Publication date: 25.07.2025
1. What It Means to Be an Authorized User
An authorized user is a person whom the credit card owner adds to their account, allowing them to use the credit limit without being fully legally responsible for the debt. This means the authorized user can receive a card in their name and use it, but the primary responsibility for the debt remains with the account holder.
The main advantage is that credit card information — including payment history, account opening date, and credit limit — is reported to the authorized user's credit report, which can positively impact their credit score.
2. Why This Affects Your Credit Score
A credit score in the U.S. is calculated based on several key factors. Being added to a good credit tradeline as an authorized user can positively impact multiple of these factors:
- Payment history (35%) — if the primary user pays on time, it improves your credit profile;
- Credit utilization (30%) — a low balance relative to the limit helps lower your overall utilization ratio;
- Length of credit history (15%) — the longer the account has existed, the better for your report;
- Credit mix (10%) — having a variety of account types can add points;
- New inquiries (10%) — no hard inquiry is created in this case, so your score is not affected.
Therefore, becoming an authorized user can quickly improve your credit history without opening a new account in your own name.
3. How to Choose the Right Person to Add You to Their Account
The best option is a relative or close friend with a stable and positive credit history. Before asking, make sure the cardholder:
- Has a long-standing account (2 years or more);
- Makes payments on time regularly;
- Keeps a low balance-to-limit ratio (under 30%);
- Has no delinquencies or penalties on the account.
It’s also important that the owner is willing not only to add you but also to maintain the account in good standing, as any negative activity may also show up on your credit report.
4. The Process of Being Added to an Account
The process of adding an authorized user is relatively simple. Here’s a typical process:
- The cardholder contacts the bank (online or by phone);
- Provides necessary information: name, date of birth, sometimes address or SSN;
- A card for the authorized user is mailed;
- The new user can activate the card (not required);
- The account information is reported to credit bureaus within 30–60 days.
You don’t need to use the card to benefit. Even if you don’t activate or spend on it, the account information will still appear on your credit report if the bank supports reporting for authorized users.
5. How to Confirm the Line Appears on Your Credit Report
After being added as an authorized user, it’s important to confirm that the new tradeline appears in your credit report. To do so:
- Get a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com;
- Check the section for open accounts;
- Look for the bank name and matching limits/balances;
- If no record appears after 60 days — contact the bank to confirm whether they report authorized users to credit bureaus.
Some card issuers (e.g., Apple Card, Barclays) don’t always report authorized user data, so this should be checked in advance.
6. What Are the Risks and How to Avoid Them
While this strategy has many benefits, there are also potential risks:
- Credit score damage if the primary user misses payments or exceeds the limit;
- Possibility of being removed from the account without notice;
- Improper use of your personal information;
- Commercial fraud related to purchasing “stranger” tradelines online.
To avoid these issues, use only trusted contacts (family, friends), don’t pay for access on suspicious websites, and always monitor your credit report regularly.
7. Alternative Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
If becoming an authorized user is not an option or you want to strengthen your credit profile comprehensively, there are other methods:
- Open a secured credit card;
- Use credit builder loans;
- Pay bills regularly (e.g., using Experian Boost);
- Optimize your credit utilization ratio (down to 10%);
- Dispute and remove errors from your credit report.
8. Common Mistakes When Using This Method
- Being added to an account with a negative history;
- Expecting instant results (realistically it takes 1–2 months);
- Using the credit card without the owner's permission;
- Paying strangers for "access" to someone else’s tradeline.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question
Can an authorized user harm the account holder’s credit?
Answer
Yes. If the authorized user is allowed to use the card, they could exceed the credit limit or make late payments, which would negatively affect the primary account holder’s credit. That’s why in many cases, the card is not handed over — it is used solely to build credit history.
Question
Do I have to use the card to benefit from it?
Answer
No. Even if you don’t activate or use the card, the account information will still appear on your credit report (if the bank reports authorized users).
Question
How long does it take for the new tradeline to show on my credit report?
Answer
On average, it takes 30–60 days after you are added to the account. If the tradeline doesn’t appear, contact the bank or check if they report authorized users to the credit bureaus.
Question
Do I need to provide my SSN to be added?
Answer
Some banks require your SSN or date of birth for reporting purposes. However, not all issuers have the same requirements — check with the bank before being added.
Question
Is it legal to pay to be added to someone else’s account?
Answer
Yes, but with caution. While the practice itself is not illegal, it carries risks: potential fraud, the tradeline being removed from your report, or being ignored by lenders.
Question
Can I remove myself as an authorized user?
Answer
Yes. You or the account holder can submit a request to the bank for removal. After that, the account information should disappear from your credit report within one to two billing cycles.
Becoming an authorized user is one of the fastest and easiest ways to boost your credit score in the U.S., especially for beginners or those with a limited credit history. This method works only if the account has a positive payment history and is regularly reported to the credit bureaus.
When used responsibly, authorized user tradelines can be a powerful tool in your financial strategy. The key is to act wisely, monitor your credit report, and avoid relying solely on this method. A consistent review of your credit profile and a comprehensive approach will help you achieve stable credit growth. Equifax
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