Table Of Content
What Is An Authorized User?
An authorized user is someone who has been given permission by the primary account holder to use a credit card or other financial account. As an authorized user, the person can make purchases and use the account in the same way as the primary account holder.
When a primary account holder adds an authorized user to their account, the authorized user usually receives a card in their name. They can use the card for purchases, but all charges are billed to the primary account holder. The authorized user isn’t responsible for paying the bill—that responsibility stays with the primary account holder.
Pros And Cons Of Being An Authorized User
While there are several advantages to becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Building Credit | Lack Of Control |
Rewards |
Your Score May Be Negatively Affected |
Convenience | Relationship Strain |
No Liability |
- Building Credit
If you're just starting out and have little to no credit history, becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can help you establish credit.
As long as the account is in good standing and the primary account holder is making on-time payments, the account's positive history will be reported on your credit report, which can help you build a positive credit history.
- Rewards
If the primary account holder has a credit card that offers rewards points or cash back, becoming an authorized user can help you earn those rewards as well.
This can be a great way to earn rewards without having to open a new account or apply for a new credit card.
- Convenience
If you share expenses with someone, such as a roommate or significant other, becoming an authorized user on each other's accounts can make it easier to split expenses and pay bills.
This can be especially helpful if one person is responsible for certain bills, such as utilities or rent, and need to pay these bills with a credit card.
- Lack Of Control
As an authorized user, you don't have control over the account. This means that you may not be able to change the account's settings or monitor the account as closely as you would if it were your own.
- Your Score May Be Negatively Affected
If the primary account holder misses a payment or goes into debt on the account, it can damage your credit score as an authorized user.
This is because the account's negative history will be reported on your credit report as well.
- Relationship Strain
Becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can strain your relationship if there are disagreements or misunderstandings about the account.
It's important to communicate clearly and set expectations upfront to avoid any potential conflicts.
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How Being An Authorized User Affect Your Credit?
Being an authorized user can potentially have a positive or negative impact on your credit, depending on how the account is managed.
If the primary account holder has a good credit history and consistently makes on-time payments, becoming an authorized user on their account can help you establish or improve your credit history. This is because the account's positive history will be added to your credit report, which can help increase your credit score.
However, if the primary account holder has a poor credit history or frequently misses payments, becoming an authorized user on their account can have a negative impact on your credit. This is because the account's negative history will also be added to your credit report, which can lower your credit score.
It's important to note that not all credit scoring models consider authorized user accounts when calculating credit scores. In addition, some lenders may view authorized user accounts differently than accounts in your name, especially if you have a limited credit history. This means that becoming an authorized user may not always have the same impact on your credit as opening a new account in your own name.
When You May Want To Avoid Avoid It?
There are several situations in which you may want to avoid becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card:
- Lack of trust: If you don't fully trust the primary account holder to use the account responsibly, it may be best to avoid becoming an authorized user. This is especially true if the primary account holder has a history of overspending or missing payments.
- Existing credit issues: If you’re dealing with credit challenges, like a low credit score or high debt levels, becoming an authorized user on someone else’s account might not provide much benefit. It’s often better to focus on resolving your own credit issues first before considering this option.
- Relationship strain: If becoming an authorized user on someone else's account will strain your relationship with that person, it may be best to avoid it. It's essential to prioritize your relationships and avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
- Unfavorable terms: If the terms of becoming an authorized user, such as the fees or interest rates associated with the account, are unfavorable, it may not be worth becoming an authorized user.
- Fees: part of the credit cards (especially the premium cards) require a fee.
Card | Annual Fee | Authorized User Annual Fee |
| $550 | $75
|
|---|---|---|---|
| $695 | $175 for up to 3 additional Platinum cards, then $175 per additional Platinum card (see rates & fees) | |
| $395 | Free for the first 5 people
| |
| $650 | $175 for each additional Delta Reserve Card (see rates & fees) | |
| $525 | Free | |
| $650 | Free (See rates and fees) | |
| $525 | Free for up to the first 10 users |
How To Initiate The Process Of Being Added?
If you would like to initiate the process of being added as an authorized user, you should talk to the primary account holder. Then, he can do it by taking the the following steps:
Contact credit card issuer or financial institution: it's possible to add an authorized user by phone, online, or through the mobile app. The primary cardholders should check it with your credit card issuer or financial institution to see what options are available.
Provide the authorized user's information: As an authorized user, you'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information.
Agree to the terms: The primary cardholders need to agree to the terms of adding an authorized user, which may include paying an additional fee or agreeing to take responsibility for any charges made by the authorized user.
Receive and activate the authorized user's card: Once you've been added as an authorized user, the credit card issuer or financial institution will usually send a card with your name on it. You will need to activate the card before using it.
Set spending limits and alerts (optional): as an authorized user, you may want to set spending limits or alerts (it can be done also by the primary cardholders). This can help you monitor the account and prevent overspending or fraudulent activity.
It's important to communicate clearly about the terms of the arrangement and to use the account responsibly to avoid any negative consequences.
How To Remove Yourself As An Authorized User On?
To remove yourself as an authorized user on a credit card, follow these steps:
Contact the credit card issuer: You can usually remove yourself as an authorized user by calling the credit card issuer's customer service line.
Provide your information: You'll need to provide your name, Social Security number, and any other information the credit card issuer requests to verify your identity.
Request to be removed: Let the customer service representative know that you would like to be removed as an authorized user on the account.
Confirm removal: Make sure to confirm with the customer service representative that you have been removed from the account.
Monitor your credit report: After being removed as an authorized user, it's a good idea to monitor your credit report to ensure that the account is no longer listed and that there are no errors or inaccuracies.
It's important to note that removing yourself as an authorized user may not automatically remove the account's history from your credit report.
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