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Key takeaways
An authorized user is someone a primary cardholder adds to their credit card account. This user can make purchases but isn't responsible for payments.
Your credit score can benefit from the primary cardholder's positive payment history, but can also be hurt if they miss payments or max out the card.
You'll typically get a card with your name on it and can make purchases, but the primary cardholder controls the account and all payments.
You can remove yourself as an authorized user at any time by contacting the credit card issuer.
If you're struggling to build credit or get approved for your own card, becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can give you a head start. This strategy lets you benefit from their credit history without applying for your own card. Before you jump in, you'll want to understand how it works, the potential risks, and what responsibilities you're taking on.
What is an authorized user for credit cards?
An authorized user on a credit card is someone who's been added to another person's account and can make purchases using that line of credit. The account owner, or primary cardholder, is responsible for all payments, regardless of who made the purchase.
When you become an authorized user, you'll receive your own card connected to the primary cardholder's line of credit. You can piggyback off their credit card activity without applying for your own card or undergoing a credit check.
How being an authorized user works
Once you're added as an authorized user, the card issuer will send you a physical card with your name on it. Here's what you need to know about how being an authorized user works:
You can make purchases: Use the card anywhere the issuer is accepted, just like the primary cardholder would.
You can't make account changes: Only the primary cardholder can request a credit limit increase, add users, or modify account settings.
You're not responsible for payments: The primary cardholder is legally obligated to pay off all balances, regardless of who made the purchases.
Who can be an authorized user?
Almost anyone can be an authorized user, including family members, friends, or partners. Some credit card issuers do have minimum age requirements. These typically range from 13 to 18 years old.
You generally don't need a credit check to become an authorized user. Some issuers may charge a fee for adding an authorized user, so check with your card company about its specific policies.
How does being an authorized user affect your credit score?
Becoming an authorized user on a credit card could be a relatively quick way to start building credit for those with poor credit or no credit history. It can also be a convenient way for families and members of the same household to simplify and co-manage finances.
Here's the good news: you don't even need to use the card to benefit from it. As long as the card issuer reports to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), your score could increase based on the primary cardholder's payment history and credit utilization.
Does being an authorized user affect your credit?
Being an authorized user on a credit card can affect your credit score positively if the primary cardholder practices good credit habits. If the primary cardholder falls behind on payments or maxes out the card, it can hurt both of your credit scores.
However, if your authorized user status doesn't show up on your credit reports, it won't help your score.
Can being an authorized user hurt your credit?
As long as the primary account holder is responsible, makes on-time payments, and has low credit utilization (the amount of their available credit they use), your score should see a boost. However, any negative account information can damage an authorized user's credit score.
If the primary cardholder falls behind on payments or maxes out the card, it can hurt both of your credit scores. Only become an authorized user on a credit card if you and the account holder are on the same page and committed to practicing healthy financial habits.
Will adding someone as an authorized user help their credit?
Does an authorized user build credit? It's possible and can be one of the main perks.
An authorized user's credit score can improve if the primary cardholder pays bills on time and uses the card responsibly.
Can being an authorized user hurt your credit?
It's essential that the primary account holder is responsible, makes on-time payments, and has a low credit utilization (the amount of the credit limit in use). Any negative account information can also damage an authorized user's credit score.
If the primary cardholder falls behind on payments or maxes out the card, it can hurt both of your credit scores. Only become an authorized user on a credit card if you and the account holder are on the same page and committed to practicing healthy financial habits.
What responsibilities does an authorized user have?
Before you get added to someone's card, you need to know exactly what you're signing up for. As an authorized user, you generally aren't legally responsible for paying the credit card bill – that falls on the primary cardholder.
However, you're being trusted with someone else's line of credit. Here's what that means for your responsibilities:
Respect spending boundaries: Agree on spending limits with the primary cardholder and stick to them.
Reimburse your purchases: Even though you're not legally liable, work out how you'll pay the primary cardholder back for what you spend.
Communicate openly: Keep the primary cardholder informed about your purchases to avoid surprises on their bill
Keep in mind that you can't make account changes, such as requesting a credit limit increase, disputing charges, or adding other users. Those decisions stay with the primary cardholder.
Pros and cons of being an authorized credit card user
Before agreeing to become an authorized user on a credit card, consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing so:
Pros
Cons
Improve your credit score through a history of on-time payments and responsible borrowing.
Potential to harm your credit score if the primary cardholder doesn't make on-time payments or maxes out the card.
Earn more credit card rewards if multiple people spend on the same credit card account.
Balances could add up quickly when more than one person has access to spending and making purchases.
Streamline household expenses.
May incur additional fees.
No need to pay off the card balance, as that responsibility falls on the primary cardholder.
You can't make changes to the account, like requesting a credit limit increase or adding other authorized users.
Establish credit, especially since many card issuers allow minors to be authorized users.
The primary cardholder can limit the amount of money an authorized user is allowed to spend.
How do I become an authorized user on a credit card?
Becoming an authorized user is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
Ask someone you trust: Reach out to a financially responsible friend or family member and ask them to add you to their account.
They contact their card issuer: The primary cardholder will need to contact their bank or card issuer to request that you be added. This can usually be done online, through their mobile app, or by phone.
Provide basic information: You'll need to share your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. There's usually no credit check required.
Confirm reporting status: Before moving forward, ask the primary cardholder to verify with their card issuer that authorized user activity gets reported to the credit bureaus. Not all issuers report this information.
Once approved, you'll receive a credit card in your name, connected to the primary cardholder's account.
How to remove yourself as an authorized user on an account
If you've built up your credit and no longer need the account, or if your relationship with the primary cardholder has changed, you can remove yourself as an authorized user by following these steps:
Contact the card issuer: Call the number on the back of the card, go online, or use the issuer's mobile app to request removal.
Follow up in writing: If you make the request by phone, send a letter referencing the call details and the last four digits of the account for confirmation.
Wait for approval: Depending on the issuer's policy, they may or may not approve your removal request.
Before removing yourself as an authorized user, remember:
The primary cardholder may need to approve the removal of the authorized user.
Once removed, you can no longer use the card or redeem rewards.
If this account is used for automatic payments, you'll need to update your account to avoid declines.
Your credit may take a hit if this account was your only source of credit history.
Your next steps for building credit as an authorized user
Becoming an authorized user is a fantastic stepping stone, but it's usually not the final destination. Use this opportunity to build a solid credit history while you practice good financial habits. Keep an eye on your credit score to see how it improves over time.
Once you've established a stronger credit profile, you'll be in a better position to apply for a credit card of your own. This is a major milestone that puts you fully in control of your financial future.
Does an authorized user get a card with their name on it?
Yes – in most cases, the credit card issuer will send a card in the authorized user's name. It will usually have the same account number as the primary cardholder's card.
Can being an authorized user hurt the primary cardholder's credit?
Yes, if the authorized user runs up a high balance that increases the credit utilization ratio, it could lower the primary cardholder's score.
How long does it take for authorized user status to show on my credit report?
It typically takes 30 to 45 days for the account to appear on your credit report.
Can an authorized user be removed without their permission?
Yes. The primary cardholder owns the account and can remove an authorized user at any time without the user's permission.
Do all credit card companies report authorized users to credit bureaus?
Most major issuers report authorized user activity, but not all do. Ask the primary cardholder to confirm with their issuer before you're added.
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