 TITLE: Till Debt Do Us Part? How Marriage Affects Debt CONTENT: Does My Spouse's Debt Affect My Credit Score?\n---------------------------------------------\nGetting married cannot directly affect your credit score because the data on which those scores are based—compiled in your credit reports at the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax)—do not include any information about marital status. Spouses retain their individual credit reports and credit scores after marriage; there's no such thing as a couple's credit report.\nHowever, because both spouses' credit reports and scores are considered whenever a couple applies for a loan or credit card together, if you or your spouse has a poor credit history, that could affect your ability to borrow money jointly. And if you take out a loan or a credit card account jointly with your spouse, you're both equally responsible for the payments. So if, for instance, one spouse goes on a spending spree with a jointly held credit card, the other is on the hook for paying it, even if they disapprove of the purchase.\nThat's one reason why, before saying \"I do,\" it's a good idea to have an open discussion about all kinds of financial matters, including debt. Spouses should enter the marriage with a clear understanding of their respective debt profiles (and credit standing), and a plan for managing future debt they take on together. END