How to Add an Authorized User to Your American Express Card

Adding an authorized user to your American Express account is straightforward, but the decision itself carries financial and credit implications worth understanding before you proceed. Here's what you need to know about the process, the costs, and the factors that should shape your choice.

What an Authorized User Is

An authorized user is someone you permit to use a card linked to your American Express account. They receive their own physical card bearing their name, and they can make purchases that you're responsible for paying. Importantly, the authorized user's activity appears on your bill and in your account history—but the account itself remains in your name, and you remain the primary cardholder.

This is different from adding a co-applicant or joint account holder, where both parties have equal ownership and responsibility. With an authorized user, you maintain control and liability.

How to Add an Authorized User

The process is simple and can usually be completed in minutes:

• Online: Log into your American Express account, navigate to account settings, and select the option to add an authorized user. You'll provide their name and, typically, their date of birth.
• By phone: Call the customer service number on the back of your card and request to add an authorized user.
• In person: Visit an American Express office if one is near you (less common for routine requests).

American Express will typically issue a new card in the authorized user's name within 7–10 business days.

Costs and Fees

American Express may charge an annual fee to add an authorized user. Whether you're charged depends on your specific card and American Express's current pricing. Some cards include authorized user additions at no cost, while others charge a flat fee per authorized user. Check your card's terms or contact American Express directly to confirm what applies to your account.

Key Factors to Consider Before Adding Someone

Credit reporting: The authorized user's activity will appear on your credit report, but typically not on theirs (though this varies by card issuer and credit bureau). However, if the account becomes delinquent, it may affect both your credit and potentially theirs, depending on how the card issuer reports the activity.

Spending control: You're responsible for all charges made by the authorized user, even if you didn't authorize them individually. You have no legal recourse against the cardholder if they overspend. This is why authorized user relationships typically work best with family members or trusted partners.

Rewards and benefits: Any purchases made by the authorized user usually earn rewards or points that go to your account, which can be an advantage. However, the authorized user doesn't have independent control over the account.

Account access: The authorized user can make purchases and view their own statement activity, but they cannot change account settings, add additional authorized users, or modify card features without your permission.

Situations Where Adding an Authorized User Makes Sense

• Family members with shared expenses: A spouse or adult child who regularly makes purchases on household accounts.
• Building credit for someone new: If the authorized user is young and building credit, the account activity may help establish their credit history (though this depends on how the card issuer reports).
• Business purposes: If you're giving an employee temporary card access for business travel or expenses.

Situations Where You Might Hesitate

• Uncertainty about spending habits: If you're uncomfortable with the person's financial discipline, you're taking on full liability for their choices.
• Relationship transitions: Adding an authorized user assumes a stable arrangement. If circumstances change (divorce, parting ways), removing them requires account management.
• Credit risk: If the account goes unpaid, both your credit and potentially the authorized user's may be affected.

Removing an Authorized User

If you need to remove an authorized user later, contact American Express and request the removal. The authorized user's card will no longer work, and their activity will stop appearing on your account. However, past charges they made remain on your account history and credit report.

The Bottom Line

Adding an authorized user is operationally easy, but the decision depends on your specific relationship, trust level, and financial situation. The process itself takes minutes, but the consequences—both positive (shared rewards) and negative (full liability for spending)—last as long as the user remains on the account. Evaluate what applies to your circumstances before deciding.