Can You Add an Authorized User to a Credit Card?

Adding an authorized user to a credit card allows a primary cardholder to extend credit access to another individual. This practice can help a family member establish or improve their credit history or manage household expenses. An authorized user receives a card linked to the primary account and can make purchases, though the primary cardholder remains legally responsible for the debt. This process involves specific steps and considerations.

Gathering Information for an Authorized User

Before adding an authorized user, the primary cardholder must collect specific personal details about the individual. This typically includes their full legal name, date of birth, and address. Many credit card issuers may also request the authorized user’s Social Security Number (SSN), although some issuers do not require it. Some banks state an SSN is needed for online access or to get started.

It is important to check with the specific credit card issuer for their unique requirements, as these can vary. Issuers often have minimum age requirements for authorized users, with some setting the age as low as 13 years old, while others may have no specific minimum age. If any specific forms are needed, they can usually be found on the issuer’s website or by contacting customer service.

Steps to Add an Authorized User

Once all necessary information has been gathered, the primary cardholder can proceed with adding the authorized user. The most common method involves logging into the credit card issuer’s online portal or mobile application. Within the account management section, there is an option to “add authorized user” or “manage users.” The primary cardholder will then input the collected details, such as the authorized user’s name and date of birth.

Alternatively, authorized users can be added by calling the credit card issuer’s customer service. The primary cardholder will need to provide the same personal information for the authorized user to the representative. Some issuers also allow requests via mail, where a completed form or letter with the authorized user’s details is sent. After submission, a confirmation is provided, and the new authorized user card is sent to the primary cardholder’s address on file within a few business days.

Understanding the Impact of Authorized Users

The primary cardholder bears sole responsibility for all charges made by an authorized user and for ensuring timely payments to the credit card account. Any purchases made by the authorized user, along with the primary cardholder’s own spending, contribute to the total balance the primary cardholder is legally obligated to repay. Authorized users have no legal duty to pay for charges.

Account activity, including payment history and credit utilization, is generally reported to the credit bureaus for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user. This reporting can positively or negatively impact both parties’ credit scores, depending on how responsibly the account is managed. While authorized users can make purchases, they typically have limited access to account details; they usually cannot access statements, change account information, request credit limit increases, or add other authorized users. Some card issuers offer the primary cardholder the ability to set spending limits for authorized users.