What does it mean to be a credit card’s authorized user?

As an authorized user of a credit card, you have access to the account holder’s credit limit and can use the card to make purchases and payments. Authorized users receive their own credit card they can use to make purchases. However, the primary cardholder is responsible for making all payments toward the card’s balance.

Can’t become an authorized user on a credit card?

If you don’t have someone who can add you as an authorized user, you may consider applying for a secured credit card . Secured credit cards require a deposit, which acts as your credit limit. Using a secured credit card can help with building credit, and when used responsibly, can lead to a good credit score. The Discover it® Secured Card can help you build your credit history with responsible use.1 If you’re a college student, you can start building credit with a student credit card. Many student credit cards have flexible qualifications. For example, there’s no credit score required to apply for Discover Student credit cards Explore your options to find the best credit cards for you. And with good credit practices, like maintaining a positive payment history, you’ll be on your way to building strong credit.

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Can You Build Credit as an Authorized User on a Credit Card?

Q: How does being an authorized user impact your credit score?

To start building credit as an authorized user, you’ll want to confirm that your credit card issuer reports both the primary and authorized user account details to a credit bureau. Not every major credit card company does. If the primary cardholder pays their bills on time and you both keep your credit utilization (the amount of credit in use) low that positive activity should show up on your credit report. However, if the account holder makes a late payment or misses a payment that also gets documented on the authorized user’s credit report and could negatively impact their credit score .

Q: How old do you have to be to become an authorized user?

Typically, you must be 15 years or older to be added as an authorized user on a credit card account.

5 min read

Last Updated: July 30, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Authorized users have access to the primary user’s available credit but aren’t responsible for paying off charges.
An authorized user’s credit score may improve if the primary user makes on-time payments and keeps the balance low.
If the primary user doesn’t make their payments on time or carries a high balance, it could negatively impact the authorized user’s credit score.

If you’re looking for a way to build credit history, becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account could be just what you need. The primary account holder can add you to their credit account. Then, you may gain access to a credit card and some benefits that come with it. However, this approach may not work in every situation.

While asking to be added as an authorized user might sound like a no-brainer, there are potential risks. So, let’s break it down and find out what it means to become an authorized user of a credit card.

What does it mean to be an authorized user on a credit card?

As an authorized user on a credit card, you have access to the primary cardmember’s credit limit. Authorized users receive a card in their name and can use it to make purchases. Your purchases could also earn credit card rewards for the primary cardmember.

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It’s important to make sure a credit card issuer not only allows authorized users but also reports their activity to the credit bureaus. The primary credit card account holder may also want to choose a card with benefits that suit their needs.

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What are an authorized user’s responsibilities?

As a credit card authorized user, you can use the card normally to make purchases. However, you don’t have the authority to change the account—only the primary account holder can do that.

Authorized users don’t have to make credit card payments or pay an annual fee. Paying bills and managing the account are the primary cardmember’s responsibilities. While authorized users aren’t responsible for late fees or other penalties, healthy habits could still protect you and the primary cardholder from bad credit consequences.

How does being an authorized user impact your credit score?

The impact that becoming an authorized user has on your credit score depends on the way you and the primary cardholder manage the account. Good credit habits, like keeping credit utilization low and paying bills on time, could help.

Being an authorized user could be helpful for building or rebuilding your credit history. If you’re at least 18, you may also consider a credit card for people with little or no credit, like a secured credit card or a student credit card.

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If the account holder makes a late payment or misses a payment, that could also be documented on the authorized user’s credit report which could negatively impact their credit score.

Do authorized users build credit?

Typically, authorized users can build credit history. As an authorized user, you may be building credit history as you and the primary account holder use the card. Authorized users can often build credit history even if they don’t use their credit card. Typically, both cardmembers’ activity is reported to each credit bureau. That means the primary cardmember’s credit activity may appear on your credit report.

It’s a good idea to check with your credit card issuer and the credit bureaus that your card issuer reports to. Find out their protocol for reporting about authorized users so you know what to expect since it can vary from one credit card company or credit bureau to another.

How old do you have to be to become an authorized user?

For Discover credit cards, you must be 15 years or older to be added as an authorized user on a credit card account. Check the terms and conditions for your card issuer to determine age requirements for authorized users.

How do you remove yourself as an authorized user?

If your circumstances change, you may want to remove yourself as an authorized user on someone else’s account. For example, you may want a credit card of your own instead, or to rely mostly on your debit card.

The primary account holder can usually sign into the account online, over the phone, or through an app and remove you from the account. In that case, make sure you dispose of the physical credit card safely to protect your personal information.

If you’re considering becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account, make sure it’s someone you trust who uses credit responsibly. Since each cardmember’s credit habits could impact both of your credit scores, it may be a good idea to check in about responsible credit card use before signing up to be an authorized user on their credit card account.

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