American Express will close an authorized user's card if that person is inactive, and you'll need to reapply if you want the card back
American Express removes authorized user cards from accounts that show no activity for a set period. The company doesn't publish the exact timeframe, but cardholders report closures after 12 to 24 months of no purchases on the authorized user card. When this happens, American Express sends a notice to the primary cardholder, and the card straightforward stops working. The authorized user loses access to that card number, but the primary account remains open.
This is different from American Express closing the entire account. Your main card and credit line stay active. Only the authorized user's card gets deactivated. If you want to restore access for that person, you can request a new authorized user card through your American Express account, and American Express will issue a fresh card with a new number.
Key Takeaways
- American Express closes authorized user cards after a period of inactivity, typically 12 to 24 months with no charges.
- The primary cardholder receives notice before or at the time of closure, but the main account is not affected.
- You can request a replacement authorized user card at any time by calling American Express or logging into your account online.
- The authorized user's credit report may show the closed card, which could have a small impact on their credit score if it was one of few open accounts.
- Using the authorized user card regularly — even for small purchases — prevents American Express from closing it.
Why American Express closes inactive authorized user cards
Credit card issuers close inactive accounts to reduce risk and manage costs. An unused card represents potential fraud exposure and ongoing account maintenance with no revenue from interest or fees. American Express applies this policy to authorized user cards the same way it does to primary accounts.
The inactivity threshold is not a penalty — it's a standard practice across the credit card industry. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover all close authorized user cards after extended periods of non-use. American Express does not charge a fee for authorized user cards, so the company has less incentive to keep a dormant card active. A single purchase every 12 to 24 months is usually enough to prevent closure.
What to do if your authorized user card was closed
Contact American Express directly to request a replacement authorized user card. You can call the number on the back of your primary card, log into your online account, or use the American Express mobile app. The primary cardholder must make the request — American Express will not issue a new card based on a call from the authorized user alone.
When you call, have your primary account number ready. American Express will confirm the authorized user's name and address, then mail a new card to that person. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The new card will have a different number than the old one, so the authorized user should update any recurring charges (subscriptions, autopay bills) to the new number once it arrives.
How a closed authorized user card affects credit scores
The closure appears on the authorized user's credit report as a closed account. For most people, this has a small negative impact on credit score — typically a few points — because it reduces the total number of open accounts. The effect is usually temporary and fades over time as other account activity accumulates.
The impact is smaller if the authorized user has other open credit accounts. Someone with five credit cards who loses one sees less damage than someone with only two cards. If the closed card was the authorized user's only open account, the score drop may be more noticeable. The account will remain on the credit report for seven years after closure, but its weight in score calculations decreases over time.
Keeping an authorized user card active
Use the card at least once every 12 months to prevent closure. This can be a small purchase — a coffee, a gas fill-up, a streaming subscription — anything that generates a transaction. American Express records the activity and resets the inactivity clock.
If you want to keep the card active but the authorized user rarely needs it, consider setting up a small recurring charge in their name. A monthly subscription or a bill they can pay with the card ensures regular activity without requiring them to remember to use it. Alternatively, the primary cardholder can make occasional purchases on the authorized user's card to maintain activity, though this defeats the purpose of having a separate card for that person.
Authorized user cards versus primary accounts
An authorized user card is a secondary card linked to the primary cardholder's account and credit line. The authorized user can make purchases, but the primary cardholder is responsible for all charges and payments. American Express reports the account activity to the authorized user's credit report, which helps build their credit history.
Because the authorized user is not the account owner, they have no control over the account. They cannot change the credit limit, add or remove other authorized users, or close the card themselves. Only the primary cardholder can make these changes. This is why the primary cardholder must request a replacement card if the authorized user's card is closed.
What happens to the credit history after closure
The closed authorized user card remains on the authorized user's credit report for seven years. During this time, it shows as a closed account with a zero balance. Credit scoring models treat closed accounts differently than open ones — a closed account contributes less to credit score calculations, but it still shows payment history and account age.
If the authorized user had a good payment history on the card, the closure is not a major setback. The account demonstrates that they used credit responsibly, which helps their credit profile even after closure. If there were late payments or high balances, the closed account may continue to weigh on their score until it ages further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user request their own replacement card?
No. Only the primary cardholder can request a replacement authorized user card. The authorized user can ask the primary cardholder to make the request, but American Express will not issue a new card based on a call or request from the authorized user alone.
Does closing an authorized user card close the primary account?
No. Closing an authorized user card affects only that card. The primary cardholder's account, credit line, and primary card remain open and active. The primary cardholder can continue using their card and can request a new authorized user card at any time.
How long does it take to get a new authorized user card after requesting one?
American Express typically mails a new authorized user card within 7 to 10 business days of the request. The card will have a new number. If the authorized user has recurring charges on the old card, they should update those charges to the new number once it arrives.
Will the authorized user lose their credit history if the card is closed?
No. The closed card remains on the authorized user's credit report for seven years and continues to show their payment history. The account shows as closed, but the history of on-time payments or other activity stays part of their credit record.
What's the best way to prevent an authorized user card from being closed?
Make at least one purchase on the authorized user card every 12 months. This can be a small charge like a subscription or a single transaction. Regular activity signals to American Express that the card is in use and should remain open.