A joint credit card gives both applicants equal access to the card's credit limit and account management. Both individuals' credit will be equally impacted. Applicants typically apply for a joint credit card because they both intend to use it. A co-signed credit card has one active, primary owner and a secondary, passive co-signer. The main applicant is the only one who is issued a card. The co-signer only provides a better credit score to help the applicant get approved. If the primary owner defaults, the co-signer is responsible for the unpaid bills and could see a larger impact on their credit.