How to Add an Authorized User to a Credit Card

Adding an authorized user to a credit card account can offer convenience and financial flexibility. An authorized user is an individual granted permission to make purchases using the primary cardholder’s account. This arrangement allows the authorized user to receive their own card, which is linked to the main account. While the authorized user can incur charges, the primary cardholder retains full legal responsibility for all transactions, including repayment of the entire balance.

Information Needed

Before initiating the process of adding an authorized user, the primary cardholder must collect specific personal details about the individual. Most credit card issuers require the authorized user’s full legal name, their date of birth, and their current address. Obtaining the authorized user’s Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is also commonly required. This information is necessary for identity verification and accurate reporting to credit bureaus.

Credit card issuers also impose eligibility requirements, with age being a common factor. While the minimum age to open a credit card account independently is generally 18, authorized users can often be much younger. Many issuers set a minimum age for authorized users between 13 and 16 years old, though some may not specify a minimum age at all. Understanding these requirements helps streamline the addition process.

Submitting the Request

Once all the required information for the prospective authorized user has been gathered, the primary cardholder can proceed with submitting the request. Credit card issuers provide several methods for this process. Many cardholders can add an authorized user directly through their online banking portal or mobile application by navigating to sections like “Account Services” or “Manage Users.” This digital approach involves filling out an online form with the required details and confirming submission.

Alternatively, primary cardholders can contact their credit card issuer’s customer service department by phone. The phone number is located on the back of the credit card. During the call, a representative will guide the cardholder through the necessary steps and collect the authorized user’s information verbally. After the request is submitted, the new authorized user card is sent to the primary cardholder’s address within business days.

Managing the Account

After an authorized user has been successfully added to a credit card account, the primary cardholder maintains full financial responsibility for all charges made. This means any purchases made by the authorized user, along with the primary cardholder’s own spending, contribute to the total balance due. Regularly monitoring the account is important to stay aware of all transactions. Primary cardholders can track spending through online statements, mobile banking apps, or by setting up transaction alerts.

Some credit card issuers allow primary cardholders to set specific spending limits for authorized users, which can help manage expenditures. While this feature is more common with business credit cards, certain personal cards, such as those from American Express or Capital One, may also offer this capability. If a formal spending limit cannot be set, the primary cardholder may have the option to lock or unlock an authorized user’s card as needed. Should the need arise, removing an authorized user is a straightforward process by contacting the issuer online or by phone.

The activity on the credit card account, including payments and balances, is reported to the major credit bureaus for both the primary cardholder and the authorized user. This reporting can positively impact the authorized user’s credit history if the account is managed responsibly with on-time payments and low credit utilization. However, negative activity, such as missed payments or high balances, can also affect both parties’ credit scores.