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An authorized user is someone you authorize to use your credit card and access other account features. But just like any favor, it could have some negative consequences for you.
Adding an authorized user to your credit card account is easy to do, and it can be a great way to help a friend or family member improve or establish credit. Plus it can even help you earn rewards.
When you add an authorized user to a credit card, you may be doing that person a huge favor, but there can be some negative outcomes, too. Here are some key things you should know before you take the leap.
How to add an authorized user
Depending on your credit card issuer, it may not cost anything to add an authorized user to your credit card account. But note that adding an authorized user could come with an additional annual fee. Simply contact your issuer to add the new user’s information. Typically, that involves verifying a few details, like the authorized user’s date of birth and Social Insurance Number.
Your authorized user can have a separate credit card to use, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to give that person that much access to the account.
Benefits of adding an authorized user
Help someone get a fresh start
When you add an authorized user to your credit card account, information from the account can show up on that person’s credit reports. That means their credit can improve if the information is positive, simply as a result of being added to an account you keep in good standing.
For people with no credit or poor credit, or people who’ve had their applications for credit denied, becoming an authorized user can be one of the few ways to start building a better credit profile.
Bear in mind that not all issuers provide information about authorized users to the two major consumer credit bureaus – TransUnion and Equifax. So if your goal is to help a friend or family member improve their credit, ask your issuer whether they report authorized user account information to the two major consumer credit bureaus.
Drawbacks of adding an authorized user
Credit mistakes can do damage
Your positive account information can help an authorized user build, or rebuild, credit. But if you make mistakes, or practice negative credit habits, you could potentially hurt that person’s credit too. If you miss credit card payments or rack up a big balance, both your and your authorized user’s credit can take a hit. Similarly, if the authorized user racks up charges on your card it could negatively impact your credit.
Shared access to your account information
The access an authorized user has can vary by card issuer. For example, some issuers state that an authorized user can request account information, including copies of the billing statements. That means that person can see information about how you’re using the card, including when and where you’ve made purchases. Additionally, when an authorized user pulls their credit reports, that person may see similar account specifics, like how much you owe on the card and whether you’re current on your payments.
Sole responsibility for all charges
Adding authorized users on your account can make it easier to cash in on points or other rewards, but it can also mean taking a bigger financial risk.
At the end of the day, regardless of who makes the purchases, you and you alone will be responsible for paying the bill. For that reason, it’s important to choose an authorized user you trust to use your account responsibly.
Bottom line
Remember how intimidating it was to get your first credit card? Maybe it took you a while to learn how to use it responsibly and you made mistakes along the way. Adding someone you trust as an authorized user, maybe your child or another family member, could help that person get off to an easier start. An authorized user can learn good habits, with less risk, while starting to build (or rebuild) a positive credit history. Just remember that it’s a two-way street: An authorized user’s credit habits can impact your credit as well.