Understanding Additional Cardholders & Supplementary Cards in Singapore

Credit cards are convenient ways to make payments in Singapore, and many want to share that convenience with partners, children, or other family members. Adding an additional credit card for family members is the most common way to do this. But before you add an additional credit card for family members, it’s essential to understand the process and the responsibilities involved for both the primary and supplementary cardholders.

An additional cardholder, also known as a supplementary cardholder, is someone added to a primary credit cardholder’s account. They receive their own card linked to the primary cardholder's credit limit but do not share the same level of debt responsibility. In Singapore, the primary cardholder remains responsible for all charges made by the additional cardholder.

This means that if you open a bank account, and add a supplementary cardholder, you are solely responsible for all the transactions they make, as their spending is linked directly to your credit limit.

Some people confuse this with joint credit card accounts, but they differ in liability. While both provide individual cards, supplementary cardholders are not responsible for repayments, unlike joint credit card holders.

To understand the meaning of a secondary cardholder or additional cardholder fully, it is best to contact your credit card provider for specific details.

The primary cardholder opens the credit card account and is liable for all its debt. In contrast, the additional cardholder is simply added, bearing no legal responsibility for account use. That means they aren’t liable for debt, even if their spending is to blame. An additional cardholder won’t become the primary cardholder on that account, even if more is spent on the supplement card.

Many apply for supplementary cards for their children, but it's crucial to remember this is often their first credit card. Therefore, they need to learn responsible credit management, and parents must actively teach this to ensure that good habits are formed and both parties avoid financial pitfalls.

So, to earn the benefits of handling credit responsibly, they must apply for their first credit card independently. This means that if you are the primary cardholder, you must be prepared to handle the financial responsibilities of the card.

The role of the additional cardholder

Card providers have different policies regarding what additional cardholders can do, but most allow relatively unrestricted account use. Before adding someone to your card or becoming an additional cardholder, verify the terms and conditions with the card provider to know your entitlements. They can typically:

• Make purchases

• Get cash advances

• Check the account balance

• Report suspicious transactions

• Set up a PIN distinct from the primary cardholder

• Order and activate a replacement card

• Cancel their card

• View the transaction history

• Make payments

• Earn and redeem reward points  

• Access complimentary insurance benefits

It’s important to check with your bank provider to know what the additional cardholder can do, especially if there are certain features you want to access or use.

As the primary cardholder responsible for paying the bills, you are more or less unrestricted in who you choose as an additional cardholder as long as they are 18. Most banks in Singapore require supplementary card applicants to be at least 18 years old.

However, as an exception, certain applicants who are at least 16 years of age may apply for overseas education purposes, but this depends on the bank and card. You should always check with your issuing bank for more details regarding the minimum age.

Here’s more about how to apply for a supplementary credit card for your child and how to remove additional cardholders:

Adding additional cardholders

Most banks make this easy, usually via an online application or banking app; otherwise, you can apply at a bank branch. Some banks, like DBS, offer instant approval for online applications to make applying even more convenient. Typically, the steps are:

1. Log in to your online banking account or mobile app.

2. Select the option to add a supplementary cardholder.

3. Fill in the requested details of the additional cardholder.

4. Submit the application.

5. Receive the card in the mail.

Do note that aside from age, there are eligibility criteria, such as income, to ensure financial responsibility. Additional documents may also be required, these documents are typically:

For Singapore citizens/permanent residents

• Copy of NRIC (front and back)

• Latest billing proof (within the last 6 months) as per your local home address (e.g. telephone or utilities bill etc) if it differs from your address in your NRIC

For foreigners

• Copy of Passport (with at least 6 months validity and for all nationalities)

• Latest billing proof (within the last 6 months) as per your local home address (e.g. telephone or utilities bill etc)

• Valid Pass Issued in Singapore (e.g. Employment Pass, S-Pass, Work Permit, Entre Pass, Student Pass, Dependent Pass, Long-Term Social Visit Pass)

>> MORE: How to apply & get approved for a credit card in Singapore in 2025

Removing additional cardholders

Additional cardholders may be removed due to overspending or relationship changes. To remove an additional cardholder, contact your issuing bank and request the removal. The bank will guide you through the process, which usually involves a formal request.

You should then cut up the card or dispose of the card where possible. If you cannot destroy the card and want to stop the additional cardholder from using it, you may need to put a block on the card or report it as lost or stolen, usually via online banking or the bank app, for immediate action; otherwise, call your bank. These steps utilise the card's security and fraud detection features.

>> MORE: 3 Reasons To Cancel Your Credit Card (And How To Do Just That)

Before you offer your card to an additional cardholder, you should consider a few things, both good and bad, that we will cover in the following sections.

Benefits of an additional cardholder

There are a few benefits, such as:

• Saving on fees and charges: Discounted or waived fees for supplementary cards with certain spending thresholds in Singapore. This can translate to significant savings, especially for families with multiple card users, as it reduces the overall cost of maintaining several individual credit card accounts.

• Shared access to credit: Supplementary cards can help family members like elderly parents, children, or domestic helpers who may not have the minimum income to qualify for their own card. It offers them financial flexibility and independence, allowing them to make necessary purchases overseas or locally without relying solely on cash or the primary cardholder's presence.

• Earning more points and rewards: Supplementary cardholders can accumulate reward points for the primary cardholder, which can be used for air miles in Singapore. This accelerates the accumulation of rewards, enabling faster redemption for travel or other perks, and maximises the benefits of the credit card.

Risks of an additional cardholder

However, there are a few potential disadvantages to take note of:

• Account responsibility: Singaporean banks may not allow setting spending limits for supplementary cardholders, leading to uncontrolled spending and potential overextension of the primary cardholder's credit limit. This lack of control can create unforeseen financial burdens.

• Credit rating:  Missed paying off your credit card bills on time or high credit card debt can affect your credit score negatively, hindering future loan approvals and potentially damaging your financial reputation. This shared responsibility requires careful consideration, as the actions of one cardholder impact both.

• Additional fees: Some Singaporean banks charge fees for supplementary cards, particularly if you are late paying your card, which can accumulate over time and add to the overall cost of maintaining the account. It's essential to factor these potential fees into your decision.

There are many things to take note of before applying for a supplementary credit card, as it involves financial responsibility for both parties. Here’s a summary of key considerations:

• Getting an intro lesson to building credit: Being an additional cardholder is a good introduction to managing credit responsibly and budgeting, especially for young Singaporeans who may not yet have a credit card of their own due to strict age and income requirements.

• Shared cardholder benefits: In Singapore, supplementary cardholders can enjoy benefits like air miles, airport lounge access, reward points, and even travel insurance, depending on the credit card.

• It’s someone else’ money you’re spending: You must understand how your spending affects the primary cardholder’s credit and financial situation, which is especially crucial in Singapore, where credit card debt management is heavily monitored. So, do not spend beyond their means.

• Your own credit rating won’t be impacted: Supplementary cardholders in Singapore typically do not contribute to building or improving your credit score, as their spending and repayments are linked to the primary cardholder’s account. If building a credit profile is a priority, they should consider applying for their own credit card.