INFONAVIT Spousal Credit: How Married Couples Combine

When two people who both contribute to INFONAVIT decide to buy a home together, pooling their resources can make the difference between a modest place and the home they truly want. The INFONAVIT spousal credit (crédito conyugal) is exactly that: a program designed so a married couple can combine what each of them has built up within the Institute. In this guide, updated with the information in effect for 2025-2026, we explain how both spouses' points and balances are added together, how it differs from other programs such as Unamos Crédito, what requirements it has, what its advantages are, and what happens if the relationship ends in divorce.

What Is the INFONAVIT Spousal Credit?

The spousal credit is the option offered by the Instituto del Fondo Nacional de la Vivienda para los Trabajadores (the national workers' housing fund) so that two spouses who are both eligible members (derechohabientes) can combine their individual credits and purchase a single property. Instead of each one buying separately, or only one using their credit, both contribute their purchasing power toward the same goal.

The logic is simple: by adding together two credits and the savings in both Housing Subaccounts (Subcuentas de Vivienda), the total amount available tends to be considerably higher than that of a single credit. This widens the range of homes the couple can aim for, in terms of location as well as size or features.

How Both Spouses' Points and Balances Are Combined

The big advantage of buying as a couple lies in the combination. To be able to join their credits, each spouse must individually reach the minimum number of points the Institute requires (around 1,080 points has been used as a reference, a figure you should verify on the official portal when you start your application). In other words, points are not averaged: each person must qualify on their own.

Once both qualify, what gets combined is mainly:

• The individual credit amounts: the amount each spouse is entitled to is added together to form a larger total amount.
• The balances in the Housing Subaccounts: both spouses' accumulated savings can be added together, which usually reduces the need for a down payment.
• The combined repayment capacity: by taking both incomes into account, the arrangement looks stronger to the Institute.

If you don't yet know how many points each of you has, first check our guide on how many INFONAVIT points you need to confirm that both of you already reach the minimum.

Difference Between the Spousal Credit and Unamos Crédito

It's common to confuse the spousal credit with Unamos Crédito, and that's no coincidence: they are closely related. In practical terms, the spousal credit is the traditional way of referring to the joining of credits between spouses, while Unamos Crédito is the broader program under which the Institute has grouped the possibility of combining credits, including not only spouses but also, in specific arrangements, common-law partners (concubinos) and even family members.

Put another way: the spousal credit can be understood as a variant or predecessor within the universe of combined credits that is now usually presented as Unamos Crédito. The terminology has evolved, so when you start your application it's important to confirm with the Institute under what name and arrangement the current option for married couples is offered.

Requirements for the Spousal Credit

Since each spouse uses their own credit, both must individually meet the conditions the Institute requires. In general terms, these are the requirements that usually apply:

• Both must have a current employment relationship and be making contributions to the IMSS (Mexico's social security institute).
• Each must reach the required minimum number of points on their own.
• Prove the marriage with the corresponding documentation (marriage certificate, or acta de matrimonio).
• Neither may have an active INFONAVIT credit at the time of application.
• Have a correct and up-to-date NSS (social security number), CURP and official IDs.

For the full details of the documents and conditions that apply to any Institute credit, see our guide to INFONAVIT requirements for buying a home. Keep in mind that the criteria can be updated, so it's best to confirm them on the official portal.

Advantages of Buying as a Couple with INFONAVIT

With a larger amount in hand, it's a good time to explore the market. You can start to search for properties based on your joint budget and estimate how much the home you're interested in is worth with our value calculator.

What Happens in Case of Divorce?

This is one of the most important questions and, honestly, one of the reasons it pays to get well informed before signing. When a couple buys a home with a spousal credit, both usually end up as co-owners and as parties responsible for the credit. If a divorce happens later, the debt and the property don't disappear: they continue to exist and must be resolved.

In practice, the most common outcomes usually include one of these routes, depending on the agreement between the parties and on what the relevant authority rules:

• One of the ex-spouses takes on the entire credit and keeps the home, if the Institute authorizes it.
• The property is sold and, with the proceeds, the credit is paid off and any remainder is divided.
• An agreement is established, within the legal divorce proceedings, that defines payment obligations and ownership.

Since every case is different and depends both on the Institute's current rules and on the court's ruling, the most prudent course is to get legal advice and confirm directly with INFONAVIT the options available in your particular situation. Don't take any outcome for granted: there is no single formula here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both spouses need enough points?

Yes. Each one must reach the Institute's minimum number of points on their own. Points are not averaged or added together to reach the minimum; both must qualify individually.

Is the spousal credit the same as Unamos Crédito?

They are closely related. The spousal credit is the traditional way of joining credits between spouses, while Unamos Crédito is the broader program that groups together the combining of credits, including other profiles. Confirm the current arrangement with the Institute.

Do both become owners of the home?

Generally yes. When using a combined credit, both spouses usually appear as holders of the credit and as co-owners of the home, although you should verify the details when finalizing the transaction.