March 18, 2026
What Is an Authorized User? How It Affects Your Credit
Your friend has a credit score of 780. You have no credit history at all. What if you could borrow some of their credit reputation just by being added to their account?
That's basically what becoming an authorized user does. It's one of the fastest ways to build credit, especially if you're starting from zero. But it's not without trade-offs, and understanding how it works can save you from costly mistakes.
What Is an Authorized User?
An authorized user is someone who is added to another person's credit card account. The primary cardholder (the person who owns the account) gives you permission to use their card, but they remain responsible for all payments.
You get your own card with your name on it, linked to the same account. You can make purchases, but you're not legally required to pay the bill. That responsibility stays with the primary cardholder.
The key benefit is that the account's payment history typically appears on your credit report too. If the primary cardholder has years of on-time payments and low balances, that positive history gets added to your credit profile.
How Being an Authorized User Affects Your Credit Score
When you're added as an authorized user, the credit card issuer usually reports the account to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) under your name as well.
This means the account's entire history, including its age, payment record, and credit utilization, becomes part of your credit profile.
The impact can be significant. If the primary cardholder has a 10-year-old account with perfect payment history and low utilization, your credit score could jump noticeably within 30 to 60 days.
However, it works both ways. If the primary cardholder misses payments or carries high balances, that negative activity also shows up on your report.
Benefits of Becoming an Authorized User
Build credit with no credit history. This is the biggest draw. If you have a thin credit file or no credit at all, being added to an established account can give your score a fast boost.
No credit check required. Unlike applying for your own credit card, becoming an authorized user doesn't trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Inherit account age. If the account is 8 years old, that history gets added to your credit profile. Account age makes up about 15% of your FICO score.
Great for young adults and immigrants. Parents often add their children as authorized users to help them start building credit before they turn 18. It's also a useful strategy for immigrants building credit in the U.S. who don't have an established credit history.
Risks and Downsides
You depend on someone else's behavior. If the primary cardholder misses a payment or maxes out the card, your credit takes the hit too.
It doesn't teach financial responsibility. Because you're not required to make payments, you don't build the habits that come with managing your own account.
Some lenders discount it. When you apply for a mortgage or large loan, some lenders may weigh authorized user accounts less heavily than accounts you own directly. They know you weren't responsible for the payments.
Risk to the primary cardholder. If you overspend on the card, the primary cardholder is stuck with the bill. This can damage relationships and their credit if they can't pay it off.
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Authorized User vs Joint Account vs Cosigner
These three options all involve sharing credit, but they work very differently.
Authorized user: You can use the card, but you're not legally responsible for payments. The primary cardholder owns the account entirely.
Joint account holder: Both people own the account equally. Both are legally responsible for payments, and the account appears on both credit reports.
Cosigner: Someone guarantees your loan or credit application. If you don't pay, the cosigner is legally required to. Both credit reports are affected.
For pure credit building with minimal risk, authorized user is the safest option. Joint accounts and cosigning carry much more financial responsibility.
How to Get Added as an Authorized User
The process is straightforward. The primary cardholder calls their credit card issuer or logs into their online account and requests to add you. They'll need your full name, date of birth, and sometimes your Social Security number.
Most major issuers (Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi) allow authorized users and report the account to credit bureaus. Some smaller issuers don't report authorized user accounts, which defeats the purpose. Always confirm that the issuer reports to all three bureaus before going through the process.
Once added, the account typically appears on your credit report within one to two billing cycles (30 to 60 days).
When It Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)
Good fit if:
- You have no credit history and need a starting point
- You're under 18 and your parent wants to help you start building credit
- You're new to the U.S. and need to establish credit quickly
- The primary cardholder has excellent credit habits (on-time payments, low utilization)
Not ideal if:
- You already have your own credit accounts and a fair score
- The primary cardholder has inconsistent payment habits
- You're trying to qualify for a mortgage (lenders may discount it)
- You want to build independent credit history
If you'd rather build credit on your own, a secured credit card or credit builder loan puts you in full control of your credit journey.
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How to Remove Yourself as an Authorized User
If the primary cardholder's habits are hurting your credit, or you simply want to move on, you can remove yourself. Call the credit card issuer directly and request removal. You don't need the primary cardholder's permission for this.
Once removed, the account should stop appearing on your credit report within one to two billing cycles. If it doesn't fall off automatically, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus.
Keep in mind that removing a long-standing authorized user account can temporarily lower your score, especially if it was adding positive history and account age to your profile.
FAQ
Does being an authorized user build credit?
Yes, as long as the credit card issuer reports authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus. Most major issuers do. The account's payment history, age, and utilization will appear on your credit report.
How long does it take to see a credit score increase?
Typically 30 to 60 days after being added. The account needs to go through at least one billing cycle before it's reported to the credit bureaus.
Can I be an authorized user on multiple cards?
Yes. There's no limit to how many cards you can be an authorized user on. However, the benefit diminishes after one or two accounts, especially once you have your own credit history.
Does removing myself as an authorized user hurt my credit?
It can. If the account was contributing positive history, removing it may lower your score temporarily. This is more noticeable if you don't have many other accounts.
Is there a minimum age to be an authorized user?
It depends on the issuer. American Express requires authorized users to be at least 13. Most other major issuers don't set a minimum age, which is why parents often add young children.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Credit building strategies vary by individual situation. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.
Firstcard Educational Content Team - March 18, 2026
