How to Add an Authorized User to a Credit Card

Adding an authorized user to a credit card account extends credit access to another individual, allowing them to make purchases linked to your existing account. This arrangement can help a family member establish credit history or manage household expenses. Understanding the financial and credit implications for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user is important.

Defining Authorized Users

An authorized user receives permission to make purchases on a credit card account but is not legally responsible for the debt incurred. The primary cardholder remains solely liable for all charges and timely payments. This distinction sets an authorized user apart from a joint account holder, where both individuals share equal legal responsibility for the account’s balance. Joint accounts are also less common and often require both parties to undergo a credit check, unlike adding an authorized user.

Becoming an authorized user can significantly impact credit scores for both parties involved. For the authorized user, the account’s activity, including payment history and credit utilization, often appears on their credit report. If the primary cardholder manages the account responsibly with on-time payments and low balances, this can help the authorized user build or improve their credit history. Conversely, late payments or high credit utilization by the primary cardholder can negatively affect the authorized user’s credit score, even though the authorized user is not financially obligated to pay the bill.

Primary cardholders also experience effects on their credit. All authorized user spending is reflected on the primary cardholder’s account, influencing their credit utilization ratio and payment history. The primary cardholder’s score can be negatively impacted if authorized users lead to overspending or missed payments. While the primary cardholder’s credit score is not directly impacted by merely adding an authorized user, the subsequent account management directly affects it.

The minimum age to be an authorized user varies by credit card issuer. Some issuers allow individuals as young as 13, while others may require ages 15 or 16. Some card companies do not specify a minimum age, leaving it to the primary cardholder’s discretion.

Gathering Authorized User Information

Before initiating the addition of an authorized user, the primary cardholder must collect specific personal details about that individual. Typically, this information includes their full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Some credit card issuers may also request a Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for identity verification and to facilitate reporting account activity to credit bureaus. A phone number and the authorized user’s relationship to the primary cardholder might also be requested.

This collection of data is necessary for the credit card issuer to properly identify the individual and, if applicable, to report the account’s payment history to the major credit reporting agencies. Accurate information ensures the authorized user’s credit file is correctly updated, potentially aiding their credit-building efforts. Providing incorrect details could lead to delays in processing or inaccuracies in credit reporting.

Primary cardholders can obtain forms or access online portals to add an authorized user. Common methods include logging into the credit card issuer’s website or mobile application, or calling customer service. Some issuers may also provide physical forms via mail. Input all gathered information carefully, double-checking for errors before proceeding.

Adding an Authorized User

After gathering the authorized user’s information, submit these details to the credit card issuer. Most issuers offer convenient digital and phone-based solutions.

For those preferring an online approach, the primary cardholder can usually navigate to the “add authorized user” section within their credit card account portal or mobile application. After entering the authorized user’s details into the designated fields, a review page typically appears, allowing for a final check of the information. Upon confirmation, submitting the request often generates an immediate on-screen message acknowledging receipt, along with an estimated processing time.

Alternatively, adding an authorized user can often be completed over the phone by contacting the credit card issuer’s customer service. The primary cardholder should have all the authorized user’s information readily available to provide to the representative. During the call, the representative will typically verify the primary cardholder’s identity before asking for the authorized user’s details and confirming the addition.

Submission via mail might be an option for some card products, especially if a physical form was provided. If mailing, ensure all sections are filled out and necessary signatures are present before sending it to the issuer’s specified address. After submission, expect confirmation via email, mail, or online notification within a few business days.

Managing Authorized User Access

After an authorized user has been successfully added to a credit card account, the physical card for the authorized user typically arrives via mail, often separately from the primary cardholder’s existing cards. This new card will usually bear the authorized user’s name and may require activation before use. The primary cardholder can generally expect the card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the request has been processed.

The primary cardholder retains full control and oversight of the account and all activity, including transactions made by authorized users. Most credit card issuers provide tools through their online portals or mobile applications to monitor spending. This allows the primary cardholder to view transaction histories, set up real-time purchase alerts, and review monthly statements to track authorized user activity. While some issuers, like American Express and Capital One, itemize transactions by user, others may not provide this level of detail, making it harder to discern individual spending patterns.

Some credit card companies offer the ability to set specific spending limits for authorized users, providing an additional layer of control. This feature can be particularly useful for managing budgets or for helping younger users learn responsible spending habits. If this option is available, it can usually be configured through the online account management dashboard or by contacting customer service. Even if formal limits cannot be set, open communication between the primary cardholder and the authorized user about spending expectations and financial guidelines is important.

Should the need arise, removing an authorized user from an account is a straightforward process. The primary cardholder can typically initiate removal through their online account, via the mobile app, or by calling the credit card issuer’s customer service. Upon removal, the authorized user’s card will be deactivated and can no longer be used. While the primary cardholder’s credit score is not directly affected by the act of removal, the authorized user’s credit history may be impacted, especially if the account was their oldest or significantly contributed to their credit utilization ratio.