Can you have two of the same credit card?

Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure. Yes, you can sometimes have two of the same credit card, but whether you're allowed to depends on the card issuer and the specific card.

And even with issuers that allow you to have two of the same card, you're usually subject to limitations and restrictions. Whether you can have two of the same credit card at one time depends on each credit card issuer's policies. Credit card issuers don't always make it clear that you can apply for the same card multiple times, so we reached out to several major credit card issuers.

We asked them to clarify whether a customer could have two of the same card, and this is what we found: There are a few different ways to end up with two of the same credit card: Request a product change: If you have one credit card from an issuer, such as the Citi Double Cash, you can request a product change to the Citi Custom Cash. The company discontinues a card: A credit card company may discontinue one card, switching all existing customers to another option. If that happens, you could end up with two of the same credit card with the company.

Apply directly: Some companies allow you to apply for the same credit card twice. For example, American Express allows customers to apply for the Amex Platinum card multiple times. Become an authorized user: If someone adds you as an authorized user to their account, you effectively have access to that card.

For example, say you have a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. Your parent has their own Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card and adds you as an authorized user to their account. Going forward, you'd have access to two different Customized Cash Rewards card accounts.

This embedded content is not available in your region. Whether it makes sense to apply for two of the same card depends on your situation and the credit card. Consider the pros and cons: Qualify for extra bonuses and welcome offers: Some credit card issuers allow you to qualify for a second welcome bonus if a certain period of time has passed.