What an Authorized User on Amex Platinum Can Do
An authorized user is someone you permit to use a card linked to your Amex Platinum account. They receive their own physical card with their name on it, can make purchases anywhere the card is accepted, and those purchases count toward your account's spending and rewards. The authorized user does not have to pay the bill — you do. They also cannot change account settings, add other users, or close the account.
Amex does not charge a fee to add an authorized user to Platinum. The card itself arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you request it. The authorized user's purchases appear on your statement, and you remain responsible for all charges.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user through your Amex online account or by calling the number on the back of your card, and they will receive their own card in the mail.
- Amex does not charge a fee to add an authorized user to Platinum, though some card issuers do charge for additional users on other products.
- All purchases made by the authorized user appear on your statement and count toward your annual spending total and rewards.
- You remain the account holder and are responsible for all charges, including those made by the authorized user.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through your account or by phone, and their card will no longer work.
How to Add an Authorized User Online
Log into your American Express account at americanexpress.com. Click on your Platinum card, then look for a link labeled "Manage Card" or "Card Management." Select the option to add an authorized user. You will need to provide the person's full name, date of birth, and home address. Amex will ask whether you want the card mailed to the same address as your account or a different one.
After you submit the request, Amex will send a confirmation email to the address on file. The new card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. The authorized user can begin using the card as soon as it arrives, even if they have not activated it yet, though set up is recommended.
Adding an Authorized User by Phone
Call the number on the back of your Amex Platinum card. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other account details. Tell them you want to add an authorized user and provide the person's full name, date of birth, and address.
The representative can tell you when ready whether the card will be mailed to your address or the authorized user's address, and will confirm the expected arrival date. You will receive a confirmation in the mail along with the new card. This method is faster if you have questions or want to confirm details before the card is ordered.
What Happens to Rewards and Spending
Every purchase the authorized user makes counts toward your account's annual spending total. If your Platinum card offers a bonus for spending a certain amount in the first year, the authorized user's purchases count toward that threshold. Similarly, any rewards points or cash back earned from their purchases go into your account.
This can be useful if you are trying to reach a spending milestone for a bonus, or if you want to pool rewards with a family member. However, it also means you are responsible for tracking their spending and ensuring the bill gets paid in full each month.
Removing an Authorized User
You can remove an authorized user at any time through your online account or by calling Amex. Log into americanexpress.com, find the authorized user's card under "Manage Card," and select the option to remove them. Their card will stop working when ready, though it may take a few business days for the change to appear on your statement.
If you remove an authorized user, any pending charges they made before removal will still appear on your bill. You remain responsible for those charges. There is no fee to remove an authorized user, and you can add a new one whenever you choose.
Who Should Be an Authorized User
Authorized users are commonly a spouse, adult child, or business partner who you trust to use the card responsibly. Some people add an authorized user to help build that person's credit history, since the account activity may be reported to credit bureaus under the authorized user's name (though this varies by issuer and credit bureau). Others add a user to simplify household spending or to give someone access to the card's benefits while traveling.
Before adding someone, make sure you are comfortable with them having access to the card and making purchases on your account. You cannot set a spending limit for an authorized user, so they can charge as much as they want up to your card's credit limit. If you are concerned about overspending, discuss a budget or spending agreement beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding an authorized user does not typically hurt your credit score. However, if the authorized user makes large purchases or misses payments, those actions appear on your account and could affect your credit. You remain responsible for all charges, so late payments or high balances will impact your credit report.
Can an authorized user see my account balance and statement?
That depends on how Amex sets up the account. Some authorized users can see the full statement and account details, while others can only see their own transactions. You can contact Amex to ask what the authorized user can access, or adjust their permissions if the option is available.
What if an authorized user makes a purchase I did not approve?
You are responsible for all charges on the account, including unauthorized purchases by an authorized user. If there is a dispute, contact Amex to report it. Amex may investigate, but the outcome depends on the circumstances and your account agreement. It is best to set clear expectations with the authorized user before giving them the card.
Can I set a spending limit for an authorized user?
Amex does not offer spending limits for authorized users on Platinum. The authorized user can charge up to your full credit limit. If you want to control spending, you will need to monitor the account regularly or set a personal agreement with the user about how much they can spend.
How many authorized users can I add?
Amex does not publish a specific limit on the number of authorized users you can add to Platinum. You can add multiple users if needed. Contact Amex directly if you want to add more than a few, as there may be practical or account-specific limits.