You can remove an authorized user by calling your card issuer or logging into your online account
Removing an authorized user is a straightforward process that takes minutes. Call the customer service number on the back of your card, give the representative the authorized user's name, and ask them to remove that person from the account. Most issuers will process the removal when ready over the phone. You can also log into your online account or mobile app, find the authorized user management section, and delete the user yourself — this usually takes effect within hours.
The authorized user loses access to the card right away, but the account itself stays open and active. Your credit limit, rewards balance, and payment history remain unchanged. If the authorized user has a physical card in their name, it will no longer work, but you should destroy it or ask them to return it to be safe.
Key Takeaways
- Call your card issuer's customer service line or use your online account to remove an authorized user — both methods take minutes and are free.
- The removal takes effect when ready by phone or within a few hours online, and any physical card issued to that person stops working right away.
- Removing an authorized user does not change your credit limit, rewards balance, or payment history on the account.
- The authorized user's credit report will no longer show this account once the removal is processed, which may lower their credit score if the account helped their credit mix or history length.
Why you might remove an authorized user
You remove an authorized user when the relationship or circumstance that made them useful has changed. Common reasons include a child turning 18 and opening their own credit, a divorce or separation, an adult child moving out, or straightforward deciding you no longer want someone else to have access to your account.
You might also remove an authorized user if you are concerned about overspending, if the person has moved and no longer needs the card, or if you want to simplify your account. There is no penalty for removing someone, and you do not need their permission or agreement to do so.
How the removal affects the authorized user's credit
When you remove an authorized user, that account stops appearing on their credit report. This can lower their credit score, especially if the account was helping them in one of two ways: by adding to their credit history length (if it was an old account) or by improving their credit mix (if it was their only credit card, for example).
The impact is usually small if the authorized user has other accounts in good standing. If they have a thin credit file or rely heavily on this account, the score drop may be more noticeable — sometimes 10 to 50 points, depending on their overall credit profile. The authorized user cannot prevent the removal or dispute it, since you are the account owner.
Step-by-step: removing an authorized user by phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your credit card. Have the authorized user's full name and, if you have it, their date of birth or the last four digits of their Social Security number ready — the representative may ask for these to confirm who you want removed.
Tell the representative you want to remove an authorized user and provide the person's name. They will confirm the removal and may ask if you want the physical card destroyed or returned. The removal is usually when ready. Ask the representative to confirm the removal is complete and note the date and time for your records.
If you want written confirmation, ask the representative to send a letter to your mailing address on file. Some issuers will email a confirmation instead if you provide an email address.
Step-by-step: removing an authorized user online
Log into your credit card account on the issuer's website or mobile app. Look for a section called "Authorized Users," "Manage Account," "Account Settings," or "Card Management" — the exact name varies by issuer.
Find the authorized user you want to remove and click the option to delete, remove, or deactivate them. You may be asked to confirm the removal by entering your password or answering a security question. Once you confirm, the removal is usually complete within a few hours, though some issuers process it when ready.
Check back in your account the next day to confirm the authorized user no longer appears in your list. If they still show up after 24 hours, call customer service to verify the removal went through.
What happens to the physical card
Any credit card issued in the authorized user's name will stop working when ready once they are removed from the account. You should ask the person to return the card to you, or you can destroy it yourself by cutting it up and throwing it away.
Do not throw away an active card without destroying it first — someone could find it and attempt to use it. If the card was mailed to an address you no longer have access to, do not worry; it will straightforward be a piece of plastic with no function once the removal is processed.
If the authorized user disputes the removal
An authorized user cannot reverse or prevent their removal because they do not own the account. If they claim they were not told about the removal or feel it was unfair, that is a personal matter between you and them, not something the credit card issuer will intervene in.
If the authorized user contacts the issuer and claims fraud or unauthorized removal, the issuer will verify that you are the account owner and confirm that you requested the removal. The issuer will not reinstate the authorized user without your permission. If you are concerned about the person's reaction, you may want to tell them in advance that you plan to remove them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing an authorized user close the credit card account?
No. Removing an authorized user does not affect the account itself. The card stays open, your credit limit remains the same, and your payment history is unaffected. Only the authorized user loses access.
Can an authorized user remove themselves from the account?
No. An authorized user cannot remove themselves because they do not own the account. Only the primary account holder can request the removal. If an authorized user wants off the account, they must ask you to remove them.
Will removing an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Removing an authorized user should not hurt your credit score because you are the account owner and the account remains open. Your credit history, payment record, and credit limit all stay the same. The authorized user's score may drop, but yours will not.
How long does it take to remove an authorized user?
Removal by phone is when ready. Removal through your online account usually takes effect within a few hours, though some issuers process it when ready. The physical card stops working right away in both cases.
What if I want to add the person back later?
You can add them back anytime by calling customer service or using your online account. The issuer will issue a new card in their name, which may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive. There is no penalty for removing and re-adding an authorized user.