How to Remove an Authorized User From a Credit Card

An authorized user on a credit card is an individual granted permission by the primary cardholder to make purchases using a card linked to the main account. The primary account holder retains full legal responsibility for all charges and payments. Primary cardholders often add authorized users to help them build a credit history, especially for family members, or to manage household expenses. This article guides you through removing an authorized user from your credit card account.

Information Needed for Removal

Before contacting your credit card issuer to remove an authorized user, gathering specific information is important for a smooth process. You will need your full name as the primary cardholder, your credit card account number, and identifying details such as your Social Security Number and date of birth.

It is also necessary to have the authorized user’s full name exactly as it appears on file with the credit card company. If the authorized user was issued a physical card, having the last four digits of that specific card number can further assist in identification. This information helps the issuer accurately locate the correct authorized user and verify your identity as the primary cardholder.

Initiating the Removal Process

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can proceed with initiating the removal of an authorized user. The most common and often quickest method is to call the customer service number located on the back of your credit card. When you call, you will typically navigate through automated menus before speaking to a representative, to whom you will state your request to remove an authorized user.

Many major credit card issuers also offer the convenience of managing authorized users through their online account portals or mobile applications. This usually involves logging into your account, finding a section for account services or managing authorized users, and following the prompts to remove the individual. For instance, some banks allow removal through secure messaging within their online platform.

While less common, some credit card issuers may accept a written request for authorized user removal. If this method is preferred or required, you should include all relevant account information and a clear statement of your request in the letter. It is advisable to send such requests via certified mail to ensure receipt and create a record. Regardless of the method chosen, the change typically takes effect immediately upon processing, deactivating the authorized user’s card.

Understanding the Aftermath of Removal

After an authorized user is removed from a credit card account, several direct implications arise for both parties involved. For the authorized user, their ability to make purchases with the credit card immediately ceases. The account may or may not immediately disappear from their credit report, as credit bureaus typically take between 30 to 60 days to update their records.

The impact on the authorized user’s credit history can vary; if the account had a long history of on-time payments and low credit utilization, its removal could potentially lead to a temporary dip in their credit score due to a shorter average age of accounts or a higher credit utilization ratio on their remaining active accounts. Conversely, if the primary account had a history of late payments or high balances, removing the authorized user might improve their credit score by eliminating that negative reporting.

For the primary cardholder, responsibility for any outstanding balance incurred by the authorized user prior to removal remains solely with them. The primary cardholder’s credit score is not directly affected by the authorized user’s credit behavior after removal, but the account’s overall payment history and utilization still belong to the primary cardholder. It is important for the primary cardholder to physically destroy any credit cards issued to the authorized user to prevent unauthorized use.