Your authorized user card stops working when the primary cardholder closes the account
When the primary account holder closes an American Express card, any authorized user cards linked to that account are closed at the same time. You will not be able to use the card for new purchases, and any pending transactions may be declined. American Express typically notifies authorized users by mail, though the timing varies.
The closure happens automatically — you do not need to take action to close your authorized user card separately. However, what happens to your credit report and what options you have depend on a few specific factors about how the account was managed and what you want to do next.
Key Takeaways
- Authorized user cards close automatically when the primary cardholder closes the account; you cannot keep the card open on your own.
- The account closure will appear on your credit report as a closed account, which may lower your credit score temporarily if the account had a long history or low balance.
- You should contact American Express directly to confirm the closure date and check your credit report afterward to make sure the account is reported correctly.
- If you want to keep a card open, you can ask the primary cardholder to remove you as an authorized user before they close the account, then open your own card.
How the closure appears on your credit report
When an authorized user account closes, American Express reports it to the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) as a closed account. The account will remain on your credit report for seven years from the closure date, even though you can no longer use the card.
A closed account can affect your credit score in two ways. First, if the account had a long history or a low balance relative to its credit limit, losing it may raise your overall credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you are using across all your cards. Second, the closure itself may cause a small temporary dip in your score, though this usually recovers within a few months.
The impact is usually smaller for authorized users than for the primary cardholder, because authorized users typically have less history tied to the account. If you have other cards with longer histories, the effect on your score is often minimal.
Checking your credit report after closure
After the account closes, you should check your credit report to confirm that American Express reported the closure correctly. You can view your credit reports for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus.
Look for the closed American Express account and verify that the balance shows as zero and the status shows as "closed by consumer" or "closed by creditor." If the account is reported incorrectly — for example, if it shows a balance you do not owe or a status that is not accurate — contact the credit bureau in writing to dispute the error.
You can also use free credit monitoring services like Credit Karma or Experian's free credit report to track changes to your report over time. These services send alerts when new accounts are added or accounts are closed.
Removing yourself as an authorized user before closure
If you want to keep a card open and the primary cardholder is planning to close the account, ask them to remove you as an authorized user first. Once you are removed, the authorized user card will close, but you can then open your own American Express card or another card in your name.
To remove an authorized user, the primary cardholder calls American Express at the number on the back of their card and requests the removal. The process takes a few minutes, and the authorized user card stops working when ready. The removal will also appear on your credit report, but it has less impact than an account closure because it does not affect the primary account itself.
This option works best if you have built credit history through the authorized user account and want to maintain that history. Once removed, you can open your own card and keep both accounts active on your credit report.
What to do if you still owe a balance
If there is an outstanding balance on the primary account when it closes, you are still responsible for paying it if you are a joint account holder or if you made charges that you agreed to pay. However, if you are only an authorized user and did not agree to be liable for the debt, you are generally not responsible for paying the balance.
The primary cardholder must pay any remaining balance. American Express will contact them about the debt, and if it goes unpaid, it will appear on their credit report as a charge-off or collection account — not on yours, unless you are a joint account holder.
If you are unsure whether you are liable for the balance, contact American Express directly and ask. They can tell you based on how the account is set up and what your role is on the account.
Contacting American Express about the closure
Call American Express at the number on the back of your card or visit americanexpress.com to confirm the closure date and ask any questions about what happens next. Have your card number ready when you call.
Ask American Express specifically: when the account will be reported as closed to the credit bureaus, whether any pending transactions will be declined, and what to do if you have recurring charges set up on the card. If you have autopay set up for bills, you will need to update those accounts with a new payment method before the card stops working.
Keep a record of the closure date and the name of the representative you spoke with. This information is useful if you need to dispute something on your credit report later.
Setting up a new card if you need one
If you need a card after the authorized user account closes, you have two main options: open your own American Express card, or explore for a card from another issuer.
Your credit score may be slightly lower when ready after the closure, so you might want to wait a month or two before opening a new card if your score is borderline. Each new card process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. However, if you need a card right away, the impact is usually small and recovers within a few months.
When you open your own card, you build credit history in your name. This is different from being an authorized user, where the account history belongs to the primary cardholder. Having your own card gives you more control and ensures the account stays open even if the primary cardholder closes theirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask American Express to keep my authorized user card open after the primary account closes?
No. Authorized user cards are linked to the primary account and close automatically when that account closes. You cannot keep an authorized user card open independently. Your only option is to open your own card in your name.
Will the closure hurt my credit score?
It may cause a small temporary dip, especially if the account had a long history or a low balance. The impact is usually minor and recovers within a few months. If you have other cards with longer histories, the effect is often barely noticeable.
How long does it take for the closure to show up on my credit report?
American Express typically reports account closures to the credit bureaus within 30 to 60 days. You can check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com to see when it appears. The account will remain on your report for seven years even after it closes.
What if I have recurring charges on the authorized user card?
Any recurring charges set up on the card will be declined once the card closes. You need to update those accounts with a new payment method before the closure takes effect. Contact the companies where you have recurring charges and give them a new card number or payment method.
Am I responsible for paying the balance if the primary cardholder does not?
Only if you are a joint account holder or agreed in writing to be liable for the debt. If you are only an authorized user, you are generally not responsible for the balance. Contact American Express to confirm your status on the account if you are unsure.