cosigner

American  

[koh-sahy-ner, koh-sahy-] / ˈkoʊˌsaɪ nər, koʊˈsaɪ- /

Or co-signer

noun

1. a cosignatory.

2. Finance. a joint signer of a negotiable instrument, especially a promissory note, who promises to repay the loan amount if the primary borrower cannot.

3. Finance, Banking. an additional signer on a checking or savings account who acts as a guarantor jointly responsible for overdraft and other fees, but who cannot deposit or withdraw money from the account.

---

Usage

What does cosigner mean in loans? A cosigner is an individual who signs a loan along with a primary borrower, promising to repay the loan amount if the primary borrower cannot. The addition of a creditworthy cosigner can normally help a borrower with limited or poor credit history to obtain a loan. Cosigner can also refer to an additional signer on a checking or savings account who can deposit and withdraw funds and who is usually jointly responsible with other signers on the bank account for any overdraft and other fees. The term is often spelled co-signer.

Etymology

Origin of cosigner

First recorded in 1900–05; co- + signer

Example Sentences

The lawyer was fined $17,200, has been barred from filing with the court without a cosigner, and had the case referred to the state bar association for possible disciplinary action.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: See our guide to the best personal loans with a cosigner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The time has come to prevent your brother, as executor, from becoming a cosigner or, worse, a co-owner on her accounts.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 30, 2025

You can also ask for a cosigner if the prospective renter has a new credit history or if they work in an unstable profession.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2025

If a lender makes a mistake and allows a cosigner with mediocre credit to join you on your loan, there’s always the possibility that your cosigner may end up having financial trouble.

From Encyclopedia.com • Jun. 26, 2018