How to Add Someone to Your Credit Card

Adding another individual to an existing credit card account allows them to make purchases using the primary cardholder’s credit line, often without needing to apply for their own credit product. Understanding the ways individuals can be associated with a credit card is important before proceeding.

Understanding How Someone Can Be Added

Two designations exist when adding someone to a credit card account: an authorized user and a joint account holder. An authorized user is granted permission by the primary cardholder to use the credit card account, receiving their own card linked to the main account. This individual can make purchases, but they are not legally responsible for the debt incurred on the account.

In contrast, a joint account holder shares equal legal and financial responsibility for the credit card debt with the other account holder. Becoming a joint account holder involves a new credit application where both individuals’ creditworthiness is assessed. This arrangement means both parties are fully liable for all charges, and negative account activity will reflect on both individuals’ credit reports. Given that adding an authorized user is generally simpler and more common for existing accounts, this article will focus on that process.

Preparing to Add an Authorized User

Before adding an authorized user, the primary cardholder should gather personal details. This information includes their full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Some credit card issuers may also request the authorized user’s Social Security number, especially if they report activity to credit bureaus.

Primary cardholders should also review the credit card issuer’s policies regarding authorized users. Check for age requirements, as some issuers may require authorized users to be at least 13 or 16 years old. Inquire about the maximum number of authorized users permitted on an account and any associated fees for adding them. Consider whether the issuer allows for setting spending limits for authorized users, which can provide an additional layer of financial control.

Steps to Add an Authorized User

After gathering information and understanding issuer policies, the process of adding an authorized user can be initiated through several methods. Many credit card issuers allow primary cardholders to add authorized users directly through their online banking portal. This involves navigating to the account management section to find options like “Add Authorized User” or “Manage Account Users.”

Alternatively, primary cardholders can add an authorized user by contacting the credit card issuer’s customer service by phone. During the call, the representative will guide the primary cardholder through the information and confirm the addition. Some issuers also provide the option to submit a request by mail. Once the authorized user is added, a new card bearing their name is mailed to the primary cardholder’s address within 7 to 10 business days.

Implications for All Parties

Adding an authorized user carries implications for both the primary cardholder and the individual. The primary cardholder retains legal responsibility for all charges made on the account, regardless of who incurred them. This means that if an authorized user makes purchases and those charges are not paid, the primary cardholder’s credit score will be negatively impacted, not the authorized user’s.

For the authorized user, being added to an account with a positive payment history can help build or improve their credit score. Many credit card issuers report authorized user activity to credit bureaus, which can contribute to the authorized user’s credit history. However, if the primary account experiences late payments or high credit utilization, this negative activity could also reflect on the authorized user’s credit report. The primary cardholder maintains the authority to remove an authorized user from the account at any time, by contacting the issuer or through their online account portal.