What Adding an Authorized User Means
When you add an authorized user to your credit card account, you give another person permission to use your card and make purchases on your behalf. That person receives their own physical card with their name on it, linked to your account. The authorized user is not responsible for paying the bill — you are. All charges they make appear on your statement, and you pay them.
The authorized user does not need to have their own credit history or good credit score to be added. The card issuer does not run a credit check on them. However, the authorized user's activity on the card can affect your credit report, since the account belongs to you.
Adding an authorized user is different from adding a joint account holder. A joint account holder shares legal responsibility for the debt and can make changes to the account. An authorized user cannot change the account, request a credit limit increase, or access customer service on their own.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user by calling your card issuer's customer service number, visiting your online account portal, or visiting a branch in person if you have a bank card.
- The authorized user does not need good credit or a credit history, and the card issuer will not run a credit check on them.
- You remain fully responsible for all charges the authorized user makes, and you will be the one paying the bill.
- The authorized user's activity on the card will show up on your credit report and can affect your credit score.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through the same method you used to add them.
How to Add an Authorized User by Phone
Calling your card issuer is usually the fastest way to add an authorized user. Find the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your monthly statement. Have the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready before you call.
When you reach a representative, tell them you want to add an authorized user. They will ask for the person's information and confirm your identity by asking security questions or requesting your account number and PIN. Some issuers may ask for the authorized user's address, though many do not require it.
The representative will tell you when the new card will arrive. Most issuers mail it within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. Ask the representative whether the authorized user can use the account number to make purchases before the physical card arrives, since policies vary by issuer.
How to Add an Authorized User Online
Many card issuers let you add an authorized user through your online account portal without calling. Log into your account on the issuer's website or mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Manage Account," "Account Settings," "Authorized Users," or "Card Management."
Click the option to add an authorized user. You will be asked to enter the person's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Some issuers ask for their address as well. Review the information for accuracy before submitting, since errors can delay the card's arrival.
After you submit, the system will usually show you an estimated delivery date for the new card. You may receive a confirmation email. If you do not see an option to add an authorized user in your online portal, your issuer may require you to call or visit a branch instead.
How to Add an Authorized User at a Bank Branch
If your credit card is issued by a bank where you have a checking or savings account, you can often add an authorized user in person at a branch. Bring a valid government-issued ID and have the authorized user's information ready. You do not need to bring the authorized user with you.
Tell a representative that you want to add an authorized user to your credit card account. They will verify your identity and ask for the authorized user's full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They may also ask for their address.
The representative will process the request and give you a timeline for when the new card will arrive. Ask whether you can pick up the card at the branch instead of having it mailed, since some banks offer this option and it can speed up the process.
Information You Will Need to Provide
Before you add an authorized user, gather the following information about the person:
- Full legal name (as it appears on their government-issued ID)
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Mailing address (required by some issuers, optional for others)
You will also need to verify your own identity. Have your account number, PIN, or the security code on the back of your card ready. The card issuer may ask security questions about your account history instead.
If you are adding a family member who is a minor, check your issuer's age requirements first. Most issuers require authorized users to be at least 13 or 16 years old, though some have no age minimum. Call customer service to confirm before you attempt to add a child.
What Happens After You Add an Authorized User
Once the authorized user's card arrives, they can start using it when ready. They do not need to set up it separately unless the issuer requires it — some send set up instructions with the card, while others set up it automatically.
All purchases the authorized user makes will appear on your monthly statement under their name or a designation like "Authorized User 1." You will receive one combined bill for all charges, and you are responsible for paying the full amount by the due date.
The authorized user's activity will be reported to the credit bureaus as part of your account history. This means their charges affect your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limit you are using) and can impact your credit score. If the authorized user makes late payments or maxes out the card, your credit score can suffer.
How to Remove an Authorized User
You can remove an authorized user at any time using the same methods you used to add them: by phone, online, or in person at a branch. Call customer service, log into your online account, or visit a branch and ask to remove the authorized user.
When you remove someone, their card will no longer work. The account will remain open and active, but that person will no longer have access to it. The removal usually takes effect when ready, though it may take a few days for the card to be deactivated if they try to use it.
Removing an authorized user does not erase their past activity from your credit report. The account history — including all charges they made — stays on your report. However, future activity will no longer be linked to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user see my credit score or account balance?
That depends on your card issuer. Some issuers give authorized users full access to the online account, including the ability to see the balance, statement, and payment history. Others restrict access so the authorized user can only see their own charges. Call customer service to find out what your issuer allows.
Will adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding an authorized user itself does not hurt your credit score. However, if the authorized user makes large purchases or carries a high balance, it can increase your credit utilization ratio, which may lower your score temporarily. Once the balance is paid down, your score should recover.
What if the authorized user makes a purchase I did not approve?
You are responsible for all charges on the account, even ones you did not authorize. If you believe a charge is fraudulent or unauthorized, contact your card issuer's fraud department. They will investigate, but you may need to remove the authorized user to prevent future charges.
Can I set a spending limit for an authorized user?
Most card issuers do not allow you to set a separate spending limit for an authorized user. The authorized user has access to your full credit limit. If you want to restrict their spending, you will need to monitor the account regularly or remove them if they overspend.
Does an authorized user build their own credit history?
No. The account belongs to you, so the payment history and account activity are reported under your name and Social Security number, not theirs. An authorized user does not build their own credit history from the card, even if they make all the purchases.