If you’re new to credit — a young adult, a recent immigrant, someone who’s always used cash — getting that first approval can be tough. One of the easiest ways to start is to be added as an authorized user on a family member’s or partner’s credit card.
What an authorized user is
An authorized user gets their own card linked to someone else’s credit card account. They can make purchases, but the primary cardholder is legally responsible for paying the bill. The authorized user isn’t liable for the debt.
How it can help your credit
Many card issuers report authorized user accounts to the credit bureaus. When they do, the account’s history — its age, credit limit, balance, and payment record — can appear on the authorized user’s credit report. If the account is old, has a high limit, a low balance, and a perfect payment record, that can give your credit file a meaningful boost, sometimes enough to generate a score for the first time.
FICO’s current models do count authorized user accounts, though they include safeguards against abuse. Lenders doing manual reviews may also give them less weight than accounts in your own name.
How it can hurt
- Late payments by the primary cardholder may show up on your report.
- High balances can raise your credit utilization.
- Relationship strain if spending rules aren’t clear.
Only join an account managed by someone with excellent habits.
Before you’re added, check
- Does the issuer report authorized users to all three bureaus? Most major issuers do, but confirm.
- What’s the account’s history? Older accounts with perfect payments are best.
- What’s the typical balance vs. limit? Low utilization is ideal.
- Is there a minimum age? Many issuers allow teens; some have age minimums or none.
- Is there a fee to add an authorized user? Some premium cards charge one.
You don’t have to use the card
Credit-building benefits generally come from the account being reported, not from your spending. Many parents add a child as an authorized user and keep the physical card in a drawer. That avoids any risk of overspending.
For the primary cardholder
- You’re responsible for every charge the authorized user makes.
- Many issuers let you set spending limits on authorized user cards.
- You can remove an authorized user at any time.
If the account goes bad
Ask to be removed. Once you are, the account usually disappears from your report. If it lingers, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus, noting that you were only an authorized user.
Build credit in your own name, too
Authorized user status is a great head start, but lenders like to see accounts you’re personally responsible for. Pair it with a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan, pay on time, and watch your score grow. Our guide to what counts as a good credit score explains the factors involved. You can track progress for free with your reports at AnnualCreditReport.com, and the CFPB has more guidance on building credit.
Bottom line
Becoming an authorized user on a well-managed, long-standing card can jump-start your credit with little risk to you. Choose the right account, confirm it reports to the bureaus, and start building credit in your own name as soon as you can.
