Types

• Married couples should understand the differences between the two primary types of credit cards. Revolving credit cards, such as Visa or MasterCard branded credit cards, allow the cardholder to carry a balance from month to month and impose a finance charge on the unpaid balance. Travel and entertainment cards, such as Diner's Club, Carte Blanche and the traditional American Express card, require all balances to be paid in full at the end of the billing cycle.
  
  

Function

• Married couples should be in agreement on how they intend to use their credit cards. If the couple wishes to use their credit cards for convenience, and they intend to pay off the balance in full at the end of each month, they will be better off getting a revolving credit card that has an extensive grace period, or a travel and entertainment card that requires the balance to be paid in full each month. If the couple wishes to use their credit card to make major purchases which they will pay over time, they will be better off with a credit card that offers a low interest rate.
  
  

Geography

• The rules and laws that apply to debt and ownership of married couples vary from state to state. Community property states, including Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, California, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas and Wisconsin, consider any debt or assets obtained by one spouse to be jointly owned by both spouses. This includes credit card debt.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Financial problems are frequently cited as one of the major causes of divorce, according to DivorceReform.org. JournalTimes.com recommends couples who are experiencing a credit card crisis sit down together and talk about the situation. This involves making sure all the facts are presented including any hidden credit cards or purchases made without the other spouse's knowledge. Most couples with healthy relationships can withstand the temporary financial crunch caused by credit card problems as long as both parties are fully informed, according to the Journal Times.
  
  

Benefits

• Married couples who use credit cards wisely may find them to be quite beneficial. Credit cards are more convenient than carrying cash, and in most cases credit cards are a safer alternative than cash. If cash is lost or stolen there is little chance of getting it back. Lost or stolen credit cards can be easily reported and replaced. Consumers are not liable for any charges made on credit cards once they have reported them stolen. Credit cards are one of the most frequently reported types of debt to credit bureaus, so the proper use of a credit card can help improve a couple's credit scores.