobile app. The primary cardholder will simply need to provide the new user’s name, date of birth, and other identifying information.
Using the issuer’s website or mobile app is the most common approach, so we’ll provide more detail on the steps involved below. But you...
read full answer by Theresa Chalfant, WriterDid we answer your question?
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When anyone gets a credit card you are to read the terms and conditions. It will be written that only the person to which the card belongs is the only one to use the card unless you add an authorized user to it. Businesses do have their employee's cashiers' check IDs and signatures. Some POS systems have that built in which means the computer will stop and give cashier directions to ask for verification of ID and signature match. This is also an in-store policy, which the consumers themselves had agreed upon when they signed up for the card.