Can I Add My 16-Year-Old as an Authorized User?

An authorized user is an individual permitted to use another person’s credit card account. They receive a card, typically bearing their name, linked to the primary cardholder’s account. While the authorized user can make purchases, the primary cardholder retains sole financial responsibility for the account.

Conditions for Adding a 16-Year-Old Authorized User

Credit card issuers establish specific requirements for adding an authorized user, and these policies vary by institution. Many allow minors, with some setting minimum age limits as low as 13 years old. Other issuers might require the authorized user to be 15, 16, or even 18 years old. Some companies do not specify a minimum age, leaving the decision to the primary cardholder.

To add a 16-year-old, the primary cardholder must be in good standing with the issuer. Required information for the authorized user includes their full legal name and date of birth. While a Social Security Number (SSN) may be requested by some issuers, it is not required for minors, as authorized users do not undergo a credit check. Review the credit card’s terms or contact customer service to confirm specific policies and documentation.

Steps to Add an Authorized User

Adding a 16-year-old as an authorized user typically involves a straightforward process once eligibility is confirmed. Most credit card issuers offer several convenient methods for primary cardholders to submit this request.

A common approach is through the online banking portal. Primary cardholders can log in, navigate to their credit card account, and find an option like “Add an additional cardholder as an Authorized User” or “Manage authorized users.”

Alternatively, cardholders can contact customer service directly by phone, often using the number provided on the back of their credit card. Some issuers may also have physical forms that need to be completed and mailed. After the request is submitted, the issuer processes the information and issues a new credit card bearing the authorized user’s name. This card is typically sent to the primary cardholder’s address, with delivery ranging from a few business days to approximately two weeks.

Impact on Credit Profiles

Adding a 16-year-old as an authorized user can influence both the primary cardholder’s and the authorized user’s credit profiles. When an issuer reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus, the account’s payment history and credit utilization may appear on both individuals’ credit reports. For the 16-year-old, this can establish a credit history, which is not possible through independent credit card applications before age 18. On-time payments and low credit utilization on the primary account can positively affect the authorized user’s emerging credit score.

Conversely, late payments or high credit utilization on the primary account can also be reported, potentially impacting both the primary cardholder’s and the authorized user’s credit scores. The impact depends on factors like the account’s age and the primary cardholder’s overall credit habits. While authorized user status offers a credit-building opportunity, the primary cardholder’s credit score is affected by the management of the shared account, not by the authorized user’s independent credit history.

Understanding Financial Liability

The primary cardholder retains sole legal and financial responsibility for all charges made on the account, including those incurred by the authorized user. This means the primary cardholder is obligated to pay the entire credit card bill, regardless of who made the purchases. The authorized user is typically not legally liable for the debt, and creditors cannot pursue them for unpaid balances.

To manage this arrangement, primary cardholders can implement practical measures, such as setting spending limits for the authorized user if the issuer’s system permits it. The primary cardholder can remove an authorized user from the account, which is generally a simple process involving a call to the credit card company or an online request. In scenarios involving disputes or unauthorized charges made by the authorized user, the primary cardholder remains responsible for addressing these with the issuer.