What an authorized user is and how it works
An authorized user is someone you add to your credit card account who can use the card to make purchases, but you remain responsible for all charges and payments. When you add an authorized user, the card issuer typically issues them a physical card with their name on it, or they may use your card number online. You control the account — you set spending limits, you receive the bills, and you make the payments.
The authorized user does not have to be a family member. Many people add business partners, adult children, spouses, or trusted friends. The card issuer does not verify the relationship or ask permission from the person being added — that is entirely your decision. Once added, the authorized user can charge purchases to the account when ready, and those charges appear on your statement.
The key difference between an authorized user and a co-signer is control. A co-signer on a loan shares legal responsibility and decision-making power. An authorized user on a credit card has spending power only — you keep all the control over the account, limits, and whether to remove them.
Key Takeaways
- You remain fully responsible for all charges an authorized user makes, even if you did not approve each purchase.
- Adding an authorized user does not require their permission or a credit check, and they do not have to sign anything.
- Most card issuers report authorized user activity to credit bureaus, which can help or hurt the authorized user's credit score depending on your payment history.
- You can set spending limits, remove the authorized user, or cancel their card at any time without their consent.
- The authorized user's credit report will show the account, so late payments or high balances on your account will affect their credit score.
How to add an authorized user to your card
Contact your card issuer directly — by phone, online through your account portal, or by visiting a branch if you have a bank card. You will need the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Some issuers ask for their address as well. You do not need their permission or signature to proceed.
The process usually takes a few minutes over the phone or a few clicks online. The issuer will confirm the information, add them to the account, and typically mail a physical card in their name within 5 to 10 business days. During that time, the authorized user can often use your card number to make purchases online or over the phone if needed.
Some issuers allow you to set a spending limit for the authorized user at the time of addition or afterward through your online account. Not all cards offer this feature — check with your issuer about whether limits are available and how to adjust them.
Credit score impact for both of you
Most major card issuers report authorized user accounts to the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means the account appears on the authorized user's credit report, even though they did not open it and are not responsible for payment.
If you pay on time and keep your balance low, the authorized user's credit score can improve because the account adds positive payment history and a low credit utilization ratio to their report. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, the authorized user's score will suffer the same damage — they have no control over the account but bear the credit consequences.
Your own credit score is not affected by adding an authorized user. The account was already on your report. However, if the authorized user makes large purchases that raise your balance, your credit utilization ratio increases, which can lower your score slightly.
When adding an authorized user makes sense
Adding a spouse or long-term partner gives them access to the account and builds their credit history alongside yours. This is useful if they have no credit history or a thin one, and you are comfortable with them having full spending power on the card.
Adding an adult child can help them build credit if they have little history. They see the account on their credit report, and if you pay on time, it strengthens their score. This works best if you trust them with the card and can afford their purchases without strain.
Adding a business partner or employee to a business credit card simplifies expense tracking and gives them purchasing power without requiring them to open their own account. You still control the overall account and can set limits or remove them.
Risks and what can go wrong
You are liable for every charge the authorized user makes, even if you did not approve it or know about it. If they spend more than you expected or make purchases you disagree with, you still owe the full amount. There is no dispute process for authorized user charges the way there is for fraud — the card issuer will not reverse charges straightforward because you did not authorize them.
If the authorized user misses payments or runs up a large balance, your credit score drops. You cannot transfer the debt to them or force them to pay — it remains your account and your responsibility. Removing them from the account does not erase the damage already done to your credit.
If the authorized user's card is lost or stolen, you are responsible for fraudulent charges made with that card. Most issuers limit your liability to $50 if you report the loss promptly, but you still have to report it and monitor your statement.
How to remove an authorized user
Contact your card issuer by phone, online, or in person and request removal. You do not need the authorized user's permission or involvement. The issuer will remove them from the account, and you can request that they destroy the physical card or return it to you.
Removal is when ready on the account side — the authorized user can no longer make new charges. However, the account may remain on their credit report for several months or longer, depending on the bureau and the issuer's reporting practices. The payment history stays on their report, so removing them does not erase past damage or benefits.
If you are removing an authorized user because of a relationship change or dispute, consider whether you want to keep the account open. Closing the account removes it from both your reports eventually, but it can lower your credit score in the short term because it reduces your total available credit.
Authorized users versus other account options
A joint account holder is different from an authorized user. A joint account holder has equal legal responsibility for the debt, can make changes to the account (like raising limits or adding other users), and has equal claim to any rewards or benefits. Both names appear on statements and both are liable to creditors. Joint accounts are typically used for spouses or long-term partners who want shared financial responsibility.
A co-signer on a credit card is rare but exists on some secured cards or cards for people with poor credit. A co-signer promises to pay the debt if the primary cardholder does not, but does not have spending power or access to the account. Co-signers are used for loans more often than credit cards.
An employee card on a business account is similar to an authorized user but designed specifically for business spending. The employee can charge business expenses, and the business owner receives the bill and pays it. The account does not appear on the employee's personal credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the authorized user have to have good credit?
No. The card issuer does not run a credit check on the authorized user or require them to have any credit history at all. You can add someone with no credit, bad credit, or no credit report. The issuer only needs their name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Can an authorized user see my account balance and payment history?
That depends on the issuer and whether you give them access to the online portal. Some issuers allow authorized users to log in and see statements and balances. Others do not. You can ask your issuer what the authorized user can see and restrict access if you want to keep that information private.
What happens to the account if I die?
The account becomes part of your estate. The authorized user loses access when ready, but the debt does not disappear. Your estate is responsible for paying the balance, and creditors may pursue collection from your heirs or assets. The authorized user is not liable unless they are also a joint account holder.
Can I add someone without their Social Security number?
Most issuers require a Social Security number to add an authorized user because they need to report the account to credit bureaus. Some may accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if the person does not have a Social Security number. Call your issuer to ask what they accept.
If an authorized user makes a large purchase, can I dispute it?
No. Disputes and chargebacks are for fraud or unauthorized use by someone without permission. Since you authorized them to use the card, the issuer will not reverse the charge. Your only option is to ask the authorized user to reimburse you or to remove them and refuse future charges.