What an authorized user on the Chase Sapphire Preferred can do
An authorized user is someone you add to your Chase Sapphire Preferred account who receives their own card linked to your account and can make purchases using your credit line. They are not responsible for the bill — you are. The authorized user gets access to the same rewards (5x points on flights booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining and travel, 1x on everything else), the same $95 annual fee waiver for the first year, and the same travel protections the primary cardholder receives.
Chase does not charge a fee to add an authorized user to the Sapphire Preferred. The authorized user's card arrives separately and is linked to your account number, so all spending appears on your statement and all rewards post to your account. You remain the only person responsible for paying the bill.
Key Takeaways
- Adding an authorized user costs nothing, and they earn the same rewards rate as you do on every purchase.
- You control the account and receive all statements and bills; the authorized user cannot change account settings or see your full account details.
- The authorized user's credit report is not affected by the account, but your credit report may show the new account activity.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time through your Chase online account or by calling customer service.
How to add an authorized user to your account
Log into your Chase online account or mobile app and go to the card details page for your Sapphire Preferred. Look for the option labeled "Add Authorized User" or "Manage Authorized Users." You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will ask whether you want the authorized user to have a physical card or a digital card added to their mobile wallet.
After you submit the information, Chase reviews the request, which usually takes one to three business days. Once approved, the physical card ships to the address on file for your account (you can request it go to a different address). A digital card can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay when ready after approval. You can add up to four authorized users per account.
Who should you add as an authorized user
Authorized users are most useful for family members who share expenses with you — a spouse, adult child, or parent you travel with regularly. Because they earn the same rewards rate, adding a spouse or partner means both of you accumulate points toward travel redemptions faster. If you have a teenager who is learning to use credit, adding them as an authorized user lets them build credit history without you having to open a separate account.
Do not add someone as an authorized user if you do not trust them to use the card responsibly or if you are uncomfortable with them having access to your credit line. The authorized user can spend up to your full credit limit, and you are liable for every charge. If you want to limit their spending, you will need to set that expectation yourself — Chase does not offer per-user spending caps on the Sapphire Preferred.
How authorized user spending affects your credit
When you add an authorized user, the account may appear on their credit report as an account they are associated with, though policies vary by credit bureau. This can help someone build credit history if they have limited credit, because the account's payment history and credit utilization will show on their report. However, if you miss a payment or carry a high balance, that negative information also appears on their credit report.
Your own credit report will show all spending by authorized users as part of your account activity. High spending by an authorized user increases your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your credit score temporarily. Once you pay the balance, utilization drops and your score typically recovers.
Removing an authorized user
You can remove an authorized user at any time through your Chase account online or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The authorized user's card stops working when ready, though it may take a few days for the change to process fully. Removing an authorized user does not affect your account or your credit score.
If an authorized user's card is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement card or have that specific card deactivated while keeping the authorized user on the account. You can also request that Chase issue a new card number for your own card without affecting authorized users.
Authorized users and rewards redemption
All points earned by authorized users go into your account, not theirs. You control how and when the points are redeemed. This means if you add a spouse or family member, you are pooling rewards together, which can help you reach higher redemption thresholds faster — for example, booking a premium cabin on a flight or a higher-category hotel.
Chase does not split points between cardholders or allow an authorized user to redeem points independently. If you want to give an authorized user points or let them control redemptions, you will need to manage that outside the card account, such as by booking travel on their behalf or transferring points to a travel partner account if you have one set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding an authorized user hurt my credit score?
Adding an authorized user itself does not hurt your score. However, if the authorized user spends heavily and increases your credit utilization, your score may drop temporarily. Once the balance is paid down, utilization improves and your score typically recovers. The account's payment history going forward will also affect both your score and the authorized user's score.
Can an authorized user see my full account details?
No. An authorized user can see their own card transactions and the rewards they have earned, but they cannot view your full account settings, credit limit, or other sensitive details. You remain the sole account owner and the only person who can change account settings or contact information.
What happens if an authorized user runs up a large balance?
You are responsible for paying the entire balance, regardless of who made the charges. The authorized user is not liable for the debt. If you are concerned about overspending, discuss a spending limit with them beforehand, or consider removing them from the account if they exceed it.
Can I add an authorized user who does not have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to add an authorized user. If the person does not have one, you cannot add them to your account through the standard process. Contact Chase customer service to ask about alternative options for your specific situation.