Writer: Adam West
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Reviewer: Ashley Fricker
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While a judge’s divorce decree will officially end a marriage, the debt accrued during the union will likely live on. But with one of the best credit cards after divorce, you can turn the page on an unhappy marriage more quickly and start writing the next chapter in your life.
That’s because the right credit card can help you pay off your debt with fewer interest charges, help you earn cash back on your post-divorce purchases, or even send you on a much-needed vacation to hit the reset button.
And when the debt is gone, the card will still be around to help you out — and keep your ex firmly in the rearview mirror.
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Best 0% Interest Cards After Divorce
Divorce is expensive — but it’s not as pricey as the debt you may carry over after the marriage officially ends. If you’re struggling with credit card debt from your old life, consider a credit card with a 0% introductory APR.
A 0% interest card can help you get a fresh start in life. Moving, furnishing a new home, and purchasing necessities gets expensive. The cards listed below allow you to pay off these charges over time without heavy finance charges.
- 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
- Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
- No Annual Fee
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
The length of the introductory period will vary by card, but most will offer interest-free purchases for up to 15 months or longer.
Best Balance Transfer Cards After Divorce
If you’re working to pay off shared debt after a divorce, a balance transfer card can help you pay that debt down faster. These cards offer a 0% introductory period for balances transferred from a credit card with a high APR to one that won’t charge you interest for a period of up to 18 months or longer.
Be sure to read the terms of the transfer, as most cards require you to transfer your debt within a specified period — 60 to 90 days is typical — to get the 0% promotional rate. You may also have to pay a balance transfer fee to perform the transfer, generally 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.
- 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 21 months and on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening. After that the variable APR will be 16.49% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.
- Buy now and pay later. Split your payment for eligible purchases of $75 or more into a fixed payment with Citi® Flex Pay.
- Get free access to your FICO® Score online.
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- No annual fee.
- No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Keep in mind that every introductory period has an expiration date. As soon as that date expires, your card balance will start accruing interest at the rate printed on your card’s monthly statement. That’s why it’s important to eliminate as much of your debt as possible while you’re inside that introductory window.
Best Travel Cards After Divorce
A divorce signifies new beginnings. And there’s no better way to start fresh than with a vacation that takes you far away from all the emotional stress you’ve endured.
You can earn points or miles that get you one step closer to that trip with one of the best travel credit cards after divorce listed below.
- Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
- Earn a one-time welcome bonus of 100,000 miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app
Study each card’s terms and conditions before you apply. Each card provides different values for its points and miles. Depending on your travel goals (flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, etc.), one card could provide more value than others.
Best Cash Back Cards After Divorce
If you’re moving after your divorce, you may encounter lots of expenses you weren’t planning for. And moving trucks, packing supplies, and a security deposit to get you into your new home are just the beginning.
Once you’ve settled into your new digs, you’ll need furnishings, housewares, appliances, and countless other gadgets and gizmos that don’t come cheap. With one of the best cash back cards after divorce, among those listed below, you can get some money back on all those purchases.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 17.49% - 26.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
The key to maximizing your cash back earnings is to pay your credit card balance in full each month. Many card issuers boost the interest rates on their cash back cards to offset some of the money they give back to cardholders. Those monthly charges can quickly negate the savings you earn with each purchase.
Best Credit-Building Cards After Divorce
Although your ex is gone after a divorce, you may still carry around a lot of baggage from the former relationship. The heaviest burden of all may be a bad credit score.
If you’re struggling with damaged credit following your divorce, you might want to consider one of the following cards that can help you rebuild your credit. If you use one of these cards responsibly, you can improve your score and work your way toward better financial health.
- Up to $1,000 Initial Credit Limit
- See if you Pre-Qualify with No Impact to your Credit Score
- Less than perfect credit? We understand. The Surge Mastercard is ideal for people looking to rebuild their credit.
- Unsecured credit card requires No Security Deposit
- Perfect card for everyday purchases and unexpected expenses
- Monthly reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Use your card everywhere Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations
- Enjoy peace of mind with Mastercard Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases (subject to Mastercard guidelines)
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Guaranteed $700 credit limit if approved.
- Apply with Confidence! There is no impact to your credit score if you’re not approved. See terms.
- Don't Have Perfect Credit? No Problem!
- Join over a million consumers who are working on building their access to credit.
- Zero Fraud Liability - Peace of mind that comes with having a Mastercard.
- Get the credit you deserve, even with less-than-perfect history.
- No security deposit, and a path to better credit.
- No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
- Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
- Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
- Top rated mobile app
The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card comes from a major issuer that also offers cards to consumers who have fair, good, and excellent credit. While that may not interest you right now, it will over time.
Many card issuers allow you to upgrade to an improved card as you prove your responsibility and increase your credit score. That can save you money on interest charges — and possibly make you eligible over time — for a better credit card that offers higher rewards.
Who is Responsible for Credit Card Debt in Divorce?
This depends greatly on the state you live in and the judge presiding over your divorce. While most states dictate that you’re responsible for debt accrued in your name — and partially responsible for joint debts — state laws vary in how they treat debts remaining at the time of divorce.
In the nine community property states — Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin — any debt you or your former spouse acquired after the date of marriage and before the date of separation is community property. A judge will likely order a joint split of all debts but can alter the ruling based on your and your ex’s income.
Those states won’t consider any debt you acquired before marriage, or after the separation, as community property.
A judge could order you to pay all or part of your former spouse’s debts based on who is better able to repay the debt. If your ex makes more than you, he or she could receive an order to pay your debts. That doesn’t make you completely free and clear of the debt, though.
If the debt is in your name, you’re still contractually tied to the lender. If your ex doesn’t pay the bill or makes consistently late payments, you will receive the hit to your credit score.
This works not only for credit card debt but also for auto or home loans as well as medical debt or any other bills in your name. In fact, recent studies show that 1 in 8 divorced couples blame student loan debt for their split.
In most cases, a judge will simply allow each member of the divorce proceedings to leave with only the debt that’s in their name. But it’s still important to come to court with any documents that show that the debt is community property incurred to better both of your lives. If you can show that, you could improve your chances of a 50/50 split.
How Do I Separate My Credit After Divorce?
Regardless of the wording on your divorce decree, you’re still legally responsible for joint accounts opened during your marriage.
Even if the judge orders your ex to pay the entire debt, you’re still liable if he or she doesn’t make a payment or defaults on the debt. And if that account continues to live on after the divorce, you’ll still be responsible for the new debt accrued.
The first step in cleanly separating your credit after divorce is to close every joint account that includes your name. That won’t wipe out the balance of those accounts, but it will stop the accounts from building new debt.
You can also notify your creditors of the divorce to make sure you and your ex both receive monthly statements so you can stay on top of payment histories and current balances. You should also change any usernames and passwords on your financial accounts your ex is privy to.
Once you’ve done that, you can start exploring ways to build credit in your name so that you can develop a new and positive credit history. You can do this through a credit card — like those listed above — a personal loan, or an auto loan or mortgage.
Also, if the judge orders your ex to pay all or part of your joint debts, it’s vital that you ask the judge to make that ruling non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. That way, your ex can’t walk away from the debt and stick you with the responsibility if he or she ever files for bankruptcy.
Most judges will grant this request and place a note on the debt that makes it permanent — regardless of what your ex’s financial future holds.
Does Your Credit Score Drop When You Get Divorced?
This relies mostly on the type of debt you hold. If the judge decrees that you’re only responsible for the debt that’s in your name, you won’t experience much change to your credit rating.
A lot of joint debt could impact your score. That’s because you’re best served by closing any joint accounts that feature your and your ex’s names. By doing so, you’ll lower your total available credit and increase your credit utilization rate.
Adding more debts during and after your divorce proceedings can also weigh down your credit score. The effect on your credit score can range from a small decrease to a significant drop, depending on the total amount of debt.
Even if the judge in your divorce proceedings rules your ex must pay the debts in your name, it still won’t provide any credit score relief. That’s because the debts will remain in your name until they’re paid off. If your ex misses a payment or defaults on the debt altogether, you’ll receive the credit impact — not him or her.
In many cases, you’ll experience at least a small increase in total debt after divorce. That alone can weigh down a credit score. If you must finance the shift in your lifestyle — including moving expenses, new furnishings, household items, and other relocation expenses — you can see even more of a credit score dip.
This impact isn’t always permanent. As you pay down the debt and make on-time payments over time, you’ll see your score recover and maybe even surpass your pre-divorce levels.
One thing you will want to do immediately following a divorce is to create a budget that includes all of your expenses and debt obligations. You may have less disposable income now, but putting more of that toward outstanding debt left over from your marriage is a great way to move on faster — financially, at least.
Once you create a budget and know where your money is going, you should also start building up an emergency fund. This can help you navigate any bumps in the road without falling into more debt.
And after you’ve cleared your post-divorce debt, a budget and emergency fund are still good things to maintain, but you should have a little more financial freedom to get on with your life.
Start Anew — Emotionally and Financially
Divorce isn’t always bad. If you were stuck in a bad relationship that wasn’t contributing to your well-being, a divorce can provide a clean break and a fresh new chapter in your life.
You can make sure the split remains clean — and doesn’t leave you with too many financial burdens — by using one of our best credit cards after divorce to get your fiscal life back in order.
And, after all, divorce is about putting the pieces back together so you can regain the confidence you once had and begin to show the world how great you truly are. That becomes easier as you eliminate debt — and free yourself of the baggage acquired in your previous relationship.
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