Which Credit Cards Report Authorized Users Under 18?

Credit cards can help establish a financial history. Many add younger family members as authorized users to begin this process. An authorized user accesses a primary cardholder’s account, often with their own card, to make purchases. The primary cardholder retains full responsibility for all charges and payments. Understanding issuer policies and credit reporting mechanics is important when considering this step for a minor.

How Authorized User Reporting Works

When a primary cardholder adds an authorized user, the account’s activity may be reported to the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This reporting includes payment history, credit limit, and utilization. Reporting is at the issuer’s discretion; not all issuers transmit this information. For the account to appear on an authorized user’s credit report, the issuer must specifically transmit it.

The primary cardholder’s Social Security Number (SSN) is always associated with the account. Providing the authorized user’s SSN helps credit bureaus link the account to their credit file. Without an SSN, some issuers may still report activity, but it can be less consistent or may not build credit history. If reported, the account appears on the authorized user’s credit reports within 30 to 45 days.

Credit Card Issuer Policies for Under-18 Authorized Users

Credit card issuers have varying policies on minimum age for authorized users and reporting activity for minors. While individuals must be 18 to open their own credit card, many issuers allow much younger authorized users. Some issuers have no specified minimum age, while others set it at 13 or 15 years old.

Issuer policies vary widely:
American Express: Allows authorized users as young as 13, but typically reports credit activity only after they turn 18.
Discover: Requires authorized users to be at least 15 and reports their activity to credit bureaus.
Capital One: Reports authorized user activity, but minimum age for reporting for minors can vary.
Wells Fargo: Requires authorized users to be 18 for reporting to credit bureaus.
Chase: Allows authorized users but does not report the credit history of minor authorized users.
Bank of America: Does not specify a minimum age and reports authorized user activity.
Citi and U.S. Bank: Have minimum age requirements of no minimum or 13, respectively, and report.

Always confirm with the specific issuer about their exact age and reporting policies for minors.

Steps to Add an Under-18 Authorized User

Adding an under-18 authorized user involves a straightforward process initiated by the primary cardholder. Most credit card companies allow this through their online banking portal or by contacting customer service. The primary cardholder provides specific personal details for the minor.

Required information includes the authorized user’s full name, date of birth, and address. Providing the minor’s Social Security Number (SSN) is often requested and important for reporting account activity to credit bureaus. A physical credit card with the authorized user’s name may be issued and mailed to the primary cardholder. The primary cardholder decides whether to give the card to the minor or retain it for credit-building without allowing spending.

Impact on a Minor’s Credit Profile

When reported by the issuer, being an authorized user can affect a minor’s credit profile. The account’s payment history, credit limit, and utilization are reflected on the authorized user’s credit report. Consistent on-time payments and low credit utilization by the primary cardholder positively influence the minor’s nascent credit history. This enables a minor to build credit years before they can independently apply for their own credit products.

However, the impact is directly tied to the primary account’s management. If the primary cardholder makes late payments, carries high balances, or experiences other negative account activity, this can negatively affect the authorized user’s credit report. Some credit bureaus may reflect the full account history, potentially providing the minor with a longer credit age than their actual age. Therefore, the primary cardholder’s responsible financial behavior is important for a beneficial outcome for the minor’s credit profile.