If a credit card is used before you report it lost or stolen, your maximum liability for unauthorized charges is $50 per card. If you report your card stolen before someone uses it, your liability may be zero.

But, if a member of your immediate family (spouse, child, parent) borrows your credit card to make a purchase-with or without your knowledge-you may be liable for that purchase.

Notify your card issuer if you and your spouse become separated or divorced. Otherwise, you could be liable for charges on your joint account.