How to add an authorized user to your credit card
You can add someone to your credit card account by calling your card issuer, logging into your online account portal, or visiting a branch in person. The person you add becomes an authorized user — they can use the card to make purchases, but you remain responsible for all charges and payments. The process takes minutes to hours depending on your bank, and the new user typically receives their own card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you call or log in, have the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. Some issuers ask for their address as well. You do not need their permission in advance, though telling them what you are doing prevents confusion when the card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an authorized user by phone, online portal, or in-person visit, and the process usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- An authorized user can make purchases on your card but has no control over the account — you manage payments, limits, and removal.
- The authorized user's credit report may be affected by the card's payment history, so late payments or high balances can hurt their score.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time using the same methods you used to add them, and their card becomes invalid when ready.
- Some issuers charge a fee to add an authorized user, though most major banks do not.
Adding an authorized user by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. Have your account number, PIN or password, and the authorized user's information ready. Tell the representative you want to add an authorized user and provide the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
The representative will confirm the details, set a spending limit if you want one, and tell you when the new card will arrive. Ask whether the card will be mailed to your address or the authorized user's address — most issuers mail to the account holder's address by default, but you can usually change this. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Adding an authorized user online
Log into your card issuer's website or mobile app using your username and password. Look for a section called "Manage Account," "Account Settings," "Authorized Users," or "Card Management." Click the option to add an authorized user or add a cardholder.
Enter the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Some issuers ask for their address and phone number as well. Review the information for accuracy, then submit. You will see a confirmation screen with the expected delivery date for the new card. This method is fastest if you are comfortable navigating your bank's website — it takes 3 to 5 minutes and you have a record of the transaction.
Adding an authorized user in person at a branch
Visit a branch of your card issuer with your card and a government-issued ID. Ask to speak with a representative about adding an authorized user. Bring the authorized user's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, or bring them with you if they want to be present.
The representative will enter the information into the system and may ask you to sign a form. They will tell you where the new card will be mailed and when to expect it. This method works well if you prefer face-to-face service or if you have questions the phone line cannot answer quickly.
What happens to the authorized user's credit report
When you add an authorized user, the card account may appear on their credit report. This means the card's payment history — on-time payments, late payments, and the balance you carry — can affect their credit score. If you pay on time and keep the balance low, adding them as an authorized user may help their score. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, it can hurt their score.
Not all issuers report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus, so the impact varies. Ask your card issuer whether they report authorized user activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you are adding someone with a low credit score to help them build history, confirm that your issuer reports the account before you proceed.
Setting spending limits and removing an authorized user
Many issuers let you set a daily or monthly spending limit for each authorized user. This limit is optional but useful if you want to control how much the person can spend. You can change or remove the limit at any time through your online account or by calling customer service.
To remove an authorized user, call customer service, log into your online account, or visit a branch. Tell the representative you want to remove the authorized user and provide their name. The removal is when ready — their card stops working right away, though it may take a few days for the account to disappear from their credit report. You remain responsible for any charges made before the removal takes effect.
Fees and restrictions for authorized users
Most major card issuers do not charge a fee to add an authorized user, but some charge $25 to $100 per year for each additional user. Premium or business cards are more likely to charge a fee. Check your card's terms or call customer service to confirm whether there is a fee before you add someone.
Some issuers limit the number of authorized users you can add — common limits are 5 to 10 per account. If you need to add more than that, ask whether you can request an exception. A few issuers do not allow authorized users under a certain age, typically 13 or 16, so confirm the age requirement if you are adding a young person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an authorized user make changes to my account or see my balance?
No. An authorized user can only make purchases with the card. They cannot change the account password, set spending limits, make payments, or view the full account balance or statement. You control all account settings and decisions.
What is the difference between an authorized user and a joint account holder?
An authorized user has no legal responsibility for the debt — you are solely liable for all charges. A joint account holder is equally responsible for payments and has full access to the account. Adding an authorized user is simpler and safer if you want someone to use the card without sharing account control.
Can I add someone who does not have a Social Security number?
Most issuers require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add an authorized user. If the person does not have either, call your card issuer to ask whether they accept an alternative form of identification or whether you can proceed without one.
Will adding my child as an authorized user help their credit score?
It may, if your issuer reports the account to the credit bureaus and you pay on time. However, your child will not build credit history of their own — the account belongs to you. Once they turn 18, they can open their own card to start building independent credit.
What happens if an authorized user makes a large purchase I did not approve?
You are responsible for paying it. If you believe the charge is fraudulent, you can dispute it with your card issuer, but if the authorized user made the purchase themselves, it is not fraud. To prevent this, set a spending limit or remove the authorized user if you no longer trust them to use the card responsibly.