How to Report Income on a Credit Card Application When You’re Retired

When you’re retired and seeking a new credit card, there’s one field on the application that might give you pause: the field where you state your annual income.

Without a periodic paycheck, answering that question gets a little more complicated, especially if you’re concerned that you no longer earn enough to qualify for the card you want.

But other sources of income count, too. Here’s what you can include in a credit card application when you’re retired.

» MORE: Is it harder for seniors to get credit cards?

Income from self-employment, part-time or seasonal work

You’ve ditched the 9-to-5, but if you continue to earn income from freelance or part-time jobs, that counts. You can combine your total earnings from these sources with the other acceptable income sources listed below.

» MORE: If you make a small income, how can you qualify for a credit card?

Retirement and investment income

Withdrawals from your retirement accounts count as income, as do Social Security benefits. You can also include earnings from investments, as well as interest and dividends.

Plus, if you own a rental property, your earnings from that venture are also valid income sources.

» MORE: Should you give income updates to your credit card issuer?

Money from family, a spouse, partner or ex

If your spouse or partner is still working, you can include their income on your credit card application. Thanks to a 2013 amendment to the 2009 Card Act, applicants ages 21 and up can list income they have “reasonable expectation of access to” — meaning a spouse's or partner’s wages that you can access to pay bills. This also includes money you may receive from other family members who help support you financially.