A couple sits together on a couch looking at a laptop. The man holds a credit card in his hand.

What's an Authorized User on a Credit Card?

5 min read

Published December 17, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Becoming an authorized user may help you build credit history before you can get a card of your own.
As an authorized credit card user on someone else’s account, you can shop but typically can’t make account decisions.
You can typically add or remove an authorized user through online or mobile banking tools or by contacting the credit card issuer directly.

Whether you’re opening a new credit card account, applying for an apartment, or buying a car, your credit history plays an important role in your financial life. But when you need a credit score to qualify for many personal loan and credit card options, how do you start building credit?

One way to begin building credit history is by becoming an authorized user on a trusted friend or family member’s credit card account. Being an authorized user isn’t without risk, but if the authorized user and primary account holder manage credit responsibly, then the arrangement may benefit them both.

Credit card authorized user

Put simply, a credit card authorized user is a person who has been given access to another credit card account by the primary user.

As an authorized credit card user, you can make purchases on another person’s credit card account. You may sometimes receive a card in your name that’s connected to the primary cardholder’s credit limit. As you use the credit card, the primary cardholder’s credit card balance increases and available credit decreases. Each eligible purchase you make on the account may earn rewards for the primary account holder.

You may want to make sure someone has a good credit score and responsible habits before becoming an authorized user on their account. If the card reports to a credit bureau, then their credit activity may affect your score and future credit options.

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Becoming an authorized user isn’t the same as opening a joint credit card account. Typically, each joint account holder has the authority to manage a joint credit card account and make payments. Unlike a joint account holder, an authorized user isn’t responsible for managing the account.

What responsibilities does an authorized user have?

As an authorized user, you may be able to make purchases on another person’s credit card, but you can’t access all their account information or change their account. While authorized users may be able to make payments on the account, the responsibility falls on the primary account holder. The primary account holder may be able to monitor your transactions on their account.

While an authorized user may not have direct, formal responsibilities, responsible habits may still make the arrangement smoother.

Avoid overspending. You don’t want to exceed the credit limit or leave the primary account holder stuck with too much credit card debt. They may want you to stick to a strict spending limit or avoid spending at all.
Discuss arrangements with the primary cardholder before joining the account. Maybe they want you to cover your purchases or pay a portion of each bill.
Take security measures. If anyone swipes your card or steals your credit card information, they may gain access to the primary cardholder’s account information. Store your card somewhere safe and avoid using online banking in crowded public places where someone may see sensitive data.

How do you add someone as an authorized user?

Each credit card issuer may have a slightly different process for adding authorized users. Typically, you can add a user over the phone or through online banking or mobile banking apps.

You may have to complete an application, but becoming an authorized user doesn’t usually require a credit check.

Adding an authorized user to your Discover^® account

Discover^® Cardmembers can easily add an authorized user to their account through their online banking Account Center. You’ll have to provide their name, birthday, and Social Security number to verify their identity. If they’re approved, Discover will send an additional card for them to use.

Removing an authorized user

Processes for removing an authorized user may differ across credit card issuers. You may be able to remove yourself from the account by reaching out to the credit card company directly.

Otherwise, the primary cardmember may remove you from the account by contacting their credit card issuer.

Be sure to dispose of your credit card properly when you’re no longer authorized to use it.

How being an authorized user can impact your credit

Becoming an authorized user may help you build credit history, especially if you’ve never had a credit account or you’re under 18. If you want to build credit history as an authorized user, make sure the credit card company reports all card activity to credit reporting agencies so it appears on your credit report.

Remember, it’s not just your credit activity that impacts your credit score. If the primary user has a strong credit history and makes on-time payments each month, your credit score may improve. But if they miss a payment or your combined spending habits increase their credit utilization ratio, your score may decrease.

Did you know?

Becoming an authorized user isn’t the only way to establish credit history. A secured credit card typically has fewer eligibility requirements than a standard card. There’s no credit score required to apply for a Discover it^® Secured credit card.¹

Learn More

The bottom line

Becoming an authorized user can be a helpful way to establish credit history as long as you and the primary account holder practice responsible credit habits. After you build your financial skills and improve your credit score as an authorized user, you may be ready for a credit card of your own.

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