Someone cannot legally use your credit card when you’re not present if their name is not on the card or the account. Even if you give permission for the person to take your card and use it, this is still considered an unauthorized transaction, and the occurrence may force you to forfeit your account. A person cannot legally use a credit card that isn’t in their name, even if their spouse gave them permission to do so. To avoid this potentially costly mistake, add your spouse as an authorized user on the account. Your spouse will receive his or her own printed credit card that grants access to the credit account and its features. Your credit card account will not change when you’re married. The only thing you’ll need to report to your credit card issuer is a possible name change that comes from your nuptials. When you apply for a credit card, the bank approves or denies your application based on your personal credit history, income, and current debt load. When you get married, the bank assumes your income will remain the same and will not alter your credit account in any way.