How Long Does It Take for an Authorized User to Be Removed From a Credit Report?
Learn how long it takes for an authorized user to be removed from a credit report, factors that may affect timing, and how to ensure the update is reflected.
Being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can help build credit, but there may come a time when removal is necessary. Whether due to financial disagreements or personal reasons, removing an authorized user from a credit report isn’t always instant. Understanding how long it takes for the change to reflect on a credit report is important for managing credit scores and future applications.
Requesting Removal from the Card Account
The process begins with the primary cardholder contacting the credit card issuer, which can typically be done over the phone, online, or in person. The primary account holder must verify their identity and provide the authorized user’s details. Some issuers may require written confirmation, while others process the request immediately.
Once submitted, the credit card company updates its records. The authorized user loses access to the account, and any future transactions they attempt will be declined. However, past account activity, including payment history and credit utilization, may still appear on the authorized user’s credit report until the credit bureaus process the update.
In some cases, the authorized user can request removal directly from the issuer. Not all banks allow this, but some will process the request if the authorized user provides sufficient identification. If direct removal isn’t an option, the authorized user may need to dispute the account with the credit bureaus.
Timeframe for Credit Bureau Updates
Once the credit card issuer processes the removal, the update must be reported to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Most financial institutions report updates monthly, so the change may not appear on the credit report immediately.
While most issuers report updates within 30 days, some may take longer. Each credit bureau updates its records at different times, meaning the removal may appear on one report before the others. After receiving the update, the credit bureau typically processes it within a few days, though it can take up to a week. During this time, the account may still appear on the authorized user’s report.
Potential Delays and Common Issues
Several factors can slow the removal process. One common issue is when the credit card issuer does not report the removal promptly. While lenders usually update account information monthly, delays can occur. If the change isn’t reflected within a reasonable timeframe, the former authorized user may need to follow up with both the issuer and the credit bureaus.
Errors in personal information can also cause delays. If the authorized user’s details—such as name, Social Security number, or date of birth—were recorded incorrectly when they were added to the account, the credit bureau may have trouble matching the removal request to the correct file. In such cases, the individual may need to provide additional documentation to verify their identity.
Some credit bureaus may continue to display the account even after removal due to how they handle historical data. While the account should eventually disappear from the authorized user’s active credit report, past payment history may still be factored into credit scoring models. If the account had a strong payment history, this could be beneficial. However, if it had high utilization or missed payments, the authorized user may need to dispute lingering negative effects.
Checking Your Credit Report After Removal
After removal, reviewing credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion ensures the change has been properly recorded. Since each bureau updates at different times, one report may reflect the removal while another still lists the account. Checking reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, which offers free weekly access, helps track progress.
Beyond confirming the removal, examining overall credit health is important. If the authorized user’s credit score drops after losing the account, they may have been benefiting from the primary cardholder’s positive payment history or low credit utilization. Maintaining other strong credit accounts or opening new lines of credit can help offset the impact.
If an account remains listed despite the removal request being processed, filing a dispute with the credit bureau can prompt a correction. Providing documentation, such as a letter from the issuer confirming the removal, can speed up the process.