CUNA and NAFCU had both expressed their support for the change to Reg Z in the 2009 Card Act, which until now generally allowed only the applicant's own income or assets to be considered when applying for a new card or increased credit limit.

“Information received from industry participants suggests that otherwise credit-worthy individuals have been declined for credit card accounts under the current regulation, even though they have the ability to manage the debt,” the CFPB said.

“The data suggests that a significant number of these individuals may be stay-at-home spouses or partners with access to income from an employed spouse or partner,” the bureau said, adding that it considered more than 300 comments that were submitted after the final rule was proposed.

The CFPB said census data indicates that over 16 million married people – or about one of out of every three married couples – may now have easier access to credit cards.

“Today's final rule is an example of the bureau's commitment to working with consumers and financial institutions in order to ensure responsible access to credit for American families,” Cordray said.

The final rule is available online.