What an Authorized User Is and How It Works
An authorized user is someone you give permission to use your credit card account. They receive their own card linked to your account, can make purchases with it, and those purchases show up on your bill. You remain the primary account holder and responsible for all charges, whether you made them or the authorized user did.
The authorized user does not have to go through a credit check or income verification. The card issuer approves them based on your account standing alone. This makes adding an authorized user different from opening a joint account or co-signing a loan — you are not asking the bank to evaluate the other person's creditworthiness.
When an authorized user makes a purchase, it counts toward your credit utilization ratio and appears on your credit report. Depending on the card issuer, the authorized user's payment history may also be reported to the credit bureaus under their name, which can affect their credit score.
Key Takeaways
- You add an authorized user by calling your card issuer or logging into your online account — most issuers let you do it in minutes without a hard inquiry.
- The authorized user can make purchases when ready, but you remain fully responsible for all charges on the account.
- Adding an authorized user may help build their credit history if the issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus under their name.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time, and their card will stop working once the issuer processes the removal.
- Some card issuers charge a fee to add an authorized user, though most major issuers do not.
How to Add an Authorized User to Your Account
The process is straightforward and takes about five to ten minutes. Log into your credit card account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card. Look for a link or menu option that says "Add Authorized User" or "Manage Authorized Users." You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Some issuers ask for a mailing address as well. Once you provide this information, the issuer sends a new card to the address you specify — usually the same address on file for your account, but you can often request it go elsewhere. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
A few issuers, including American Express and some premium cards, let you request a card with a different name printed on it or set spending limits before the card arrives. Check your issuer's website or call to see what options are available on your specific card.
Who You Might Add as an Authorized User
Parents often add teenage children to build their credit history early. The child can use the card for everyday purchases while the parent monitors spending and teaches financial habits. Since the parent is responsible for all charges, there is no risk to the child's credit if the account falls behind.
Spouses or partners may be added to share account access and simplify household spending. Some couples add each other to one card while keeping others separate, depending on how they manage money together.
You might also add an adult family member — an aging parent, for example — if they need access to funds or if you want to help them build or rebuild credit. The key is that you must be comfortable with the person having access to the card and making charges you will pay for.
Credit Reporting and Credit Score Impact
When you add an authorized user, the card issuer may report the account to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) under the authorized user's name. This means the account history — including payment history, credit limit, and balance — shows up on their credit report.
If your account has a long history of on-time payments and a low balance, adding an authorized user can help their credit score. The account age and positive payment history become part of their credit profile. However, if your account has missed payments or a high balance, it can hurt their score instead.
Not all issuers report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus. Before adding someone specifically to help their credit, call your issuer and confirm they report authorized user activity. If they do not, the account will not appear on the authorized user's credit report at all.
Fees and Costs
Most major credit card issuers do not charge a fee to add an authorized user. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards typically allow you to add authorized users at no cost. American Express also does not charge for the first authorized user on most of its cards, though some premium American Express cards may charge a fee for additional authorized users.
Check your card's terms or call customer service to confirm whether your specific card charges an authorized user fee. If it does, the fee is usually between $25 and $95 per year, depending on the card tier.
You are responsible for all purchases the authorized user makes, so there is no separate billing. The charges appear on your statement, and you pay them as part of your regular bill.
Removing an Authorized User
You can remove an authorized user at any time by logging into your account online or calling customer service. The removal is usually when ready, though it may take a day or two for the card to stop working at merchants.
Once removed, the authorized user no longer has access to the account. However, the account history remains on their credit report if the issuer reported it. The positive or negative history does not disappear just because they are no longer an authorized user — it stays part of their credit record.
If you are removing someone because of a dispute or concern about spending, you may also want to contact your card issuer about whether they can flag the account or monitor it more closely going forward.
Risks and Things to Consider
You are legally responsible for every charge an authorized user makes, even if you did not approve it or know about it. If the authorized user overspends or makes fraudulent charges, you still owe the full amount. This is why it is important to add only someone you trust completely.
If the authorized user's card is lost or stolen, contact your issuer when ready. You can cancel that card without closing the entire account. The authorized user can request a replacement card, or you can remove them entirely.
Adding an authorized user increases your account's credit limit utilization if they carry a balance. If they spend heavily, your credit utilization ratio goes up, which can lower your credit score. Monitor the account regularly to stay aware of spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user see my full account details?
That depends on the card issuer. Some issuers give authorized users access to the full online account, including statements and payment history. Others restrict them to transaction details only. Call your issuer to ask what an authorized user can view on your account.
Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding an authorized user itself does not hurt your score — there is no hard inquiry. However, if the authorized user spends heavily and increases your credit utilization, that can lower your score. The impact depends on how much they spend relative to your credit limit.
What happens if an authorized user does not pay their share?
You are responsible for the full bill regardless. If you and the authorized user have an agreement that they will reimburse you, that is a personal arrangement between you two — the card issuer only looks to you for payment. If they do not pay you back, you have no recourse through the card company.
Can an authorized user explore for credit in their own name?
Yes. Being an authorized user does not prevent someone from opening their own credit accounts. In fact, if the authorized user account is reported to the credit bureaus, it may help them may have access to for their own card or loan by building their credit history.
What is the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?
An authorized user has no legal responsibility for the account — you are solely responsible. A joint account holder is equally responsible for all charges and has equal rights to the account. Joint accounts require both parties to go through underwriting, while authorized users do not.