What is an authorized user on a credit card?

An authorized user is someone who’s given access to use another person’s credit card account. Authorized users can typically make purchases, but the primary account holder is responsible for making the payments.

There are a few reasons an account holder might add an authorized user, like helping a family member build credit with responsible card use. 

What you’ll learn:

• An authorized user is someone who’s been added to a primary cardholder’s account.

• Adding an authorized user may help the user build credit and learn about using a credit card responsibly.

• Unlike joint account owners and co-signers, authorized users aren’t legally responsible for the charges made to a credit card account. 

• Adding an authorized user to your Capital One account and giving them online access could make managing your household expenses easier.

You can be an authorized user of a credit card if:

• You’re invited by the primary cardholder

• You meet the card issuer’s requirements

Credit card issuers have their own rules about who can be an authorized user. Issuers don’t always set an age requirement, but some existing limits are 13, 15 and 18.

The primary cardholder is responsible for any card they share with an authorized user. That means they control any spending limits and make the monthly card payments. Depending on the card issuer and access level, authorized users might be able to: 

• Make purchases

• Initiate cash advances

• Report fraud and file transaction disputes

• Request replacement cards

• Earn and redeem rewards

• Ask to be removed from the account

“Credit scores are based on experience over time,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says. So if you’re trying to build or establish credit, becoming an authorized user could set you up for success. But that depends on multiple factors, including:

1. Credit reporting: Credit card issuers aren’t required to report an authorized user’s activity to the three major credit bureaus. Capital One does, but there’s no guarantee that another card issuer will. If they do, the account will appear on the authorized user’s credit report and will impact their credit. If the information isn’t reported, it can’t affect an authorized user’s credit at all.

2. Responsible use: Authorized users and primary cardholders both need to use the card responsibly to maintain a positive impact on their credit. For the primary cardholder, that means doing things like making at least the minimum monthly payment on time. Authorized users can help by keeping balances low.

Adding an authorized user, by itself, shouldn’t affect the primary cardholder’s credit. But how the account is used after the authorized user is added could affect the primary cardholder’s credit scores. If an authorized user doesn’t use the account responsibly, it can negatively impact the credit of both the cardholder and the authorized user.

For example, additional spending could affect the primary cardholder’s credit utilization ratio.

There are several benefits to adding an authorized user to a credit card account:

It’s also worth considering these possible downsides to adding an authorized user to a credit card account:

• Disagreements or miscommunication over spending might strain the relationship. 

• Potential for account mismanagement, including issues like maxing out a card, which could negatively impact the credit scores of both parties.

• Card issuers may charge a fee for adding an authorized user.

If you’re interested in becoming an authorized user, consider asking a trusted friend or family member if they’re willing to add you to their account.

If you’re the primary account holder, you may be able to add an authorized user by signing in to your account online or through your issuer’s app. You’ll typically need to provide some personal information about the person you wish to add as an authorized user, including their name, date of birth and Social Security number (SSN).

When adding an authorized user to your Capital One account, you’ll need to sign in to your account online, provide information about them, including their date of birth, and choose their level of account access.

If your authorized user is older than 18 and has a verified SSN, they may also qualify for online access. It allows them to use their own credentials to sign in and view details related to their card and spending.

Your credit card issuer may give you an online option for removing an authorized user. Or you may need to follow the CFPB’s advice and contact your issuer directly. If you’re an authorized user who wishes to be removed from an account, you may be able to contact the issuer yourself.

Capital One cardholders can remove an authorized user by signing in to their account online or through the Capital One Mobile app. Authorized users or account managers can’t be added back to your account once they have been removed.

Joint credit cards are increasingly uncommon, and many major credit issuers don’t offer the option of co-signing. But some key characteristics of these options include:

• Co-signer: Vouches for someone who’s applying for their own credit card. They agree to share responsibility for the card, stepping in to repay it if the primary borrower can’t. Typically, co-signers don’t get a card of their own, don’t receive monthly statements and don’t have access to the credit card account.

• Joint account holders: Typically works like most credit card accounts except that the account and payment responsibilities are shared. Joint cardholders get their own cards linked to the account. And both are responsible for paying the balance every month.

Still curious about authorized credit card users? Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions:

An authorized user is someone who’s added to a credit card account and able to make charges on the card. Adding an authorized user can help a loved one establish credit. It also allows the primary account holder to see their household purchases in one place.

When both parties use the card responsibly, the authorized user may benefit. On the other hand, irresponsible use by either user could negatively impact the credit of both.

Whether your idea of a good time is getting out on the town, traveling the world or staying in, Capital One has a rewards card that may fit your lifestyle.

• See if you’re pre-approved for rewards cards, with no harm to your credit. 

• Explore travel and miles rewards credit cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn cash back on every purchase, every day with a cash rewards credit card.

• Earn unlimited cash back, whether you’re going out or staying in, with a dining and entertainment credit card.