The offer of shared credit cards has existed for a long time before the changes were announced. However, on June 10, 2026, Desjardins will implement a significant restructuring of its shared credit card system, introducing a principal holder and an additional holder. This change is expected to affect over 10% of all accounts at Desjardins.
The principal holder will bear the responsibility for the debt incurred on the card and will build a credit history, while the additional holder will have limited rights and will not be able to build their own credit history. This shift has raised concerns among financial experts about the implications for financial autonomy and power dynamics within couples.
Johanne Leblanc, a budget adviser, expressed her concerns, stating, “C’est particulier comme procédure. On ne consulte pas personne et on change les habitudes.” She highlighted the potential for abuse of control over financial information, noting that the structure itself changes the balance of power without a new agreement between partners.
Under the new system, the principal holder will have the authority to choose what information to share with the additional holder. This lack of symmetry in shared credit may lead clients to seek alternative products, as the designation of principal and additional holder cannot be changed after the initial setup.
Observers note that this change may redefine the relationship between partners without their consent. As Leblanc pointed out, “If one person alone can see full transactions, bear the debt, and build the credit record, then the card is no longer simply shared in the same way it was before.” This is not a niche adjustment; it has broader implications for household budgeting for couples using shared credit.
As Desjardins modernizes its credit card system, clients are left to navigate the new landscape of shared financial responsibilities. The changes are set to impact how couples manage their finances, raising questions about the future of shared credit in Quebec.
