The card is linked to the bank account registered when you first applied for it. Even if the card IS just in your name - it makes NO difference to the card company - so long as they get the money you owe them ! They have a legal right to debit the bank account you registered with them until the debt is repaid.
If your name is not on the account, and the account is not considered a "joint account" by the credit card company, then you should not be held liable for any debt on your wife's credit cards.
Yes, as long as your listed as a "Co-signer" on the account. Credit is not build if you are just an "Authorized User" if this was a credit card account. Lastly, this all assumes that whatever this joint-account is that it reports to credit.
Yes, if a creditor wins a lawsuit and is granted a judgment, said judgment can be enforced as a bank account garnishment. A joint account (even a marital one) is subject to attachment to the extent of the debtor's share.
Just call the credit card company and explain the circumstances. I am sure they will help you and direct you appropriately. I am sorry for your loss.
Yes, anytime you open a new credit account, even if it is a joint account, it is reported on your credit report either when it is opened or when it is unpaid.
No, only the primary cardholder's credit score is affected.
If the cardholder has an estate, the credit card company can pursue that. In practice they don't really do that. If the account is a joint account, the other account holder becomes wholly responsible for the debt. Otherwise the bank eats the money.
yes it can, both parties are equally responsible for the account
You can be, although it will be undesirable to the person you're sharing the account with.
If this relates to a joint account holder or cosigner, then yes the person's credit rating will be affected by a repossession. Yes, whoever's name the car is in will be affected by the car's repossession. Only if the car is somehow tied to the account. Only a bad payment history on that joint account can affect your credit.
No, the only thing that would affect their credit is the joint account, so just make all the payments on time.
A signature on the application.