Can I get credit cards in someone else's name to earn more points?

The idea sounds simple enough: Your friends and relatives might not care about earning points and miles, so you'd like to earn credit card welcome offers in their names.

You've already got that credit card, but earning another welcome bonus a second time with a card in your dad's name sounds juicy.

Can you get credit cards in a friend's or relative's name to help you earn more points and miles? Let's find out.

Related: Maximizing credit cards to become points-rich without spending a ton

What do the rules say?

Since this question involves opening a card in someone else's name, there are two paths to take: having or not having that person's permission.

Opening a card in someone else's name without permission is identity theft. That's illegal, and penalties can include fines, jail time and forfeiture of anything used or gained in the commission of this crime. Don't do this.

On the other hand, let's assume you ask a friend or relative if you can open cards in their name, promising to manage them responsibly and not hurt that person's credit score. In return, you meet the spending requirements and get to keep the points from the welcome offer.

Is this allowed?

Consider the application terms for The Platinum Card® from American Express as an example:

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By submitting this application, you are requesting us to open an Account in your name and to issue Card(s) as you direct. Only qualified individuals 18 or over may apply for an Account. This offer is available to US Residents.

USA PATRIOT Act Notice: Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account, including your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to verify your identity.

Or the terms for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:

USA PATRIOT Act: Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. We require the following information or documents as a condition to your opening an account: your name, residential address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license or other identifying documents.

Both cards mention the Patriot Act, which requires banks to verify applicants' identities. It could be difficult to do this if you're applying for a card in someone else's name, as they'd need to answer requests for documents, provide you with their Social Security number and reveal other personal details.

Your family member or friend might be uncomfortable providing all this information for a credit card they don't want or care about.

Additionally, the credit card (if approved) will be sent to your friend's or relative's address, which creates another obstacle. And, should the bank realize what you're doing, there's a strong probability the account will be closed and earned points and miles forfeited.

Even if you get past this stage, there's still the issue of programs that don't allow you to pool points and miles together.

Related: How to apply for a credit card

What you can do instead

It's clearly a bad idea to open credit cards in other people's names. Instead, let's look at the underlying idea: You want to earn more points and miles.

Open more cards yourself

Obviously, you can open additional credit cards for welcome bonuses. See the following:

• The best credit card welcome offers right now
• The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions

Add authorized users

Additionally, you may receive an offer of bonus points or miles for adding authorized users to your existing credit cards. Ask your friends and relatives if they're comfortable with being added to your card(s) since they won't be responsible for the bills this way.

Keep in mind that authorized users can still potentially impact your credit score if they improperly manage their cards. Make sure you only add trusted friends and family members and set clear boundaries for how they can and can't use their authorized user cards.

Refer your friends and family

You also could teach your friends and family members about points and miles and then refer them for credit cards. Many banks offer referral bonuses.

Related: 6 easy strategies I use to earn over 500,000 points and miles a year

Take advantage of upgrade and retention offers

And don't forget about earning extra points and miles through upgrade and retention offers. These offers are targeted and can vary from person to person, but they can be excellent methods for growing your points and miles balance.

Remember that product-changing to another card locks you out of that new card's welcome offer, so make sure whatever upgrade offer you've received is worth it.

Bottom line

If you remember nothing else, remember this: Opening a credit card in someone else's name with their permission isn't a good idea, and doing it without permission is illegal. Other strategies exist for earning more points and miles without risking points forfeiture or committing a crime.

You should be able to find ways to grow your points balance without upsetting a bank or law enforcement agency. They include opening more cards yourself, adding authorized users, referring your loved ones and taking advantage of upgrade and retention offers.

Related: Want to build credit history for your kids? Add them as an authorized user