Adding an Authorized User to Your Credit Card: What You Need to Know

Credit cards have become a ubiquitous part of modern life for good reasons. They offer convenience, security, and rewards that can help you save money on everyday purchases. But did you know that you can also add authorized users to your credit card account? 

In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be an authorized user on a credit card, how it affects your credit score, the pros and cons of adding someone as an authorized user, and more.

Authorized User on a Credit Card: Its Characteristics and Effects

An authorized user is someone who has been granted permission by the primary cardholder to use their credit card. The authorized user receives their own copy of the card with their name on it. However, it does not have any legal responsibility for paying off the balance or managing the account.

Adding an authorized user can impact both your credit score and theirs in different ways. For example, if you add someone with excellent credit to your account, it could potentially boost your own score. On the other hand, if you add someone with poor credit or a history of missed payments, it could negatively impact both of your scores.

Hence, it’s crucial to bear in mind that while being added as an authorized user may impact one’s utilization rate (the amount owed compared to the total available limit), payment history isn’t always reported under all circumstances. Precisely put, when authorizing a user, make sure to perform a background check on their credit score.

The Pros and Cons of Making Someone an Authorized User On Your Credit Card

There are several advantages and disadvantages when making someone else an authorized signatory in another’s accounts. For you to weigh them in, here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Shared expenses. Adding another person onto your existing line of credit allows greater flexibility in sharing expenses. This is especially useful for couples or roommates who share bills and other expenses.
• Building credit. Adding someone with little to no credit history as an authorized user can help them build their own credit score over time, provided that the primary cardholder maintains a good payment history.
• Rewards. Some cards offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or cash back on purchases made by authorized users.

Cons:

• Responsibility. As the primary cardholder, you are ultimately responsible for any charges made by your authorized user. If they rack up a large balance and fail to pay it off, it could negatively impact the credit score.
• Fees. There may be fees associated with adding an authorized user to your account, such as annual fees or one-time charges per additional card issued.
• Trust issues. Sharing access through the authorization of use requires trust between both parties involved in order for this arrangement to work effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add an Authorized User to Your Existing Credit Card Account

Adding an authorized user to your existing credit card account is typically a straightforward process. In this case, you should:

• Contact your issuer. Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log in to your online account.

•  Provide information. You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself and the person you want to add. This includes their name, date of birth, and social security number.

• Wait for approval. The issuer will review the application and let you know if it has been approved or denied.

• Receive additional cards. If approved, you’ll receive additional cards in the mail within 7-10 business days.

Tips and Tricks on Removing Unauthorized Users From Shared Cards

Removing unauthorized users from shared cards is a crucial step to maintaining the security and integrity of your shared resources. Unauthorized access to shared cards can lead to theft, misuse, or abuse of resources, which can result in unwanted financial losses, reputational damage, or legal consequences.

Therefore, it is essential to take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized users from shared cards. One of the first things you should do is to identify the unauthorized users who have access to the shared cards. This can be done by reviewing the access logs and transaction history of the shared cards.

Look for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized transactions or access from unfamiliar IP addresses or devices. You can also ask authorized users to report any suspicious activity or unauthorized access to shared cards.

Once you have identified the unauthorized users, you should revoke their access to the shared cards immediately. This can be done by changing the passwords, PINs, or security codes of the shared cards or disabling their accounts or access privileges. You should also inform the authorized users of the access and the steps you have taken to revoke their access.

In addition, it is important to investigate the root cause of unauthorized access and take measures to prevent it from happening again in the future. This can be done by reviewing the security protocols and access controls of the shared cards and identifying any vulnerabilities or weaknesses.

You may also need to update or strengthen security protocols, such as implementing two-factor authentication, encryption, or access controls. Finally, you should communicate the incident and the actions taken to the relevant stakeholders, such as the card issuer, the cardholders, and the management team.

Conclusion

To wrap up, adding an authorized user to your credit card can be a convenient way to manage expenses and build credit. However, it’s critical to carefully consider the implications and responsibilities that come with it. By communicating clearly with the authorized user and monitoring your account activity, you can minimize the risks and reap its benefits successfully.

FAQs

Q: Is it safe to make my child, spouse, friend, or a relative as my co-signer?

A: While it helps them build credit, it’s essential to remember that you are ultimately responsible for any charges made by that person. Ensure that you trust them and have open communication about spending habits before making anyone an authorized user on your account

Q: What happens when you add another person as an authorized user on your credit card?

A: They are given permission to use the card to make purchases, but they are not legally responsible for paying the bill. The primary cardholder is still responsible for making payments and managing the account.

Q: How many is too many when adding authorized users to an account?

A: There’s no hard-and-fast rule about how many authorized users you can add to a single account. However, some issuers may have limits in place based on factors like income and creditworthiness.