Updated
Fact Checked
Ashley Maready
A credit card is traditionally a one-person phenomenon. The name of the person who applied will be on the card, and they're the only one authorized to use it. The account holder can, however, make other people authorized users on the account.
Although this has benefits for both parties, it can be risky. In this guide, we'll define authorized users, discuss how to add one, and answer other common questions about this credit card feature.
Jump To
- What is an authorized user?
- How to add authorized users
- Best credit cards for adding authorized users
- Adding someone as an authorized user can help their credit
- What are the benefits of an authorized user?
- What are the risks of adding an authorized user to my credit card?
- Deciding to add an authorized user
- Related reads
- FAQs
What is an authorized user?
An authorized user is someone you, the credit card owner, give limited access to your credit card. You do this formally by adding an authorized user through your account portal. Once you add an authorized user, your issuer will mail them a separate card that draws from your credit line. The account owner is ultimately responsible for paying the bill -- not the authorized user.
Authorized users can make purchases and sometimes redeem rewards. They cannot cancel the credit card, change the billing address, or take any other account action.
How to add authorized users
There are a few ways to add authorized users to credit cards. You can typically do so online. For example, here is how you'd an an authorized user in the Discover app:
- Navigate to your credit card account
- Tap "Services"
- Tap "Add or Manage Authorized Users"
- Tap "Add Authorized User"
- Enter the new user's personal information
- Click "Add"
Personal information you'll need to enter includes name, date of birth, and the Social Security number (SSN) of the authorized user. You will likely need to provide this information even if you add an authorized user by calling the number on the back of your credit card.
If you'd like extra guidance, you can call the number on the back of your credit card to get a customer service member to help you add an authorized user. A customer service number may also be on your credit card provider's website.
Best credit cards for adding authorized users
The best credit cards for adding authorized users charge no fees, offer travel rewards, or give you control over the spending of authorized users.
No annual fee credit cards
No annual fee credit cards are some of the best options for adding an authorized user, because you won't need to pay anything for the extra card. They're an especially good choice if your authorized user just needs a credit card without any additional perks. For example, you'd probably want to go with a no annual fee card in these situations:
- You're adding your child as an authorized user for building credit and having a credit card for emergencies.
- You're helping someone rebuild credit.
Here are some of our favorite no annual fee credit cards:
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Discover it® Cash Back | Citi Double Cash® Card |
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Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair to Excellent (580-850)
Fair to Excellent (580-850) |
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Welcome Offer: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Up to $300 cash back |
Welcome Offer: N/A Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. |
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. 20,000 ThankYou® Points |
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Rewards Program: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases 1.5% - 5% cash back |
Rewards Program: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. 1% - 5% Cashback |
Rewards Program: 2% cash back: 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay Up to 2% cash back |
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Intro APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months |
Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months |
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Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable |
Regular APR: 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR |
Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) |
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Annual Fee: N/A $0 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®
On Chase's Secure Website. |
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Travel rewards credit cards
Travel rewards cards are another popular option, because authorized users usually get some or all of the same travel perks as the primary cardholder. If a travel card offers airport lounge access or a Global Entry membership credit, you may be able to share those perks with another person by adding them as an authorized user. Keep in mind that travel cards with annual fees often charge an additional authorized user fee.
Some of our favorite travel rewards cards include:
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Citi Premier® Card | The Platinum Card® from American Express |
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
|
|
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
|
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. 60,000 bonus points |
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. 60,000 ThankYou® Points |
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 80,000 |
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Rewards Program: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases |
Rewards Program: 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, at gas stations, for air travel, and on hotels, 1x points on other purchases 1x - 3x points |
Rewards Program: Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply. 1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points |
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Intro APR: N/A Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A |
Intro APR: Purchases: n/a Balance Transfers: n/a |
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Regular APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable |
Regular APR: 21.24% - 29.24% (Variable) |
Regular APR: See Pay Over Time APR |
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Annual Fee: N/A $95 |
Annual Fee: $95 |
Annual Fee: $695 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Apply Now for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
On Chase's Secure Website. |
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
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American Express cards
If you want control over how much your authorized user spends, then look at American Express cards. Unlike most other card issuers, American Express lets account holders set spending limits on authorized user cards.
As of Apr. 16, 2024
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| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
|
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
Apply Now for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
|
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
Credit Rating Requirement:
Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Good/Excellent (670-850) |
|
Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 80,000 |
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. $250 |
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. $200 |
|
Rewards Program: Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Points on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply. 1X-5X Membership Rewards® Points |
Rewards Program: 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. 1%-6% Cash Back |
Rewards Program: 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. 1%-3% cash back |
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Intro APR: Purchases: n/a Balance Transfers: n/a |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 12 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months |
Intro APR: Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months |
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Regular APR: See Pay Over Time APR |
Regular APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable |
Regular APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable |
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Annual Fee: $695 |
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
Annual Fee: $0 |
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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Highlights:
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|
Apply Now for The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
Apply Now for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On American Express' Secure Website. Terms apply |
|
Show More
Show Less
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Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip delay and cancellation insurance and cell phone protection underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Extended warranty, purchase protection, car rental insurance, and baggage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
TIP
Authorized user vs. cosigner
Consumers often get cosigners and authorized users confused, but these are two different things.
When someone can't get a credit card because their credit score or income isn't high enough, a cosigner with better credit or higher income can apply with them to help them get the card. The cosigner also agrees to pay credit card bills if the primary account holder can't or won't.
Not every card issuer allows cosigners on applications.
Adding someone as an authorized user can help their credit
You can help family and friends boost their credit scores by adding them as authorized users. Most card issuers report authorized user activity to credit bureaus. Not all do, though. To find out, you can call your card issuer and ask whether it reports authorized user activity to credit bureaus.
However, adding an authorized user to your account only helps their credit score if you make on-time payments, maintain a low credit utilization ratio, and practice good credit habits. If you make decisions that hurt your credit, you could hurt the credit of the authorized user.
There are two systems that determine how much missed payments and high credit utilization can hurt the credit score of authorized users. The FICO system allows negative credit card activity to affect the credit score of any authorized user on the card. Under the VantageScore system, negative data doesn't always affect an authorized user's credit.
What are the benefits of an authorized user?
Having an authorized user on your credit card comes with a handful of benefits both for the account holder and the user.
- Convenient spending: If you want your spouse, child, parent, or friend to be able to make purchases using your card, the best option is to add them as an authorized user.
- Improved credit scores: Adding an authorized user is a good way to improve a credit score, especially someone who is rebuilding credit and can't get approved for many good credit cards.
- More rewards: With rewards credit cards, authorized users can earn points or cash back on purchases. Some cards offer extras just for adding authorized users.
- Shared benefits: Some credit cards offer perks that both the account holder and the authorized user can take advantage of. For example, a high-end travel card with airport lounge access may let authorized users use the lounge freely.
Example: Say you have a 13-year old daughter who wants to spend money with friends. You can add her as an authorized user to a credit card with a low $1,000 limit. That way, she can spend on your dime without constantly asking you for cash. You and her come up with a $100 budget so she can practice spending responsibly. It's a win-win for both parties.
What are the risks of adding an authorized user to my credit card?
There's one risk of adding an authorized user to your credit card, and it's a big one -- you're responsible for paying the bill for purchases made by authorized users.
In a worst-case scenario, your authorized user could max out your credit card. That would raise your credit utilization, potentially lowering your credit score. You'd also have a large credit card bill to pay. You could remove them from your account, but the damage would be done.
To protect yourself, it would be wise to limit authorized users to those who you trust to spend responsibly, and to give them access to cards with relatively low credit limits. It's also wise to set spending rules and request they talk with you before making big purchases.
Deciding to add an authorized user
There are situations when it makes sense to add an authorized user to your credit card. It could work out well if you and your partner want to combine your finances. It's also a great way to help your children establish credit for the first time.
It's not a decision to take lightly, though. Unless you pick a credit card that allows a spending limit for authorized users, anyone you add will have full access to your card's credit line. (You can add authorized users to cards with low limits to minimize worst-case scenarios.)
The safest rule is to only add an authorized user if you trust them completely with your credit card. After all, you'll ultimately be responsible for paying the bill. It's tricky to trust those who've never used credit cards before; a Plan B can help you prepare in case of an emergency.
A good Plan B is to ensure you have enough savings or income to repay overspending fast. An emergency fund is useful for repaying maxed out cards quickly. Draw from emergency savings to avoid expensive interest payments and potential hits to your credit score.
FAQs
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New credit users can apply for secured or student credit cards to build their credit scores. These cards are typically more limited than usual, but they are easy to get approved for. You can get approved for a secured credit card even when you have no credit score yet.
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Your credit score won't change just because you added an authorized user, but the user's activity on your account can affect your credit. The most likely way this would happen is if your authorized user overspends and uses a large portion of your available credit. This will raise your credit utilization ratio, which can decrease your credit score.
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If the main account holder practices poor credit habits, authorized users could see their credit scores drop. For best results, all users should practice smart credit habits, including paying off the credit card bills on time.
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The minimum age for authorized users depends on the credit card issuer. Some issuers have minimum age requirements of 13, 15, or 16, while several others have no minimum age requirement at all. It's best to check with the issuer you're considering adding an authorized user with to be sure.
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Sort of. Minors typically can't build credit scores, but they can build credit reports. Credit report information is used to generate credit scores when minors turn 18, the age at which you can take out loans or apply for credit cards.
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No. Credit bureaus consider information on your credit report when generating credit scores.
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Your identity, existing credit, public record, and inquiries about you all appear on your credit report, according to the Federal Reserve.
Our Credit Cards Experts
Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. He writes for The Ascent and The Motley Fool, and his work has appeared in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.
Cole Tretheway is a full-time personal finance writer whose articles have been featured on The Ascent and The Motley Fool. He has a degree in English with a Certificate in Professional and Technical Communication from California Polytechnic University, SLO.
Fact Checked
Ashley Maready
Ashley Maready is a former history museum professional who made the leap to digital content writing and editing in 2021. She has a BA in History and Philosophy from Hood College and an MA in Applied History from Shippensburg University. Ashley loves creating content for the public and learning new things so she can teach others, whether it's information about salt mining, canal mules, or personal finance.
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.
Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Discover Financial Services is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Cole Tretheway has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Lyle Daly has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Target, Uber Technologies, and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends Discover Financial Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.