An authorized user is someone who has been given permission by the primary cardmember to use their credit card account. Authorized users can receive their own credit card in their name and may use it to make purchases that are then added to the primary cardmember’s account balance.
Let’s explore what an authorized user is, their responsibilities, how to add and remove authorized users and how being an authorized user may impact your creditworthiness.
What is an authorized user responsible for?
Although authorized users can charge purchases to the primary cardmember’s account, it’s important to note that they aren’t responsible for making payments to the credit card company. Instead, that responsibility remains with the primary cardmember.
That said, an authorized user may want to (or be asked to) set up an arrangement with the primary cardmember to cover their own charges if they plan to actively use the card. Being financially accountable for their purchases can help the authorized user build responsible spending and financial habits.
How to add an authorized user
The steps to add an authorized user may vary depending on the credit card company and the type of credit card. In general, the process is straightforward:
- Make sure they meet requirements: The credit card issuer may have a specific age requirement, but otherwise it’s up to the primary cardmember to decide whether they want to add the authorized user.
- Ask to add an authorized user: The primary cardholder can typically either go to their card’s online account or call customer service to add the authorized user.
Certain cards may charge an annual fee for an authorized user, depending on the credit card issuer.
How to remove an authorized user
Removing an authorized user is usually simple, too. The process may vary depending on the credit card or card issuer. Some credit card issuers may require the primary cardmember to request that the authorized user be removed. However, others may let the authorized user remove themselves from the account by contacting the credit card company directly.
Primary cardmembers may be able to remove the authorized user via their online credit card account or by calling customer service.
Can being an authorized user impact your credit?
If the credit card company reports authorized users to the 3 major credit bureaus, becoming an authorized user can impact your credit. Otherwise, there will be no effect on your credit. If you’re unsure whether the card issuer reports authorized users to credit bureaus, contact the credit card company.
Assuming the card issuer reports authorized users, there are a couple of key ways being an authorized user can impact your credit:
- Payment history: If the primary cardmember makes payments on time, that can help establish a positive payment history, which can boost your credit. Missed or late payments can negatively affect your credit.
- Age of accounts: When you become an authorized user, the age of that account is factored into your age of accounts, which can help build credit history. Generally, a longer credit history can improve your creditworthiness.
Credit card authorized user FAQ
Can authorized users impact the primary cardmember’s credit?
Yes. Adding an authorized user can increase your total credit limits, lowering your utilization (the amount of revolving credit you’re using) if that new card balance stays low or if it has a high limit.
Can issuers deny authorized users?
Yes, credit card issuers may reject those requests in certain situations, for example, if the proposed authorized user doesn’t meet their age requirement.
How many authorized users can be on a credit card?
It depends on the credit card issuer’s policies. If you’re unsure, contact your credit card company for more information.
Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.
