You do not have to report marital status if you are applying for an individual, unsecured account, such as a bank credit card. If you are creditworthy and apply for an individual account, a lender cannot ask your husband to cosign your account. They cannot require information about your husband or ex-husband. Spouses should establish credit in their own names. Joint credit accounts should be listed in each spouse's name, i.e., John Doe or Mary Doe.
Credit reports can cause particular problems for women.
Many women have joint accounts, which are opened in two people's names, based on income and assets from both or either person, where both people are liable for the debt. If you hold joint accounts, check that the accounts are reported in both names. A woman could have an excellent credit history if she and her spouse have met their credit obligations, but the report could be all in the husband's name. A woman should request a file in her name that lists joint accounts. A newly married woman should transfer a credit file in her maiden name to her married name.