{"id":165241,"date":"2025-04-29T19:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T19:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/29\/the-complete-guide-to-credit-card-authorized-users-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2025-04-29T19:00:49","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T19:00:49","slug":"the-complete-guide-to-credit-card-authorized-users-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/29\/the-complete-guide-to-credit-card-authorized-users-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete guide to credit card authorized users &#8211; The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Adding an authorized user to your credit card account can be a great way to meet spending requirements, accrue more points and even help a beginner build their credit history. That said, there are also risks associated with adding an authorized credit card user.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to choose someone who is responsible and able to repay their debts, even if they&#8217;re not legally obligated to do so. That&#8217;s just the tip of the iceberg, so here is everything you need to know about authorized credit card users.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"what-is-an-authorized-user\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">What is an authorized user?<\/h2>\n<p>An authorized user is a person who has been added to a primary credit card holder&#8217;s account. Authorized users receive cards with their names on them, linked to the primary cardholder&#8217;s account. They can use those cards to make purchases just like they would with their own cards.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"pros-of-adding-authorized-users\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Pros of adding authorized users<\/h2>\n<p>Adding authorized credit card users can be beneficial to both the primary cardholder and the authorized user for a few reasons. An authorized user can help <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/ways-to-meet-minimum-spending-requirement\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">meet spending requirements<\/a> on the primary cardholder&#8217;s account and establish a credit history early on.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps the best reason to add an authorized user is so you can take advantage of various <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/best-authorized-user-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">card benefits offered to them<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.75%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2021\/05\/Couple-Computer_PeopleImages.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">PEOPLEIMAGES\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Credit card issuers and credit card products have various costs and extended benefits given to an authorized credit card user.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you can add up to three authorized users for $175 on the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/citi-aadvantage-executive-world-elite-mastercard\/?tid=post&amp;pid=221410949\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi\u00ae \/ AAdvantage\u00ae Executive World Elite Mastercard\u00ae<\/a> (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/citi-aadvantage-executive-world-elite-mastercard-rates-and-fees\/?tid=post\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rates and fees<\/a>). This card grants each of them (plus two guests or immediate family members) access to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/ultimate-guide-american-airlines-admirals-club-access\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Admirals Club lounges<\/a> when flying American Airlines or its partners. However, Admirals Club access for authorized users is more limited compared to the membership that the primary cardholder receives.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a> allows you to add up to four authorized users at no cost, extending <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-venture-x-authorized-user-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">access to Capital One and Priority Pass lounges<\/a> for your authorized user and up to two guests.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, if you have authorized users on your <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/chase\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Chase<\/a> account, you can transfer your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the authorized user&#8217;s loyalty program accounts. For example, this is great if you have a stash of Ultimate Rewards points you want to transfer to a family member&#8217;s United MileagePlus account.<\/p>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_container__qYzYT tw-border tw-border-gray-2\"><picture class=\"EmailSignUp_graphic__zgpFm tw-opacity-0\"><source media=\"screen and (max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-mob.svg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-dt.svg\"\/><\/picture>\n<div class=\"EmailSignUp_form__C8FWb\">\n<p>Daily Newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n<p>Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n<form class=\"jsx-1071010234 newsletter-form\">\n<div class=\"jsx-1071010234 EmailCapture_confirmation__xasB3 EmailCapture_noCheckbox__n4fsN   \">\n<p class=\"tw-text-xs-regular !tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4 tw-max-w-lg\">By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our<!-- --> <a class=\"!tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/terms-of-use\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Terms of Use<\/a> <!-- -->and acknowledge the data practices in our<!-- --> <a class=\"!tw-text-gray-4 hover:!tw-text-gray-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. You may unsubscribe at any time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>United Airlines charges a fee to transfer miles between MileagePlus accounts. By transferring <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/chase\/redeeming-chase-ultimate-rewards-maximum-value\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Ultimate Rewards points<\/a> directly to an authorized user&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/points-program\/united\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">United MileagePlus<\/a> account, you can avoid that fee.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/Man-sitting-at-home-using-computer-while-holding-credit-card_-PhotoAttractive.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">PHOTOATTRACTIVE\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While Chase allows household members to <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/transfer-ultimate-rewards-points-between-accounts\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">transfer Ultimate Rewards points<\/a> to each other, in order to transfer Ultimate Rewards points directly to another loyalty account, the other account must be held by an authorized user on your Chase credit card.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to benefit from having an authorized user on your card is with <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply-now\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express\/?tid=post&amp;pid=22504813\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express<\/a>. This card carries a flat $195 fee for each authorized user (see <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">rates and fees<\/a>). However, this includes key benefits like <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/airport-lounge-access\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">lounge access<\/a>, complimentary <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/what-is-marriott-elite-status-worth\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/guide\/what-is-hilton-elite-status-worth\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hilton Honors Gold elite status<\/a>, and more. Enrollment is required. Terms apply.<\/p>\n<p>Some credit cards offer incentives for adding authorized users to your account. For example, some American Express cards offer <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/child-authorized-user-success-story\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">bonus Membership Rewards points<\/a> for adding an authorized user.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"cons-of-adding-authorized-users\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Cons of adding authorized users<\/h2>\n<p>The downside of adding authorized credit card users is that it may become more difficult to track spending when two people are using the same card.<\/p>\n<p>Also, the primary cardholder is responsible for all charges to the account. So, if your authorized user goes on a spending spree and refuses to cover the charges, you&#8217;ll be on the hook for their purchases.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/04\/Couple-laying-in-bed-while-shopping-online-with-laptop-and-credit-card_Westend61.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">WESTEND61\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Making someone an authorized user carries risk. Only add an authorized user you completely trust, and be sure to communicate ahead of time about your expectations for repayment.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"whats-the-minimum-age-for-an-authorized-user\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">What&#8217;s the minimum age for an authorized user?<\/h2>\n<p>Barring issuer-specific age restrictions, anyone can be an authorized user. <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/american-express\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express<\/a> requires authorized users to be at least 13 years old and have no defaulted accounts with the bank. <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/discover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discover<\/a> imposes a minimum age of 15, while U.S. Bank requires authorized users to be at least 13 years old.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/bank-of-america\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bank of America<\/a>, Chase and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/citi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi<\/a> do not impose age restrictions, whereas <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wells Fargo<\/a> have a minimum age of 18.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"can-i-remove-an-authorized-user\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Can I remove an authorized user?<\/h2>\n<p>Removing an authorized credit card user is as simple as calling the issuer. Some banks, including Citi, even let you do it online. Once the user has been removed from the account, which typically takes minutes, their credit card becomes inactive.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/09\/Person-making-phone-call-while-holding-credit-card_Kosamtu.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">KOSAMTU\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, it may take several weeks for the card to no longer be listed as an active account on your authorized user&#8217;s credit report.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"how-do-authorized-users-affect-a-credit-score\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">How do authorized users affect a credit score?<\/h2>\n<p>Adding an authorized credit card user will not affect your credit score unless the additional card racks up a large amount of spending and increases your <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/credit-utilization-ratio-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">credit utilization ratio<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, authorized users can see a positive credit impact by having access to an additional credit line and lowering their own credit utilization ratios. For those building a credit history, being an authorized user can be a huge boost.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2023\/12\/person-budgeting-home-finances-on-laptop-while-looking-through-receipt-and-bills_-pixdeluxe.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">PIXDELUXE\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>TPG credit cards writer <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/author\/sahmed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Danyal Ahmed<\/a> was added as an authorized user to his father&#8217;s credit card in high school. When it came time to apply for his own card, he had an established credit history and a higher credit score thanks to his years of being an authorized user.<\/p>\n<p>It takes responsible people on both sides to mitigate the possible cons of adding an authorized user.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/how-to-improve-credit-score\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Things to do to improve your credit score<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"should-you-open-a-joint-account-or-add-an-authorized-user\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Should you open a joint account or add an authorized user?<\/h2>\n<p>The difference between a joint account and an authorized credit card user is liability. Joint account holders share liability for charges, while authorized users do not.<\/p>\n<p>Primary cardholders can also limit the amount of credit an authorized user can use. Joint account holders can access the full credit line together.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"jsx-1853040249 tpg-figure\">\n<div style=\"padding-top:0\" class=\"jsx-36530878 full-width-auto-height-image\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;overflow:hidden;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;position:relative\"><span style=\"box-sizing:border-box;display:block;width:initial;height:initial;background:none;opacity:1;border:0;margin:0;padding:0;padding-top:66.6875%\"\/><img alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\"\/><noscript><img alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"responsive\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%\" sizes=\"100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=640 640w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=750 750w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=828 828w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=1080 1080w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=1920 1920w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=2048 2048w, https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=3840 3840w\" src=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.global.ssl.fastly.net\/us\/originals\/2024\/08\/Couple-at-home-looking-over-finances-and-charges_LordHenriVoton.jpg?width=3840\"\/><\/noscript><\/span><\/div><figcaption class=\"jsx-1853040249 figcaption\">LORDHENRIVOTON\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There isn&#8217;t much of an upside to joint accounts other than lessening the burden of liability on the primary cardholder. Ideally, you shouldn&#8217;t add anyone to your credit card (as an authorized user or joint account holder) unless you trust them to use it responsibly.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"bottom-line\" class=\"jsx-2362441780 anchor\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"jsx-2362441780\">Bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>Adding an authorized credit card user can be useful to both the main cardholder and the person being added as a user. However, it&#8217;s important to be aware of the risks, as the last thing you want to do is sour a relationship because of one person&#8217;s financial irresponsibility.<\/p>\n<p>Only add an authorized user you trust to be responsible with your credit limit and who will pay their portion of the credit card balance on time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/credit-cards\/authorized-user-perks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The benefits of adding a relative as an authorized user<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click <a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/apply\/the-platinum-card-from-american-express-rates-fees\/?tid=post\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/thepointsguy.com\/news\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-authorized-users\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Adding an authorized user to your credit card account can be a great way to meet spending requirements, accrue more points and even help a beginner build their credit history. That said, there are also risks associated with adding an authorized credit card user. It&#8217;s important to choose someone who is responsible and able to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":165242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-165241","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165241","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=165241"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/165241\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/165242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=165241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=165241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=165241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}