Quick Points: Have good credit? Share it with an authorized user
Editor's Note
I began my journey with TPG in 2022 with no credit cards and limited credit history. Now, I have a credit score above 700, two cards and a plan to add more to my collection.
When I joined the team, TPG's director of content, Nick Ewen, added me as an authorized user to his oldest credit card. This was one of the major factors contributing to my progress.
If you want to improve your credit score, here's how to leverage authorized user status to benefit yourself and those close to you.
How authorized users work
An authorized user is someone added to a primary credit card holder's account. Sometimes referred to as additional cardholders, these individuals receive cards with their names on them, but they're linked to the primary cardholder's account. However, they work just like normal credit cards, allowing you to swipe them for online and in-store purchases.
Becoming an authorized user can be a valuable opportunity for individuals to establish their credit history and begin familiarizing themselves with points and miles. Not to mention, this arrangement is mutually beneficial. Authorized users can also assist primary cardholders in meeting minimum spending requirements, enabling them to unlock significant bonuses on cards with higher spending thresholds. It's a win-win situation for both parties involved.
Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers
Probably the best reason to add authorized users is to take advantage of various card benefits for authorized users.
For example, you can add up to four authorized users for free on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, granting each authorized user (plus two guests) access to Capital One lounges and their own Priority Pass membership.
Alternately, The Platinum Card® from American Express charges $195 (see rates and fees) to add each authorized user, but this comes with notable perks, including hotel elite status and extensive airport lounge access.
Of course, this strategy can backfire if your authorized user goes on a spending spree. All charges on the card are ultimately the responsibility of the primary cardholder. However, there are some ways to mitigate these risks.
Why you should add an authorized user to your card
When you add an authorized user, they can benefit from your existing (stellar) credit, but they could do significant harm by spending recklessly.
You might wonder why Nick trusted me enough to add me as an authorized user on one of his cards. New credit cards typically ship to the primary cardholder's address, so when my card arrived at Nick's house, he destroyed it upon arrival. This simple precaution allowed me to benefit from the card's credit history without concern about jeopardizing Nick's credit score with potential charges.
Some issuers (like American Express) even allow you to set spending limits for authorized users right in your online account. This can be great for parents who wish to let their teenage children use the card but not overspend on it. I later took advantage of this strategy, too. I became an authorized user on my parents' credit cards to further increase my credit score thanks to the expanded credit history I inherited.
It can be advantageous for you to become an authorized user on a card affiliated with a primary cardholder who has well-established credit.
Related: How I went from no credit score to financing a house in 2 years
Bottom line
Becoming an authorized user gave me a significant advantage when it came to my credit card journey, and this can often happen through the primary cardholder's online account.
Each issuer may have its own specific procedure for adding authorized users. However, once you navigate through the process, you (and your family, your friends and even your co-workers) can begin reaping the benefits.
For rates and fees on the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
Related: 6 things to do to improve your credit score in 2024
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.