I am unable to add my wife as a cardholder on Apple Card

I sometimes ask blunt questions in the hope that I get honest answers. As someone that’s been involved with investments, retirement planning, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and much more for the last 40 years (off and on), I try to provide the very best answer/response I can.

So, my advice is to have her apply for at least one credit card in her own name so she has her own credit history and everything is in just your name. In very blunt terms if something happened to you tomorrow, none of the credit is hers. All the accounts are instantly closed, so are all the bank accounts (even if they’re joint accounts with a survivor beneficiary) and more. Just food for thought. If I’ve offended you in any way, my sincere apologies.

So, the only way to proceed and keep everything in your name, is to make her what Apple and Goldman Sachs calls a >Participant.< Everything is in your name and she has no legal obligation to pay on the account.

I linked below an Apple Support article on Apple Card Participants and Co-owners. You want to read about Participant accounts. If you do co-owner she’s applying for her own account and she be equal. Neither one can leave the joint ownership, it’s no longer your account. Each co-owner has equal rights. You’ll see each other’s purchases and everything.

Set up Apple Card Family and add a co-owner and participants - Apple Support

I’m happy to answer more questions or you’re welcome to follow the instructions in the article. I hope you have a great evening and again I’m sorry if I offended you in any way.

Then you should be able to invite her to be a participant or co-owner. Please follow the instructions I’ve posted below. Please make sure you are both logged into the Apple ID you used to participate in the Apple Family Sharing group. Both phones should be updated to latest iOS version. Turn off any VPN software. Make sure you have a good WiFi connection. If either party is away from their home address, I’d suggest waiting. If you’re thinking of getting the Sign Up Bonus offer for applying you’ll need to take a different approach as these won’t qualify.

Invite an Apple Card Family participant or account co-owner

1. Open the Wallet app and tap your Apple Card.
2. Tap the More button , then tap Card Details .
3. Under People, tap Share My Card, then tap Continue.
4. Select a member of your Family Sharing group. To invite someone to join your Family Sharing group, tap Invite Someone.
5. To invite an account co-owner, tap Become Co-Owners. To invite a participant, tap Add as Participant.
6. Follow the instructions on your screen to provide the requested information.
7. Tap Send Invitation, then authenticate with your passcode.

Below are the steps your wife will take to accept your invitation.

Accept an Apple Card invitation

On your iPhone, tap the invite notification or open the Wallet app, then tap the badge notification in the upper-right corner.

1. Tap Continue.
2. If you're a participant, tap Accept Apple Card. If you're an account co-owner, follow the instructions on your screen to complete your Apple Card application. This includes a credit check.

To become an account co-owner, your application must be approved and you must accept your Apple Card offer.

Set up Apple Card Family and add a co-owner and participants - Apple Support

Are you already part of her family sharing?

Let’s slow down and so I can explain. A participant or co-owner will not qualify for $100 to $300 SUB (Sign Up Bonus). She needs to apply for a card. She can do that via her own Apple ID and get approved. The SUB is a targeted offer it seems. Has she received an offer? If so what is it for? If the signup is done right, she will not qualify?

https://appleinsider.com/articles/24/08/17/apple-offers-all-time-high-300-welcome-bonus-for-new-apple-card-signups

So, can you explain in more detail what is going on and the offers that you or your spouse have?

Are you relatively new to credit cards or do you really understand how credit cards work? That’s a kind of unusual response to my question and I just want to make sure I provide the best, most accurate information possible.😀😀

Well there are offers around now for new card holders for $100 to $300 of free money. That’s of no interest?